How to Connect a New CCTV Site to Farsight: Step-by-Step Process

By Farsight Security
24 Dec 2024 4 min read

At Farsight, we make the process of connecting your CCTV site to our monitoring services as straightforward as possible. Whether you’re an installer or an end user, following these steps will ensure a smooth and seamless onboarding process.

Step 1: Get a Quote from Our Sales Team

The first step is to contact our sales team to get a tailored quote for your CCTV monitoring needs. Reach out to either John Clapp or Chris Stewart to discuss your requirements and receive your quote.
Once you are happy with the quote, the next step is to complete the necessary forms to commission the system.

If you prefer you can also fill in our online quote request form: CCTV Online Quote Request Form 

Step 2: Complete the Commissioning Forms

Visit farsight.co.uk and navigate to the forms section, or head directly to Monitoring Forms. Here, you will find two forms to fill in:
1. End User Commissioning Questionnaire (CCTV 1 of 2)
If you are the end-user of the CCTV system, you need to complete this form to ensure that your system is set up correctly for monitoring.
[Complete the form here]
2. Installer Commissioning Questionnaire (CCTV 2 of 2)
If you are the installer, this form ensures that the cameras are properly set up and functional before monitoring begins.
[Complete the form here]

Step 3: Processing and System Setup

Once the forms are completed, they are automatically sent to our support team for processing. Our team will:

• Add the details to our system.
• Attempt to establish a connection to the CCTV site.

If the installation has already been completed on-site, we should be able to establish a connection.

our support team photos

Step 4: Troubleshooting Connection Issues

In cases where a connection cannot be established, our support team will work with you to troubleshoot potential issues. Common areas we check include:

IP Visibility: Is the IP address visible?
Port Settings: Are the necessary ports open?
Credentials: Are the login details correct?

Our team is here to assist you in diagnosing and resolving any technical issues.

Step 5: Program the Alarms and Perform a Walk Test

After the alarms are programmed, the next step is to conduct a walk test of each alarming camera. This is a crucial step to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
During the walk test, we check:
Alarm Triggering: The camera alarms correctly when triggered by the engineer.
Snapshots/Footage: The unit sends a snapshot or recorded footage upon alarm activation.
Image Quality: The camera provides a clear image.

Operator at desk completing walk test remotely with cctv installer

Step 6: Go Live and Discuss Arming/Disarming Procedures

Once the walk test has been successfully completed and all alarms are confirmed to be functioning correctly, the CCTV site can go live.
At this point, we will also discuss how the system will be armed and disarmed, ensuring you have full clarity on site operations.

Compatible CCTV Systems

At Farsight, we use Immix, a leading platform that integrates seamlessly with various CCTV systems. Below is a list of some popular CCTV systems we can monitor:
• Adpro
• Avigilon
• Axis Communications
• Bosch Security Systems
• Dahua
• Flir
• Genetec
• Hanwha Techwin (Samsung)
• Hikvision
• Mobotix
• Pelco
• Sony CCTV Systems
• Videcon
• Vivotek

Please contact our support team to confirm compatibility if your CCTV system is not listed here.

What If Your CCTV System Is Not Integrated with Immix?

If your CCTV system is not yet integrated with the Immix platform, we can still monitor your site under the following conditions:
• If your CCTV system supports an RTSP stream, we can use it for the video visuals.
• If the unit can send email notifications, we can use those to receive and process the alarms.
Our team will guide you through setting this up to ensure seamless monitoring.

Connecting your CCTV site to Farsight is a simple and collaborative process. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure your site is ready for efficient and effective monitoring.

If you have any questions or need support at any stage of the process, don’t hesitate to contact our team. We’re here to help!

📌 Written by Teresa Milne, Data Coordinator at Farsight Security Services – with over a decade of experience in CCTV operations, monitoring, and system analysis.


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