FAQs

CCTV camera systems help prevent crime before it happens by discouraging burglars, vandals and other malicious individuals. Having a CCTV system boosts employee safety, reduces insurance costs and improves customer confidence. In the unfortunate event of a crime, CCTV footage can provide crucial evidence for law enforcement to indentify and capture the perpetrators.

IP Security Camera Systems offer superior quality and resolution, making them ideal for those looking to stay at the forefront of technology. If you're investing in a new system, IP camera systems are the top choice. We provide a complete package, including cameras, a Network Video Recorder (NVR), and ethernet cables for easy setup. Camera resolution plays a crucial role in the successful identification of individuals. A lower-resolution system records events in lower quality - video might look sharp in quadrant view on a recorder however, when expanded, the image can become pixelated, with blurred edges. High-definition IP cameras, paired with adjustable lenses, provide optimal visibility and detail. Ultra-high resolution cameras also allow for digital zoom without loss of image quality. While some CCTV systems display high-resolution footage, they may record at a lower quality. Frame rate, measured in frames per second (fps), refers to how many images a camera captures each second. For example, a camera recording in 1080p at 30fps captures 30 images at 1920×1080 resolution per second. Some cameras can be configured to record in 720p at 60fps, making them ideal for slow-motion playback. These systems are perfect for applications that require capturing fast movements with precision.

IP camera system provides superior image quality, advanced features, better scalability, and easier integration, making it the better long-term investment for modern surveillance needs.

You can use IP camera systems in almost any location, from residential and commercial settings to remote and outdoor environments, as long as you account for power, and network availability.

Please read our System Selection Guides on our Help Center to learn more about these systems.

Yes, you can view Surveillance Shark CCTV camera system on your mobile phone and set up activity notifications. This feature enhances your security by allowing you to monitor your property and receive real-time alerts when something unusual happens.

Yes, like any other digital device connected to a network, CCTV cameras can be hacked. To prevent this: buy only NDAA compliant brands, use strong & unique passwords, regularly update the firmware and ensure the network is secure with firewalls and antivirus software.

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) prohibits the U.S. government and its contractors from procuring or using telecommunications and video surveillance equipment produced by specific Chinese companies. The prohibition is based on concerns that these companies are linked to the Chinese government, posing potential national security risks through the possibility of espionage or sabotage.

Yes, at Surveillance Shark we offer NDAA compliant camera systems. These systems are great for homes, businesses as well as government projects. To learn more please read our NDAA Guide.

A Network Video Recorder (NVR) is a specialized computer system that records video footage in a digital format to a disk drive, USB flash drive, SD memory card, or other mass storage device. NVRs are used primarily with IP (Internet Protocol) camera systems.

An eXtended Video Recorder (XVR) is a type of video recorder used in surveillance systems that supports multiple types of camera inputs, including analog, HD analog, and IP cameras. It combines the functionalities of both DVR (Digital Video Recorder) and NVR (Network Video Recorder) systems, offering greater flexibility and compatibility with a variety of camera technologies.

A Video Management System (VMS) is a software-based platform used to manage and control video surveillance cameras, recording devices, and other security components.

Installation depends on multiple factors like the type of security camera system, coverage area etc. – please visit our Help Center and read the DIY Installation guide.

The optimal distance between the security camera and the XVR or NVR varies. The Siamese BNC cables used with HD-CCTV systems can be used up to 300ft. Similarly, IP cameras can be installed up to 300ft away from the NVR using a Cat5 cable. For more distance, you will need to use PoE Extender(s), which can extend the range another 300ft per extender. If more distance is needed (especially outdoors) SURVEILLANCE SHARK offers range extending antennas that can boost the signal up to 6,500ft. Contact us if you have any questions.

There is no standard lens for security cameras. In general, lenses can be classified as either fixed or varifocal. Fixed lenses cannot change their field of view while varifocal lenses allow for field of view adjustments within a range. A further important distinction between different types of lenses is the focal length. The focal length (measured in mm) determines the field of view. A shorter focal length will have a wider field of view while a longer focal length will appear narrower and more zoomed in. For example, AIBASE ultra-wide (180 degrees view) security camera uses a 2.0mm fixed lens. On the other hand, AIBASE motorized varifocal cameras can adjust their field of view anywhere between 2.8mm (wide) and 12mm (narrow). This allows you to choose either a wide-angle view, which will let you see most of the scene in front of the camera, or a narrow, zoomed in view of one area (like a cash register). Please read the 'System Selection Guide’ available on our Help Center for more details.

Modern HD-CCTV and IP cameras both come with advanced Motion Detection (MD) abilities that can spot any movement caught by your security cameras. By constantly analyzing each pixel that is recorded, the NVR/XVR or IP camera will know the moment that a group of pixels is suddenly different than before. You can customize the sensitivity of the MD to suit your needs, so you are only made aware of larger movements, like people, and not moving branches in the wind, for example. You can also set up custom smart grids, which allow you to pick sections of the screen that you want your recorder to watch for movement. If movement is detected, you can program your recorder to send push notifications (or email alerts) with video snapshots to notify you. AIBASE recorders and mobile apps will also keep track of all these motion events for easy reference. Please visit our Help Center and watch our ‘How to set up Motion Detection Video Tutorial’ for more details.

The duration of the stored video depends on your system, hard drive capacity and your settings. The most important factor is the size of the hard drive. Since recorders are designed to constantly replace the oldest footage with newest footage, the size of the hard drive greatly determines how long recordings will be stored for. Other factors, such as the number of cameras, resolution, and frames-per-second rate, as well as scheduled and motion-triggered recording options, impact your recording duration. Use the ‘Storage Calculator’ available on our Help Center to determine the size of the hard drive that you need.

Yes, you can add additional hard drives to most XVRs and NVRs. Key things to know are the number of hard drive bays in the recorder and the maximum amount of storage it can support. This information can be found in the product documentation.

Yes, all your security footage will be automatically compressed using either H.264 Advanced Video Coding (AVC) or H.265 High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC). The compression saves a lot of storage space and in turn extends the recording duration with minimal video quality impact.

Each order is processed between 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM North American Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) time on regular business days i.e., Monday through Friday. Orders for in-stock items that are completed and paid for before 12:00 PM will be shipped the same day while those placed after 12:00 PM will be shipped the next business day. Orders placed after business hours, on weekends and holidays, will be processed the following business day. Items on backorder may take additional time to ship so for those orders please contact us.

Customers will receive a confirmation email with the tracking number once their order is shipped. Please make sure to check your spam folder.

Occasionally, the shipment confirmation email will be categorized as spam so please check your spam folder. However, if you do not find the confirmation email in the spam folder and have not received it, please feel free to contact us.

Customers can easily keep track of their packages by accessing or creating their own Surveillance Shark account free of charge. We will also share the tracking number via the shipment confirmation email.

The delivery time of our standard free ground shipping averages between 5 to 7 business days. Expedited options are available for a faster shipping time. All orders are shipped by UPS. To ensure the security of your items, we require a signature upon delivery. Please monitor your tracking information and make sure an adult is available to sign. If no one is available, your package will be redirected to a nearby UPS location for pick-up.

Surveillance Shark offers free ground shipping on all orders within the continental United States. For all expedited mail services, the cost will be calculated upon entering your city and postal / zip code.

Yes, you can cancel your order anytime before it is shipped.

Canceled orders are refunded in full to the original payment instrument.

We accept returns up to 30 days after arrival if the product is factory sealed and unopened. Unfortunately, we do not accept returns for merchandise that has been opened and/or used. In the case of a manufacturer defect, however, we will work with you to have the product fixed or replaced. For details, please read our Warranty & Returns policy.

Most likely our customer support team has attempted to reach out to you concerning your order as we may have encountered a problem with the shipping method and/or shipping address. That's why it is very important to check your email including spam folder and include a good phone number to reach you just in case we need to contact you.

We will send you an email with an ETA and confirm with you to either keep or cancel the order.

Currently we only ship to addresses within the United States.

Yes, we accept purchase orders (POs) with Net 30 payment terms for qualified organizations. Please contact us for more details.

No, we do not offer spare parts for products. We only offer replacements for products and accessories under warranty.

Absolutely, our experts can help customers craft an order during regular business hours that will cover every detail necessary before the shipping process is initiated. Use our chat bubble, call us, or submit the form on our Contact Us page.

Yes, our products carry up to a three-year warranty. If your product is deemed defective by us, you will be eligible to receive a replacement for the product (or a similar upgraded product). Please make sure to review the warranty information on the product page and also read our warranty policy on our Help Center.