Buying Guides & FAQs
Straight, jargon-free buying advice and setup help - pick a category on the left, or search.
CCTV Systems
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Best CCTV system for a UK home
Starting from scratch? The complete buyer's guide.
Read the guide →GuideHow many cameras do I need?
The right number of cameras for a home, shop or office.
Read the guide →GuideWhat NVR do I need for my cameras?
4, 8 or 16 channel? Match the recorder to your cameras.
Read the guide →Guide4MP vs 8MP - which should I buy?
When the extra resolution is worth it.
Read the guide →GuideHow much hard drive storage do I need?
How many days of footage each TB gives you.
Read the guide →GuideSurveillance vs normal hard drives
Why CCTV needs a WD Purple / SkyHawk drive.
Read the guide →GuideHikvision vs HiLook
Same company, two tiers - which to pick.
Read the guide →GuideAnalogue vs IP cameras
The key differences for your setup.
Read the guide →GuideWired (PoE) vs wireless CCTV
Why PoE is the reliable choice.
Read the guide →GuideColorVu vs infrared night vision
Full-colour footage at night vs black-and-white.
Read the guide →GuideDome vs turret vs bullet cameras
Which camera shape suits which spot.
Read the guide →GuideHow much does a Hikvision system cost?
UK price ranges for a complete kit by size.
Read the guide →
Hikvision & Brands
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Is Hikvision safe? Can it be trusted?
The security concerns, UK restrictions, and how to use it safely.
Read the guide →GuideWhat is Hikvision OEM?
Same hardware, no badge, lower price - OEM vs original explained.
Read the guide →GuideAre OEM CCTV cameras any good?
Honest pros, cons and what to check before you buy OEM.
Read the guide →GuideIs Hikvision a Chinese brand?
Where it's from, who owns it, and is it legal in the UK.
Read the guide →GuideDisadvantages of Hikvision cameras
The honest downsides, balanced against the hardware.
Read the guide →GuideWhat's happening with Hikvision?
The UK government restrictions and what they mean for you.
Read the guide →GuideBest alternative to Hikvision in the UK
HiLook, Dahua and non-Chinese options.
Read the guide →GuideEufy vs Hikvision
Wireless battery cameras vs wired professional CCTV.
Read the guide →
Help & Setup
Guide
Can I install Hikvision myself?
Yes - PoE kits are DIY-friendly. What's involved.
Read the guide →GuideHow to view Hikvision on your phone
Set up the Hik-Connect app to watch from anywhere.
Read the guide →GuideHow to use the Hikvision SADP tool
Find your devices and check their IP on the network.
Read the guide →GuideHow to reset a forgotten Hikvision password
The official SADP reset process, step by step.
Read the guide →
Alarm Systems
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How to choose a home alarm system
Wired or wireless, monitored or not, which sensors.
Read the guide →GuideBest home alarm with no monthly fee
Own it once, no contract like ADT.
Read the guide →GuideHow much does a home alarm cost?
UK kit prices and one-off vs monthly monitoring.
Read the guide →GuideWired vs wireless alarms
Which suits your property - and is wireless secure?
Read the guide →GuideMonitored vs unmonitored alarms
Bells-only vs a system that calls for help.
Read the guide →GuideDo I need a burglar alarm?
What the police and ex-burglars say.
Read the guide →GuideHow does a wireless alarm work?
AX PRO explained - app control, no landline.
Read the guide →GuideWhat alarm sensors do I need?
PIR, door contacts, smoke, CO - and how many.
Read the guide →GuidePet-friendly alarm sensors
How pet-immune sensors avoid false alarms.
Read the guide →GuideCan I install an alarm myself?
DIY a wireless alarm vs using a pro.
Read the guide →GuideHikvision AX PRO vs Texecom
Wireless smart vs wired professional alarm.
Read the guide →GuideBest alarm system for a business
Wireless for shops, wired for larger sites.
Read the guide →