EBIZ CCTV: Complete Guide to Features, Installation, and PricingIntroduction
EBIZ CCTV is a surveillance solution aimed at homeowners and small-to-medium businesses that need reliable video monitoring without excessive complexity. This guide walks through the product’s core features, typical hardware and software components, installation steps, configuration tips, pricing considerations, and how to evaluate whether EBIZ CCTV fits your needs.
What EBIZ CCTV Typically Includes
EBIZ CCTV systems generally bundle the following components:
- Cameras: Fixed, dome, or bullet cameras in resolutions from 2MP to 8MP (4K). Some models offer varifocal lenses or motorized PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom).
- Digital Video Recorder (DVR) / Network Video Recorder (NVR): DVRs are for analog/coax setups; NVRs record IP camera streams. Units vary by channel count (e.g., 4, 8, 16) and support RAID or multiple HDDs.
- HDD Storage: Surveillance-grade drives (typically 1–8 TB) optimized for continuous write workloads.
- Power: PoE (Power over Ethernet) switches for IP cameras or 12V DC power supplies for analog cameras.
- Cables & Mounts: Ethernet or coaxial cables, power cables, mounting brackets, and protective housings for outdoor cameras.
- Software & Mobile App: Desktop management software and mobile apps for live view, playback, alerts, and remote configuration.
Key Features to Expect
- Video Resolution & Frame Rate: Options from 1080p to 4K. Higher resolution improves detail but increases storage needs.
- Night Vision: Infrared (IR) LEDs for black-and-white recording in low light; some models include low-light color sensors.
- Motion Detection & Alerts: Configurable motion zones and sensitivity settings; push notifications and email alerts.
- Remote Access: Mobile apps and web clients for live viewing and playback; some systems support cloud streaming or backup.
- Compression: H.264, H.265, or H.265+ codecs to reduce bandwidth and storage usage.
- Analytics: Basic analytics like motion detection and tripwire; higher-end models may offer face detection, people counting, or vehicle recognition.
- Weather & Vandal Resistance: IP66/IP67-rated housings and IK-rated vandal-resistant domes for outdoor use.
- Two-way Audio: Microphone and speaker support for talk-back in some camera models.
- Integration: ONVIF compatibility for mixing brands, and integrations with alarms, sensors, or third-party VMS.
Choosing Cameras: Types & Use Cases
- Bullet Cameras: Good for long-range outdoor views (parking lots, perimeter). Visible deterrent.
- Dome Cameras: Indoor or outdoor; more discreet and vandal-resistant—common in retail and lobbies.
- PTZ Cameras: For active monitoring of large areas requiring pan/tilt/zoom control (stadiums, campuses).
- Turret Cameras: Hybrid between dome and bullet—easier to avoid IR reflection on windows.
- Specialty Cameras: Thermal for complete darkness, fisheye for 360° coverage, license-plate recognition (ANPR) for entrances.
DVR vs NVR vs Hybrid Systems
- DVR (Digital Video Recorder): Works with analog/coax cameras (AHD/TVI/CVI). Cost-effective for upgrading existing coax runs.
- NVR (Network Video Recorder): Records IP cameras over Ethernet; supports higher resolutions and PoE for simpler power/data cabling.
- Hybrid: Accepts both analog and IP inputs—useful during staged upgrades.
Installation: Step-by-Step Overview
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Planning:
- Map camera locations considering fields of view, lighting, and mounting height.
- Determine cable routes, power sources, and recorder placement.
- Estimate storage based on resolution, frame rate, and retention period.
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Mounting Cameras:
- Use proper anchors and weatherproof seals for outdoor mounts.
- Avoid direct pointing at the sun or highly reflective surfaces.
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Running Cables:
- For IP cameras, run Cat5e/Cat6 to a PoE switch; for analog, run RG59 coax and power.
- Label both ends of each cable.
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Connecting Recorder & Storage:
- Install surveillance HDD(s) in NVR/DVR; configure RAID if supported.
- Connect recorder to network and router for remote access.
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Initial Configuration:
- Assign IP addresses or use DHCP reservation for cameras.
- Set up time, date, recording schedules (continuous, motion, or alarm-triggered).
- Configure motion zones, sensitivity, and alert recipients.
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Remote Access & Security:
- Create strong admin passwords and disable unused services.
- Use firmware updates from EBIZ (or vendor) and enable HTTPS/SSH if available.
- Configure secure remote access: VPN is preferred; if using cloud/mobile, enable two-factor authentication where supported.
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Testing:
- Verify live video, playback, and alerts from different devices and network locations.
- Test night vision and motion events at various times.
Storage & Bandwidth Planning
Storage needs depend on resolution, bitrate, frames per second (fps), and retention time. As an example:
- 1080p at 15 fps with H.265: ~1–2 Mbps per camera.
- 4K at 15 fps with H.265: ~4–8 Mbps per camera.
For quick planning, use N = number of cameras, B = average bitrate (Mbps), T = retention days, and S = storage in TB:
S (GB) ≈ N * B * 3600 * 24 * T / 8 / 1000
Convert to TB by dividing by 1000.
Pricing Guide
Typical EBIZ CCTV pricing (estimates, varies by region and dealer):
- Single indoor camera (2–4 MP): \(50–\)120
- Outdoor weatherproof camera (4–8 MP): \(80–\)250
- PTZ camera: \(400–\)1,500
- NVR (4–16 channel): \(150–\)800
- Surveillance HDD (4–8 TB): \(100–\)300
- PoE switch: \(60–\)300
- Installation labor: \(150–\)1,000+ depending on complexity and number of cameras
- Cloud subscription (if offered): \(5–\)20 per camera/month
Bulk packages for small businesses (4–8 cameras with NVR and installation) commonly land around \(600–\)2,500.
Comparing EBIZ CCTV to Other Brands
| Feature / Factor | EBIZ CCTV | Typical Consumer Brand | Typical Professional Brand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Moderate | Low | High |
| Feature Set | Good balance | Basic | Advanced |
| Support & Warranty | Varies by vendor | Often limited | Strong enterprise support |
| Scalability | Good for SMB | Limited | Excellent |
| Integration (ONVIF) | Often supported | Sometimes | Yes |
Common Problems & Troubleshooting
- No video on recorder: check power, cable continuity, camera IP conflicts, and recorder channel settings.
- Poor night image: clean lens, check IR LEDs, adjust exposure and WDR settings.
- Excessive false motion alarms: refine motion zones, lower sensitivity, use analytics filters.
- Remote access fails: verify port forwarding, NAT traversal settings, and firewall rules; consider vendor cloud service or VPN.
How to Evaluate if EBIZ CCTV Is Right for You
- Budget: EBIZ is suitable if you need mid-range price with useful features.
- Existing Cabling: Choose DVR if you have coax; NVR/PoE if starting fresh.
- Scalability & Analytics: If you need advanced analytics or large-scale deployment, compare professional brands.
- Support Needs: Check local installer availability and warranty terms.
Final Tips
- Prioritize camera placement and lighting — they matter more than camera megapixels.
- Use H.265 compression when possible to save storage.
- Keep firmware updated and secure remote access.
- Consider a small pilot (2–4 cameras) before committing to a large system.
If you want, I can draft a shopping list and installation checklist tailored to your property (send photos or a layout).
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