How to Connect IP Cameras via a PoE Switch and Still Record on an NVR This is a very common setup when installing CCTV systems. Many people run out of PoE ports on their NVR or want to install cameras further away, so they connect cameras to a PoE switch instead. The cameras can still…
Why Your Hikvision / HiLook Camera Says “Inactive” – And What To Do If you have recently purchased a Hikvision or HiLook CCTV system from JMC Secure and noticed the device shows as “Inactive”, do not worry – this is completely normal. In fact, it is an important security feature designed to protect your system…
A hands-on review from a CCTV reseller who tested one on their own warehouse At just over £100 the HiLook PTZ-N2D400M-DE-14 is one of those cameras that genuinely makes you stop and think – how has Hikvision managed to pack this much into a camera at this price point? Before stocking them, we fitted one…
If you only take one thing from this guide: for most people a Smart Hybrid Light camera is the best all-round choice, because it stays discreet most of the time and switches to a bright, full colour image the moment something moves. But the right answer depends on what you are trying to achieve, so…
Resetting passwords can be a complicated process, not for the faint-hearted, so do your best to make a note of your password and keep it safe. However, if you should forget you can use the below infographic to help you through the steps of resetting the passwords on your HiLook / Hikvision IP Cameras or…
Yes. The vast majority of security cameras record perfectly well without an internet connection. The thing that trips people up is that “internet” and “network” are not the same. Most cameras only need the internet for one job: letting you view them remotely on your phone. The recording itself happens locally and carries on whether…
Schools across the UK increasingly rely on closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems for security and monitoring purposes. As a parent, you might wonder about your rights to access this footage. While there is no automatic entitlement, certain circumstances allow parents to view CCTV recordings. In this article, we explore the legal framework, parental rights, and practical…
The honest short answer: for most homes and businesses in the UK, 5MP is the sweet spot. It gives you enough detail to identify faces and read number plates at sensible distances, without the storage cost of 8MP. Drop to 4MP to save a little money, or step up to 8MP (4K) for large areas…
A CCTV camera with no picture is almost always one of a handful of things, and you can usually track it down and fix it yourself. The trick is to narrow it down before you start changing anything. We have sold and supported Hikvision and HiLook systems since 2008, so the checklist below is the…
Outdoor CCTV systems are vulnerable to vandalism. They can be easily stolen, dismantled or blinded. So how can you keep your CCTV system safe? The obvious first solution is to put the camera out of reach. Screwing your camera high up on a wall or on a ceiling will help keep it out of the…