What's the difference between Dome, Bullet and PTZ cameras?

Each suits a different job. A bullet camera is highly visible and works well as a clear deterrent at an entrance or front gate. A dome camera is more discreet, good for monitoring an entrance without drawing attention. A PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) camera gives remote control to sweep across a wide area, tilt up and down, and zoom into detail, often doing the job of several fixed cameras on a large site like a construction yard or marina. Most professional setups use a mix of all three.

What's the real difference between a DVR and an NVR?

It comes down to where the video gets processed. A DVR (Digital Video Recorder) works with older analogue cameras, the raw feed travels down a coaxial cable to the DVR, which then processes and compresses it, generally giving lower resolution and fewer features. An NVR (Network Video Recorder) is the modern standard, pairing with smart IP cameras that process and encode video internally before sending it over a network cable, giving sharper footage, easier remote access, and more room to expand the system later.

Why is an NVR generally considered the better choice for a business?

Image quality is the main reason. Analogue DVR footage is often too low-resolution to reliably identify a face or read a number plate, exactly the detail you actually need when footage matters. NVR systems also support easy remote viewing from a phone or computer, something most people now expect as standard.

Should commercial CCTV footage be stored locally or in the cloud?

Both have a place. A local NVR keeps footage on-site, secure, and free of ongoing monthly fees, which is generally preferred for critical business operations rather than relying solely on cloud storage or SD cards. Cloud storage adds remote access and an off-site backup, often used alongside local storage rather than instead of it.

What's Power over Ethernet (PoE), and why does it matter for installation?

PoE sends both power and data to an IP camera through a single network cable, which makes installation considerably tidier than running separate power and data lines. For off-grid sites or locations that are hard to wire, solar-powered camera systems are a reliable alternative.

Do I legally need signage for CCTV in New Zealand?

In most situations, yes. Under the Privacy Act 2020, if your cameras can see public spaces or areas where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy, a shared driveway or a customer area, you need clear, visible signage stating that recording is taking place. For residential use signage isn't always a strict legal requirement, but it's strongly recommended both as a deterrent and to demonstrate you're being open about it.

What could happen if I don't comply with my CCTV privacy obligations?

You could face legal penalties under the Privacy Act if your obligations aren't met, so it's worth getting this right from the outset rather than treating signage and footage handling as an afterthought.

Can my CCTV system legally record audio?

Generally no. Under the Crimes Act 1961, it's usually illegal to record private conversations you aren't a party to, which is why most security cameras sold in New Zealand either have audio recording disabled by default or don't include the feature at all.

Who's responsible for securing access to stored footage?

You are, as the system owner. Locking down who can view footage and ensuring it's stored securely is a core part of Privacy Act compliance, not just a technical nice-to-have. Since most modern systems are network-connected, pairing CCTV with proper cybersecurity practices is worth treating as part of the same conversation, not a separate concern.

What is a mobile CCTV tower, and when would I use one?

A mobile CCTV tower is a self-powered, solar and cellular-connected unit that can be dropped on-site instantly with no existing infrastructure needed. It acts as a strong visual deterrent and can include 24/7 remote monitoring, ideal for temporary sites, construction projects, or any situation where a permanent install isn't practical.

What's available for vehicle or fleet-mounted surveillance?

Mobile DVR systems support multi-camera setups for commercial vehicles or site trailers, with infrared options for low-light and after-dark use. Solar-powered, off-grid units with motion detection and cloud upload are also available for sites without mains power, viewable and controllable remotely via a mobile app, useful for fleet safety, insurance purposes, and general driver awareness.

What is a body worn camera actually for?

It's best thought of as an impartial digital witness, recording video and audio to back up your team's health and safety, help de-escalate confrontations, and provide clear evidence if a dispute arises over how a job was completed or how an interaction went. It's particularly valuable for staff dealing with the public, security guards, parking wardens, and lone workers.

Can a body worn camera double as a two-way radio?

Increasingly, yes. Many modern units integrate Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) technology, turning the camera into a fully functional two-way radio. That means one device handles video and audio recording, GPS tracking, and instant communication with supervisors or colleagues, all in a single piece of kit.

What's the biggest hidden cost of a body worn camera rollout?

It's rarely the cameras themselves, it's storing, managing and securing the volume of video footage generated every day. For large-scale deployments, ongoing data storage and management costs can end up dwarfing the initial hardware spend, so it's worth planning for this from the start rather than after rollout.

How widely are body worn cameras actually used in New Zealand?

Department of Corrections has rolled out around 2,500 body worn cameras to prison officers nationwide since 2021, the largest deployment of the technology in any New Zealand government agency, a clear sign of how effective it's proven in genuinely high-stakes environments.

What is a PA system, in simple terms?

PA stands for Public Address, an electronic system that amplifies a voice, music or audio source and distributes it to a wider audience. Every PA system has four core parts working together: an input source (a microphone or device), a mixer, an amplifier, and loudspeakers.

What is a 100V line PA system, and when do I need one?

Most large commercial sites use a 100V line system, which allows long cable runs with minimal signal loss, letting you daisy-chain many speakers across a big facility. Low-impedance (8-ohm) setups are typically only suited to small retail spaces where music fidelity matters more than covering distance.

Why can't I just use two-way radios instead of a PA system for an event?

They solve different problems. Radios are built for one-to-one or one-to-few team communication, not broadcasting to a crowd. A PA system is purpose-built for one-to-many announcements. Trying to make public announcements over radios typically gives patchy, quiet sound that gets lost in crowd noise.

What causes that PA feedback squeal, and how is it avoided?

Feedback happens when a microphone picks up sound from its own speaker, creating a loop. It's managed through correct speaker and microphone placement, setting appropriate gain levels, and using feedback-suppression technology where available. Choosing the right microphone type for the situation, directional versus omnidirectional, also helps significantly.