How Does the Jim's Security Model Work?
At Jim’s Security we tailor each and every solution to the unique needs and requirements of our customers, so each and every job we do tends to be different. However, below is a general step-by-step outline to how we approach working with new customers.
1. Contact Us to Get a Quote
After making contact with us over the phone or through our booking form we will give you a call and arrange to arrange a quote. Generally, you will be contacted by a franchisee within 2 hours (during work hours). In most circumstances, a free onsite no obligation quote will be arranged, however, please be aware that for certain services such as New Home Build Security Consultations or for the Service or Repair of an existing system we have not installed a cover fee will be charged. If applicable, the cost of a service call will be explained to the customer over the phone prior to a franchisee travelling out to the property.
2. Issuing a Formal Quote
On the day of your scheduled appointment, your Jim’s Security technician will arrive at your agreed upon time. Once onsite they will listen to your requirements or requests and assess your property in order to recommend the best system and placement for your home or business. After surveying the property they then will issue a formal quote for you to approve. Once the quote has been accepted, your technician will discuss with you a suitable time to begin installation.
3. Installation
On the day of installation your technician will work carefully to ensure that cabling is concealed and that the job is performed as neatly as possible. Once installed, your new system will be tested to ensure optimum performance and training on how to use new devices will be provided.
4. Support
Should you have issues or require further instruction on how to use your new system, please don’t be afraid to reach out. We provide support via email/phone . Additionally, under the Jim’s Work Work Guarantee, if you are not happy with the installation provided, one of our technicians will return to your property to inspect the work done and fix any issues. Jim’s Security also provides a warranty on all supplied security products.
Frequently Asked CCTV Questions
CCTV Cameras not only act as a deterrent against petty criminals and intruders, but also provide the ability to monitor your home from afar. A recorded video feed will allow you to analyse activities around your home or business on a daily or weekly basis, while smart analytics can be used to trigger an alarm and warning siren when suspicious activity is detected. In the event of a crime or accident, CCTV cameras provide recorded evidence that can be used in a criminal investigation or for insurance purposes.
Digital IP cameras are undoubtedly the future of CCTV. Here at Jim’s Security we recommend digital IP cameras as they offer the following advantages over analogue cameras:
- Higher Image Quality – Analog systems have traditionally been restricted to low resolutions such as 720p or 1MP, while IP cameras often offer resolutions from 4MP to 8MP. IP cameras are therefore able to offer greater zoom capabilities, as details of a scene can be zoomed in on without losing image clarity.
- Power Over Ethernet Cable (POE) – unlike with analog cameras, there is no need for a separate power source for each camera.
- Easy Management – IP cameras can be easily managed and controlled remotely, while analogue systems cannot
- Limited Access to Analytics – IP camera systems have more advanced analytic capabilities compared to analog camera systems as analytics are able to be processed at the level of the camera
The night vision capabilities you should be looking for will depend on how much light is available in your area as well as your budget and specific requirements. When purchasing a CCTV camera, keep in mind that night vision capabilities are influenced by camera resolution. Higher resolution cameras (8MP or 6MP) often have poorer night vision capabilities than lower resolution cameras such (e.g. 4MP).
At Jim’s Security all of our CCTV packages include night vision and we have several night vision options available with our two most popular options being: Infrared and Starlight. While standard infrared cameras capture a black and white image, starlight cameras are able to capture coloured images in low light. We generally recommend starlight cameras, as these cameras are able to capture more detailed information (such as the colour of a suspicious vehicle) to be captured.
The number of cameras determines the amount of different perspectives you can monitor, while the number of channels determines the number of cameras you can view on one recorder. The number of cameras and subsequent channels you will require largely depends on the size and type of your property.
Generally we recommend choosing a recorder that has more channels than the number of cameras you plan to have installed as this will give you the option of easily upgrading your system in the future.
For a domestic installation we generally suggest 2TB of storage for a 4MP and 6MP system and 3-4TB for an 8MP system. This video storage calculator can be used to help you estimate how much storage may be required for your recorder.
When it comes to bandwidth, it is it is recommended that you consult with a Jim’s Security expert as the amount of bandwidth required is influenced by a number of specific factors such as CCTV camera frame rate, compression, resolution and total number of cameras in a system, and will therefore largely depend on the details of each installation scenario.
The amount of megapixels you need will depend on the location of your camera as well as how you plan to use your camera. For example, cameras with lower resolutions are typically better at capturing images at night.
Image Quality determines how crisp and clear video signals are, as well as ability to zoom into recorded footage at a later date. The image quality of a CCTV system is impacted by:
- Camera Capture Quality: Measured in megapixels (MP).
- NVR Recording and Output: Measured in both MP and digital video formats (i.e. 1080P HD and 4K UHD).
For example, our Dahua 6MP IP CCTV package includes a set of 6MP cameras and a 4K UHD NVR with the ability to capture and output resolutions of up to 8MP to future-proof your system.
Most security cameras installed by Jim’s Security have an IP67 weather-proof rating and a IK10 vandal-proof rating. Cameras are therefore protected against damage caused by solid objects such as dust and sand, as well as rain. The professional-grade camera systems supplied and installed by Jim’s Security are also difficult for criminals to remove from a property or to damage using physical force.
Our team will recommend the best camera for your home and lifestyle requirements. However, our security camera system blog provides a general guide to cameras we’d recommend.
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Frequently Asked Alarm Questions
On average, Australians will spend anywhere from $600 to over $2000 on a professional grade alarm system. Keep in mind that this price is heavily influenced by the type of system needed, the size of the system and additional hardware required.
The number of zones you have will depend on the size of your property, as well as how much of your space you wish to monitor. Each detection device requires its own zone. For instance, an alarm with 8 zones can typically only handle up to 8 detectors.
Hardwired alarm systems have a slight advantage over wireless alarms in regards to security, while wireless alarms allow for easier installation and can be used in scenarios where wired systems can’t. Both systems rank similarly in regards to reliability and generally offer the same features such as integration with detection devices, ability to remotely isolate zones and activate and deactivate your alarm system. Wired and wireless alarm systems can both also be integrated with other devices such as intercoms or smoke alarms.
Unmonitored alarms pose serious security threats to properties. These are basic alarms that sound in the instance of a break in, but are unable to send alerts. If away from home you will have to rely on your neighbours to let you know that your alarm has been triggered. As such, choosing a monitored system is always recommended, whether it be self or professionally monitored. Both options allow you to remotely monitor your property and will ensure that you are notified immediately in the instance of a security event.
Both GSM and Ethernet modules connect to your alarm panel to provide two-way communication. This communication is what allows you to remotely control your alarm system and enables your device to alert you when an alarm is triggered.
Both modules are at a similar price point, and offer similar functionality.
If unsure of which communication device to go for, we’d generally recommend a GSM module as they tend to be more reliable.
In the case that the power is cut or drops out, Ethernet Modules are often rendered ineffective as they rely on an internet connection to operate. Conversely, alarms with GSM modules are able to maintain connection throughout blackouts.