How Does Alarm Monitoring Work?
When a detection device triggers an alarm condition, the security system sends a digital message to the QVIS Monitoring ARC (Alarm Receiving Centre) by means of either GPRS mobile technology, your Broadband connection or your standard PSTN telephone line (or any combination of these). The operator will then call the premises or key holder to verify the alarm in accordance with the instructions you have given us. Using the latest technologies, our alarm receiving centre is set up to receive and monitor alarms from thousands of different premises and our team of controllers can monitor alarms effectively on a continuous basis, 365 days a year
Should I have my system monitored?
Yes, it is highly recommended that you connect your security system the QVIS Monitoring ARC (Alarm Receiving Centre so that in case of an alarm you will be notified immediately as well as the proper authorities. You would not want to experience a break in while you were on vacation and come home to an open door. Most insurance companies offer a discount with a monitored alarm system.
What is “Backup Communication”?
In the event an intruder has cut your phone line, or if for some reason your phone lines are down, your security system will still be able to communicate to our central station
Why should I have an alarm installed?
If you own company premises, most insurance companies won’t pay a claim related to theft if you do not have a monitored alarm already installed. It also deters crime and alerts you, or us, when a breach is detected.
If I had a security system installed will it help my insurance rates?
Yes. Almost every insurance provider offers some level of a discount when you have a monitored security system installed. With monitored smoke detectors the insurance discount could be higher
Can I have my alarm system monitored even if I don’t have a phone line installed in my home?
Yes. There have been many advancements in home security technology and today you can connect your system through GPRS mobile technology or Broadband IP communication modes so the system will be able to send alerts and alarm messages to the central station via these channels. It also recommended to use one of these channels even if you do have a phone line – as a back-up in case of line failures or intentional sabotage. In addition, many companies offer cellular monitoring as it is by far one of the fastest and most reliable forms of alarm transmission today.
What is a PIR?
A passive infrared motion detector (PIR) is an electronic security device that detects intruders by sensing motion or body heat in the area being protected. Most PIRs are designed to be used when the business premises are closed or your family is away from the home or when no one will be passing through the area covered by the PIR.
I have a dog or cat. Does that mean I can’t install a PIR?
You can have a special PIR fitted. Most security companies can provide you with a “pet immune” motion detectors, which allows dog and cat lovers to enjoy the same level of protection they would receive with a standard PIR. These state-of-the-art sensors provide “pet immunity” for animals weighing up to 38kg (85lb), depending on the manufacturer. Pet immune PIRs allow your pet to move about freely but can still detect an intruder’s movement.
What is the Difference between a Control Panel and a Keypad?
The term “control panel” refers to the “brain” of the home security system. Whether this is a full panel with LCD and keypad or just the circuit board covered with plastics, the control panel is the component that supervises all the devices and sends the central station the alarms when triggered.
A keypad, however, is a peripheral device that connected to the control panel. It is a user interface that allows you to arm and disarm or control some of the system functions and programming. In addition, the keypad provides a constant display of system status information
Does QVIS Monitoring have an associated Alarm Installation Company?
QVIS Monitoring is a completely independent ARC/RVRC and is in no way affiliated with any installation company. This is what makes us a truly independent Monitoring Station. It provides our customers with peace of mind that we are not competing in the same marketplace and reaffirms our commitment to supporting our customers; if our customers don’t grow QVIS Monitoring doesn’t grow.
What does Alarm Grading mean?
Alarm Grading was introduced as part of a Europe wide coordination of the specification and installation of Intruder Alarms. This is the standard EN50131. There are essentially 4 Grades which determine the Risk Factor versus Value of the property being protected. Below are the Grade types and some examples.
How does CCTV Monitoring work?
CCTV systems tend to vary dependent on budget, size and complexity, but in simple terms: the cameras are sited to cover specific areas or locations around the premises. Each camera should have a suitable detector (PIR or similar) which is linked to the DVR alarm input. The DVR is programmed to send a signal to our ARC/RVRC when it receives an alarm activation. An alternative is to use a Burglar Alarm System in conjunction with the CCTV system. Our RVRC (Remote Video Receiving Centre) receives the alarm event and our operators then proceed to perform a video analysis of any activity on site. Audio challenges can be issued to an intruder, key holders notified, Response Company or Police called dependent on the severity of the event and the client instructions.
Why should I have CCTV installed?
By installing CCTV, you will be able to have your property monitored effectively 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by a professional company that specialises in providing this service.
Can CCTV do more than watch my site?
Yes, you can integrate your gates, lights, doors, alarm and much more. Our RVRC (Remote Video Receiving Centre) can operate all of these remotely to provide additional remote security
What are the advantages of video surveillance?
The advantages are many. The obvious use for video surveillance (also known as CCTV) is to identify suspects or suspicious persons on your property. Was it someone you know or an unknown criminal committing crime in your neighbourhood? Video can provide you with theses answers. Video is also a great tool to monitor your property while you are away, whether you’re just at work or on vacation on the other side of the world. If you have an existing alarm system, CCTV is an added layer of security allowing you to verify whether or not an alarm incident may be false or a serious event that requires an immediate response. CCTV allows you to verify whether or not an incident is in fact taking place on your property – this verification can decrease the response time by police from hours to minutes!
Is CCTV right for me?
The simple answer is a resounding YES! Are you someone who travels and would like to be able to keep an eye on your home, vacation property, or business while you are not there? Are you having recurring incidents of crime or other instances that have not yet been resolved? Are you losing money for some unknown reason at or in your business? Are you bothered by false alarms caused by your current security system? Do you want to know who’s at the front door before you open it? Would you like to keep an “eye” on your premises? Do you have potential Health & Safety Risks at your premises? If you answered yes to any of the above questions you should seriously consider the addition of a CCTV system to your home or business.
Is CCTV Better than a Traditional Alarm System?
Depending on the situation, CCTV can be a better option than a traditional alarm system. In most cases CCTV will enhance your current alarm system and provide the user with an increased level of security, safety, and peace of mind. With video, you can determine immediately whether or not an alarm incident at your residence or business is real or false, saving time and in some cases money. Although video surveillance and alarm systems may not prevent criminal activity – video is your best chance to identify a culprit and recover your stolen assets. Police often have an idea who may be committing crime in a particular neighbourhood – they just need good tangible evidence to apprehend these individuals – video evidence can provide this, an alarm system cannot.
What does a Basic Video Surveillance System consist of?
A basic system usually has a number of outdoor and/or indoor colour cameras that are connected to a central Digital Video Recorder (DVR) located on-site. The recorder can store information from days to weeks to months depending on options. The cameras themselves can have daytime only capabilities or daytime and night-time capabilities. The cameras can be “fixed” looking at a pre-defined area or “movable” – automatically patrolling a large, variable region through pan-tilt-zoom features that are user defined.
Ideally, unless the CCTV system is going to be physically manned and operated 24/7, it is far more cost effective and practical to deploy more static cameras than a PTZ unit. The system can be viewed internally through a standalone monitor, computer, and/or most cable TV/satellite systems. Externally, the system can be accessed from anywhere in the world over the internet. Some systems have the capability to be viewed through a users’ Smartphone (iPhone, iPad, Android device, Blackberry, etc.).
As an end-user can I order monitoring direct from QVIS Monitoring?
As QVIS Monitoring is an Independent Alarm & Video Receiving Centre i.e. we do not have an installation arm and we don’t actually sell direct to end-users. However, if you contact a member of our sales team they will be happy to supply you with details of Installation companies that operate within your area….
Just call: 0845 450 9994
Can I visit the Alarm Receiving Centre to view your facilities?
We actively encourage our customers to visit the ARC. We feel it enables you to see how QVIS Monitoring operates as a company and also meet the team, consequently strengthening & building working relationships and partnerships. You are very welcome to bring along clients/potential clients too.
We also have a large showroom and ARC meeting room available, maybe you would like to use the facilities to pitch to potentials clients, hold a training seminar for your Engineers or perhaps hold one of your regular sales meetings here? The facilities are available to our customers free of charge, and provide an ideal opportunity to tie in with a tour of the ARC and meet the QVIS Monitoring team.
Do I need to be approved to use QVIS Monitoring?
Not necessarily, we work with many companies of varying different sizes all of whom have different requirements as a company. One thing that is worth bearing in mind is that the Police will not issue a Unique Reference Number (URN), to non-accredited companies. However, if you use Video Verification to back up or re-enforce your Alarm System, you will always get a positive response if there is an intruder present.
What costs do you charge for your monitoring services?
This can vary from product to product, dependent on the signalling type, the package and sometimes the contract term. It is advisable to contact a member of our sales team on: – 0845 450 9994 who will be happy to discuss your requirements and provide associated costs from there.
How do I switch from my current monitoring provider?
We will be happy to offer advice and assistance as to the most appropriate methodology for your situation.
What transmission systems do you support for CCTV?
Currently we support: ADATA Range of DVRs (iAppollo, iZeus, Prolite etc), Adpro Video Central Gold, Axis, Dallmeier, Davantis, Dedicated Micros NetVU, Dowshu, Heitel, Honeywell HRDP and Fusion, ICM AV60 systems, ICRealtime, Intellex, Milestone, Mitsubishi DX-TL DVR, OzVision CCTV systems, Panasonic IP Cameras and DVRs, Quick Solutions Vigil DVR, Red Care Assure, RSI Videofied, Servision, Toshiba Surveillix, Videcon, Visonic RealAlarm, Video Domain NetEye, Vista, Xtralis V3100.
With more being added all the time…..
Can you provide your services throughout the UK?
Yes we can. The nature of the services provided and the communication options available are such that we can provide our services anywhere in the world.
What differentiates you from your competitors?
Whilst we believe our research is sound, we cannot know everything about our competitors. However, from what our customers tell us, they like QVIS Monitoring because of the personal attention, the professional
approach, the friendly, can-do attitude, the technical and IT knowledge, the security experience and the fact that we value our customers, have time for them and do not take them for granted.
What type of alarm monitoring services do you offer?
QVIS Monitoring offer a range of monitoring services covering Intruder, Personal attack, Fire, Environmental, Medical alerts, mechanical/electrical malfunctions, as well as Lift Alarm monitoring, Access Control, Building Management Systems to name but a few.
Our ARC/RVRC provides support for the following types of equipment:
Digital and Radio communicators: Ademco 685, Bold RX series, Bosch (Radionics) 6500 and 6600, CSL Dualcom, DMP, FBI CP220, Inner Range FE900, Honeywell Domonial PE1800, ITI, Osborne Hofmann 2000, Paknet, Quazar, Scantronic, Silent Knight, Surgard System 1, MLR-2, III and 200, Tunstall
Supervised line and polling systems: BT Redcare (all types), Chiron, Emizon, Europlex SigNET and 3GS, Monitoring Technologies Interactive, Pyronix (Castle Care), Risco, WebWayOne
Are your services expensive?
Not at all. Our prices are very competitive. In seeking to build our business, our prices must be competitive but also realistic and sustainable. Our charges will reflect our costs in providing the agreed service. By operating our business efficiently and working with customers and installers to minimise false alarms, we can offer a high standard of service at a fair and reasonable price, delivering both quality and value. We will be pleased to provide you with a quotation. We are happy to discuss discounted rates for large volumes of business
How can I Save on Security Personnel by Opting for a CCTV Monitoring Service?
You can get a considerable cost saving by using our ARC/RVRC to remote monitor your CCTV at your site or premises. Consider: employing your own guard and paying an average of £7.00 per hour (very low by today’s rates), this would cost you £7 x 12 hours per night over 30 days = £2520.00 per month and this excludes weekends!
Our CCTV remote monitoring service will save you more than 50% of this, AND we will be there looking after you interests 24/7 365, no sleeping on the job or sneaking off to have a rest.