Keep what works. Plan what needs to change.
An older system may still provide useful coverage, but miss faces at an entrance, lose recordings too quickly or be difficult to use remotely. We begin with an audit so the proposed upgrade addresses a specific shortcoming. Camera selection, positioning, cabling, PoE, recording and user access are considered together.
Replace Older Cameras
We compare the existing view with the evidence you need. A different lens or mounting position can matter more than an increase in megapixels. Check our camera-positioning guide before deciding that every camera needs replacing.
Improve Night Image Quality
We look at movement, exposure, available light and nearby reflective surfaces. Infrared and visible-light cameras suit different locations; colour at night needs enough visible light. Explore Hikvision options, Reolink cameras and ANNKE systems alongside a lighting assessment.
Upgrade DVR/NVR
The recorder must accept the selected camera streams and support the required resolution, decoding, recording bandwidth and features. We check drive compatibility and usable capacity as well as channel count. Use the storage calculator to explore your retention target. Required footage should be exported before replacement or reconfiguration.
Add More Cameras
Spare recorder channels do not automatically mean spare PoE ports, power or network capacity. We check cable routes, switch budgets and uplinks before adding views. A larger installation may benefit from managed switching and separate network segments.
Improve Remote Viewing
We review supported apps, authorised users, account ownership and the recorder's network configuration. We demonstrate live view and playback after changes. Unsupported firmware or obsolete cloud services may make replacement preferable to reopening insecure access.
Analogue to IP CCTV
Moving from an analogue DVR to IP recording can open up different camera and networking choices. Some migrations can be staged with compatible hybrid equipment; others need new cabling and a new recorder. Compatibility is checked model by model.
Reuse Existing Cabling Where Appropriate
We inspect cable condition, type, terminations, distance and power requirements. Existing Ethernet may be reusable after testing. Coax is not a direct substitute for Ethernet: adapters or hybrid equipment need a deliberate design. Damaged, unsuitable or inaccessible cable may need replacement. See our network cabling approach.
CCTV System Takeover
Sentinel5 can audit a system installed by another company. The review can cover camera inventory, authorised passwords and account ownership, recorder settings, storage, switching, remote access, footage retrieval, cable condition, firmware and documentation. Do not send passwords through the enquiry form. We agree a secure access arrangement separately.
Book a CCTV System Audit
Describe what the system does today and what you want to improve. Book a CCTV System Audit. For a sudden failure, use CCTV repair and fault finding; for continued upkeep, explore maintenance.