How remote CCTV monitoring works

By Farsight Security
31 Jul 2023 3 min read

CCTV monitoring has become a crucial element of any business security system. Below we outline the five key benefits of CCTV monitoring, but first let’s explore what CCTV monitoring is and how it works:

What is CCTV monitoring?

Professional remote CCTV monitoring is a cost-effective security solution that protects your assets, business, commercial property or home from criminal and environmental damage and loss.

Most CCTV security systems can be connected to a CCTV monitoring station – also known as a Remote Video Receiving Centre (RVRC) via the Internet. This connection can be live 24/7 or only switched on at times when your site is unattended.

Farsight is an SSAIB  accredited BS5979 Category II Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) and BS8418 accredited Remote Video Receiving Centre (RVRC). We remotely monitor CCTV and Alarm systems across the UK from our state-of-the art Observatory which is packed with the latest tech and SIA approved remote monitoring specialists.

We don’t install security, instead we specialise only in monitoring them and we’re good at it too (see our customer reviews) . In fact in 2021, Farsight was awarded ‘Best CCTV Monitoring Specialists – UK.’

Choosing the right CCTV monitoring partner is a crucial decision for any business. Here at Farsight, our CCTV monitoring team is renowned for it’s industry leading staff to alarm ratio that ensures that each alarm activation can be given the right focus by a dedicated CCTV operator.

Our in-house communication platform – YourSight is ensures our clients have complete transparency in what is happening at their premises in terms of incidents and faults affecting their security effectiveness that can be remedies.

If you are considering working with a CCTV monitoring partner or even looking to change your current service provider, our guide on what to look for in a CCTV monitoring station may be of help:

How does CCTV monitoring work?

If an intruder, fire or other unusual activity is detected by your security system, an alarm is sent to the remote monitoring station in real-time. CCTV is generally event activated

Remote CCTV monitoring is event triggered, so when an alarm is answered, footage from your CCTV cameras is routed directly to an operator’s monitoring screen within seconds. At Farsight, our operators answer alarms faster than the industry average.

The operators then pan and zoom cameras to investigate the cause of the alarm. Our operators use multiple cameras to view the site from different angles – a crucial step in ensuring intruders cannot hide in any blind spots.

If suspicious activity is spotted, the operator will take immediate action. They will notify a key holder for your site and call emergency services. As the operator has visually verified the alarm, there will be added credibility to the call which is crucial in protecting police URNs and prioritising an emergency response.

Our explainer video outlines how Farsight’s remote CCTV monitoring works:


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