CCTV FAQs | Hawk Vision Pro

Do you sell ANNKE CCTV cameras in Sheffield?
What is the difference between NVR and DVR?
Are PoE CCTV cameras better than WiFi cameras?
Do you offer free local delivery in Sheffield?
What size hard drive do I need for my CCTV system?
Can CCTV cameras record audio?
Are your CCTV cameras suitable for outdoor use?

CCTV FAQs

Here are some common questions about CCTV cameras, NVRs, DVRs, PoE systems and security products supplied by Hawk Vision Pro.

1. Do you sell ANNKE CCTV cameras in Sheffield?

Yes. Hawk Vision Pro is a Sheffield-based supplier of ANNKE CCTV cameras, NVR recorders, DVR recorders, PoE IP cameras, analogue CCTV cameras and CCTV accessories for homes and businesses.

We supply CCTV products for customers in Sheffield, South Yorkshire and nearby areas, with free local delivery available in Sheffield and surrounding locations.

2. What is the difference between NVR and DVR?

An NVR, or Network Video Recorder, is usually used with IP CCTV cameras. These cameras send video data through network cables, such as Cat5e or Cat6. Many NVR systems also support PoE, which allows compatible cameras to receive power and data through one cable.

A DVR, or Digital Video Recorder, is usually used with analogue CCTV cameras. These systems commonly use coaxial cable to send video from the camera to the recorder.

In simple terms, NVR systems are usually better for newer IP camera installations, while DVR systems are often useful for existing analogue CCTV setups.

3. Are PoE CCTV cameras better than WiFi cameras?

PoE CCTV cameras are often more reliable than WiFi cameras because they use a wired Ethernet connection. One cable can carry both power and data, which helps provide a stable connection between the camera and the recorder.

WiFi cameras can be useful in some situations, but they depend on wireless signal strength. If the WiFi signal is weak or unstable, the camera may suffer from delays, connection drops or missed recordings.

For homes and businesses that need reliable recording, PoE CCTV is usually the stronger long-term option.

4. What does PoE mean?

PoE stands for Power over Ethernet. It means a compatible IP CCTV camera can receive both power and data through one network cable.

This makes installation cleaner and more practical, especially when connecting cameras to a PoE NVR or PoE network switch.

5. Do you offer free local delivery in Sheffield?

Yes. We offer free local delivery in Sheffield and nearby areas where available. This is useful for local customers who want CCTV cameras, NVRs, DVRs, hard drives or accessories delivered quickly and safely.

6. What areas do you cover?

Hawk Vision Pro is based in Sheffield and supplies CCTV products to customers across Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley, Doncaster, Chesterfield, Worksop, Dronfield, Chapeltown, Stocksbridge, Mexborough, Wath upon Dearne, Wombwell, Maltby, Conisbrough, Rawmarsh, Swinton, Hoyland, Penistone, Eckington, Killamarsh, Beighton, Crystal Peaks, Handsworth, Hillsborough, Ecclesall, Darnall, Woodseats, Meadowhall, Attercliffe, Tinsley, Mosborough, Fulwood, Crookes, Walkley, Heeley, Gleadless and Hackenthorpe.

We may also supply products to nearby Yorkshire and Derbyshire areas where delivery is available.

7. What size hard drive do I need for my CCTV system?

The right hard drive size depends on the number of cameras, camera resolution, frame rate, recording schedule and how many days of footage you want to keep.

For smaller CCTV systems, 1TB or 2TB may be enough. For larger systems with 4K, 8MP or 12MP cameras, a larger surveillance hard drive such as 4TB, 6TB, 8TB or 10TB may be more suitable.

For CCTV use, surveillance-grade hard drives such as Seagate SkyHawk or WD Purple are usually better than normal desktop hard drives because they are designed for continuous 24/7 recording.

8. Can CCTV cameras record audio?

Some CCTV cameras include a built-in microphone and can record audio. Some models also support two-way audio, which means they include both a microphone and speaker, allowing you to listen and speak through a compatible app or system.

Before using audio recording, you should always make sure you follow UK privacy rules and inform people where required.

9. Are your CCTV cameras suitable for outdoor use?

Many CCTV cameras we supply are suitable for outdoor use and come with weatherproof ratings such as IP67. This means they are designed to handle outdoor conditions such as rain and dust.

Always check the product description before buying, as indoor and outdoor suitability can vary depending on the model.

10. What is the benefit of a 4K or 8MP CCTV camera?

A 4K or 8MP CCTV camera can provide clearer image detail than lower-resolution cameras. This can be useful for driveways, shop fronts, warehouses, yards and business premises where sharper footage may help identify people, vehicles or activity.

However, higher-resolution cameras also use more storage, so it is important to choose the right NVR and hard drive capacity.

11. Can I use fibre optic cable with CCTV cameras?

Yes. Fibre optic cable can be used in IP CCTV systems, especially for long-distance connections between buildings, warehouses, gates, yards or remote sites.

Fibre is useful where normal network cable is too short, or where a site needs a stable high-bandwidth connection over a long distance. A common setup is:

Main NVR or network switch → fibre optic link → remote PoE switch → IP cameras

The cameras are still usually powered locally by a PoE switch, because fibre does not carry PoE power in the same way as copper Ethernet cable.

12. Do I need an NVR for PoE cameras?

For most PoE CCTV systems, an NVR is the best option because it records the camera footage and allows you to manage live view, playback, recording schedules and remote access.

Some cameras can also support microSD card storage, but for a proper CCTV system, an NVR is usually more reliable and easier to manage.

13. Can I view CCTV cameras on my phone?

Yes. Many modern CCTV systems support remote viewing through a mobile app, allowing you to view live footage and playback recordings from your phone.

Remote viewing normally requires internet access, correct network setup and a compatible camera or recorder.

14. Are wired CCTV systems better than wireless systems?

For reliability, wired CCTV systems are usually better. A wired PoE or Ethernet connection is more stable than WiFi and is less likely to suffer from signal dropouts.

Wireless cameras can be convenient, but they may be affected by weak signal, router issues, interference or distance from the WiFi access point.

For homes and businesses that need consistent recording, a wired CCTV system is usually the better choice.

15. What products do you supply?

Hawk Vision Pro supplies CCTV and security products including:

PoE IP CCTV cameras
ANNKE CCTV cameras
NVR recorders
DVR recorders
Analogue CCTV cameras
Surveillance hard drives
Network cables
CCTV accessories
PoE systems
Security camera equipment for homes and businesses

16. Can you help me choose the right CCTV product?

Yes. If you are not sure which camera, recorder or hard drive is suitable for your property, Hawk Vision Pro can help you choose the right CCTV product based on your needs, budget and installation type.

We can advise on camera resolution, PoE systems, NVR and DVR recorders, storage capacity, outdoor use and suitable accessories.

17. Is Hawk Vision Pro based in Sheffield?

Yes. Hawk Vision Pro LTD is based in Sheffield and supplies CCTV cameras, NVRs, DVRs, PoE systems and security accessories for homes and businesses across Sheffield, South Yorkshire and nearby areas.

18. Why choose Hawk Vision Pro?

Hawk Vision Pro focuses on reliable CCTV products, clear product information, honest service and customer support. We supply trusted ANNKE CCTV products and related security equipment for home and business customers.

Our aim is to help customers choose CCTV products that are suitable, reliable and practical for real security needs.