Before Installation — Planning Checklist

• Identify all entry points — front door, back door, side gates, garage, windows accessible from ground
• Note any existing lighting — cameras near streetlights may not need IR; dark areas may need full-colour LED cameras
• Check your internet upload speed — aim for at least 5 Mbps per 4K camera for remote viewing
• Decide between wired PoE (recommended) or WiFi cameras based on your property layout
• Consider NVR location — needs power, ethernet connection and a secure, cool spot
• Think about storage — 1TB covers ~7 days at 1080p for 4 cameras; 2TB recommended minimum
• Get at least one written quote from a professional installer (Seymour Security offers free on-site assessments)

During the Quote — Questions to Ask

• Are the cameras branded (Dahua, Hikvision) or generic?
• Does the quote include cabling, NVR, all hardware AND labour?
• Is GST included in the quoted price?
• What is the warranty on cameras and NVR?
• Will you configure the remote viewing app on my phone?
• How long will installation take?

Camera Placement Checklist

• Front driveway — covers vehicle entry and street view
• Front door — face-on view for visitor identification
• Back yard — wide angle covering rear of property
• Rear access / back gate — if separate from main yard view
• Side access paths — often overlooked but a common entry point
• Internal cameras (optional) — hallway, living area for post-break-in evidence

After Installation — Verification Checklist

• Check all cameras show live footage in the NVR interface
• Verify night vision activates correctly after dark
• Confirm remote viewing works on your smartphone — try from 4G (not home WiFi)
• Set up motion alerts and test they arrive on your phone
• Check recording is saving to NVR hard drive — confirm footage from previous day exists
• Label NVR camera channels so you know which camera is which
• Store your NVR admin password somewhere secure