Are you concerned about your home security nowadays? Or maybe you want to be sure that the parcel left by the delivery man is not taken away by some strangers. Whatever the reason, you need a security camera badly.

You can buy some high-quality security cameras at US Trade International, an online-based shop in Dhaka. The price range of the cameras is between BDT. 1150 to 25000.

If you’ve bought one already and don’t know how to install, follow the instructions carefully because it has all the details about how to install a CCTV camera like a pro! Not just drilling holes and running wires, it’ll be a detailed discussion. So hang on!

Which type? - Wired, wireless, or wire-free camera??

Type 1: Wired- Wired cameras rely on wires to connect to power and the internet.

Type 2: Wireless- Wireless cameras can connect to the internet wirelessly via wi-fi or other mediums, though they require a power cable. They can be called “wired” since they need a power cord.

Type 3: Wire-free- These cameras run off a battery pack and don’t need any wire at all. You can also call them wireless since they require no wiring.

*** Prior consideration of where you have to run the wire and how much length you need will benefit you later. Wired cameras will give you a little limited placement, but your connection will be more secure and reliable.

A CCTV kit comes with various components. Here we’ll be discussing how to connect it all up together before going to the step by step process of installing a CCTV camera like a pro!

A CCTV kit comprises of four things:

• 1. A camera,
• 2. A DVR or digital video recorder,
• 3. A power supply, and
• 4. A cable.

Camera: Most of the cameras these days have a night vision facility. The camera has little LEDs around the lens. These lights glow at night and cover the projected area.

DVR: An eight-channel DVR can support eight cameras at a time. Four cameras will be needing a four-channel DVR. There are little ports called BNC ports, which are taken by the cameras. We have a VGA port and an HDMI port for connecting TV as the monitor on the DVR's back. Also, there is audio in and audio out for connecting audio if you want to record audio.

Also, there’s an ethernet port for connecting to your router and your phone if you want to view the footage online. There are two USB ports, one for connecting a mouse and another for sticking in a USB/ Pendrive. It is easier to control a DVR using a mouse than the remotes that come with it. If you wanted to view footage of a badger in your garden, for example, you can stick a USB stick in, export it to your computer, or give it to the police.

Power Supply: With a four-tail power supply, you can power up to four cameras. So, we can add up more cameras to the DVR if necessary to an eight-channel DVR.

Cable: On the camera wire, you’ve got two cords, one for video and one for power. The CCTV has two ends cable. One to connect the camera and another the DVR.

How to install a CCTV camera step by step:

Step 1 # Purpose: Fortunately, everyone doesn't deal with thieves and break-ins. Some people want to check on deliveries or to see who visits while they are away. Others might want to check on family members and furry friends. Prioritize your necessities before buying the surveillance camera.

Step 2 # Choosing:

• Indoors or outdoors?

  You don't want your new camera to be dead by natural disasters or draining in the rain. The ability to endure the weather is the biggest difference between indoor and outdoor cameras. Indoor cameras don’t need that much durability. So, buy cameras that can endure extreme natural disasters.

• Wired, wireless, or wire-free camera?

  Choose the one that fits your purpose.

• Nightvision

  Most of the cameras have this facility to look into the dark or night time. While buying, make sure yours has it too!

Step 3 # Placing: The best-placed camera will have a clear view of the room, hidden from the thieves. Place it in an area to prevent excess movement and avoid unplugging the camera or tripping on the cord. Finally, find a stable spot on the wall that is not easily reachable but covers the desired area. Then, mark and drill the holes. Place the cameras on the hook. Make sure to put cameras in spots to avoid blind spacing. A well-placed indoor camera should have a good view, which you can get with a higher corner.

Step 3 # Cabling: The CCTV has two ends with two heads at each of the ends to connect with the DVR, camera, and power supply. The yellow head goes into the DVR and the redhead into the power supply. On the other end, both heads go into the camera, one for video (metalhead), and another for power supply.

Step 4 # Wiring: Thread the wiring to the monitoring source and plug in the cable.

Step 5 # Reading manual: Last but not least, read the manual given with it thoroughly to know any specific instruction. Reading the manual is highly recommended.

Things to do before installing a CCTV camera:

• Try getting a DVR with more channels than you need right now. It’s cost-saving in the long run. Let’s say you only need four channels. It is suggested to get an eight-channel system with only four cameras. This way, if you ever need an extra camera, you can buy one camera instead of buying a complete new DVR with more channels. And CCTV camera prices in Dhaka are affordable as well.
• Look out for existing wiring provided with it.
• When installing a security camera, double-check the measure, then mark and drill the holes to get a better result and not mess up.
• Check power outlets’ access (not applicable for wire-free security cameras).
• Connect the camera to the recorder to make sure everything works correctly before finalizing the camera location.
• Check the camera angle and blind spots and security footage throughout the installation process. It might seem like the camera faces the right direction, but you may not see particular obstruction or issue until you look at the camera view.
• Get installation services or professionals if necessary.

Good to know

If you need to plug your camera into an outlet, ensure that it is out of the reach and not switched off by a light switch.

A significant benefit of wireless cameras is that they can be placed anywhere, but you’ll have to make sure you’re within the range of your Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other wireless connections. With that being said, if your outdoor camera needs a power cord, you should be able to drill quickly through denser materials like a brick if needed. Ensure you place your security camera out of reach, so a thief or guilty people can not grab it.

Tech installers recommend placing your cameras at least nine feet above the ground—but don’t go so high you can’t see what’s happening on the ground.

Local or cloud storage?

Most cameras now offer cloud storage for preventing burglars from just grabbing the evidence and running. Some might prefer local storage for privacy purposes and convenience.

Local storage options may vary by camera, but might include the following options:

• DVRs (Digital Video Recorder)
• NVRs (Network Video Recorder)
• MicroSD cards

And if you’re going with cloud storage, you can access it when you need it through your phone or desktop apps.

However, if you get, you can view footage, and you can access footage regardless of the camera’s condition.

After installing the CCTV camera, recheck everything. Use the app from your phone and look up if all cameras and audio are running smoothly. I hope you've got all covered about how to install a CCTV camera like a pro! Lastly, have a safe and sound living!!