Chant's IT
Video Security

Security cameras that actually help when something happens.

IP surveillance systems for Cape Breton businesses. Real resolution, real reliability, professionally installed — not a DIY kit from a big-box store that fails when you need it most.

Cameras you'd actually want if the worst happens.

Every business should have a security system that not only captures video, but captures video at a quality that can actually identify people, vehicles, and activity. Grainy footage from a hardware-store camera doesn't help the police and doesn't help your insurance claim.

We build systems around modern IP network cameras — 4K resolution, low-light capability, weather-rated for outdoor mounting, PoE-powered so there's one cable per camera. Footage records to a local NVR (network video recorder) right at your business, with optional cloud backup for the "someone stole the recorder too" scenario.

Every install is scalable. Start with four cameras today, add another six next year, and it all still runs on the same head unit.

What's included

Everything you need, none of the fluff.

High-resolution IP cameras

4MP–8MP resolution, wide dynamic range, low-light / IR mode for after-hours. Indoor or weather-rated outdoor housings.

Local NVR recording

Purpose-built network video recorder on-site. Continuous or motion-triggered recording, retention sized to your needs (typical: 30 days).

Mobile + web viewing

Watch live or scrub through history from a phone, tablet, or browser. Set up multi-user access — you, your manager, the alarm company.

Optional cloud backup

Off-site copy of your footage in case the NVR is stolen or damaged. Sized to critical camera coverage only to keep costs down.

Motion + analytics

Smart motion detection with zones — ignore the parking lot but alert on the door. Some models offer person / vehicle classification out of the box.

Ongoing service

Firmware updates, camera adjustments, storage upgrades, adding cameras — we support what we install and know the system inside out.

Who we install for.

Retail stores. Warehouses. Restaurants. Automotive shops. Hotels. Golf clubs. Anywhere with a physical premises, staff, customers, cash, or expensive equipment to protect. Larger residential installs too, on request.

If you've got an old analog system that's finally aged out — we can pull the existing cabling in most cases and just swap the cameras + head unit, which drops the install cost significantly.

How the quote works
  1. You call or email us. Rough description of the site, how many cameras you think you want, any existing infrastructure.
  2. We schedule a walk-through — no cost, no obligation.
  3. We spec the system, quote it fixed for the described scope, and give you a firm install timeline.
  4. You approve. We order gear, schedule the install day, and cable + mount + configure in one visit for most jobs.
  5. Training on the day of, plus a written user guide for whoever runs the day-to-day.
Common questions

Video security FAQ

What's included in the $1,499 starter kit?+

Four IP network cameras (indoor or outdoor rated as needed), a network video recorder with 1 TB of local storage, a PoE switch, cabling, mounting hardware, professional install with drilling and cable routing, remote-viewing app setup, and on-the-day training. Larger sites, external lighting, longer cable runs, or higher-retention storage are quoted separately after a walkthrough.

How long is the footage kept?+

The default 1 TB NVR holds roughly 30 days of continuous recording on a 4-camera system at typical settings — longer if you use motion-triggered recording, shorter for higher-resolution or 24/7 coverage. Larger NVRs and cloud backup options are available for retention needs of 60, 90 days, or more.

Can I watch the cameras from my phone?+

Yes. Every install includes mobile app setup for iOS and Android — you can watch live, scrub through recorded footage, receive motion alerts, and share access with staff or an alarm company. Multi-user access is set up per role so employees only see the cameras they should.

What if my internet goes down — do the cameras keep recording?+

Yes. Recording is local to the NVR on your premises, not dependent on the internet. If the internet drops you'll temporarily lose remote viewing, but the cameras keep capturing and the footage is there when the connection comes back. This is a big reason we recommend NVR-based systems over cloud-only cameras.

Can you use my existing camera cabling?+

Often yes. If your existing system uses coax we can sometimes reuse the runs with adapters (BNC-to-Ethernet baluns) — it depends on cable length and quality. If your existing cabling is Cat5e or Cat6 already, we can swap the cameras and head unit and be done same day. We'll assess during the walkthrough.

Do you install for residential customers?+

Primarily for businesses, but yes for larger residential installs (multi-camera exterior systems, coach houses, garages, waterfront properties). Small single-camera doorbell-style setups are usually better DIY — happy to point you at options that don't need us.

What about privacy and legal considerations?+

For business installs on your own property, the main rules are: notify people they're being recorded (signage), don't point cameras at areas with expected privacy (bathrooms, changing rooms), and be careful about audio recording specifically (audio has stricter rules than video in most jurisdictions). We can help you think through camera placement and signage as part of the design.

Ready to protect the premises?

Book a free walkthrough. We'll spec a system that fits what you actually need — not the biggest package we can sell you.