CCTV systems nowadays have gone digital and are far more advanced in functionality and user-friendliness such as they are composed of the old equipment with new features and modern software with a lot of convenient features such as night vision, pan, tilt, zoom, infra-red technology that is invisible to the human eye which allows cameras to see up to 20 meters, a digital video recorder that you can remotely log into, motion detection technology that allows you to see controls in recording when the camera is triggered by a fixed movement and allows users to view footage through logging in through an iPhone app.
Understand that these systems have an array of functions where they can be used and not only for home security. They can be used to view real-time traffic, manufacturing plants to ensure that quality processes are being followed by workers, public areas to minimize the risk of terrorists, robbery and other crimes, for research such as migration of birds, industries where processes are risky to humans such as chemical industry, finding problems where humans will not fit or may be harmful for them and of course to avoid crime. There are probably a hundred more functions that a CCTV camera can undertake which will only need the creativity of its owner.
Choosing the right CCTV system for you depends on a myriad of factors. For instance, the number of cameras you might need, if you prefer wireless CCTV kits or a traditional one, where the cameras are to be installed for instance outdoors where it might be prone to dirt and dust, the ability to access it from your mobile phone and elsewhere while you are out and the ability to record footage. Consider this first before canvassing for the right CCTV kit for you. With every feature of high end technology, it can be easy to get carried away.
Components of a CCTV System
There’s a lot that goes into a successful CCTV installation. While the cameras get most of the attention in the beginning, you also have other concerns, such as viewing, recording, and archiving the video footage, and the equipment required for carrying out those tasks. Here’s a look at the basic components of a typical CCTV system.
Camera: Security cameras are the starting point for most CCTV systems. There are endless possibilities when choosing CCTV cameras and lenses – everything from fixed models designed for monitoring very specific locations, to day/night cameras, and powerful PTZ domes for patrolling large areas.
Monitor: In a traditional CCTV setup, operators view footage from a central location on a monitor very much like a TV, but with higher lines of resolution for better picture quality. Monitors can be dedicated (meaning they display video from a single camera), or call-up (meaning operators can access multiple cameras at the same time).
Cable: With an analog system, coaxial cable is required for transmitting video footage from the cameras. This is one of the drawbacks of analog CCTV, as the cable can be expensive and difficult to install, especially for larger camera networks, and those were cameras must be positioned in difficult locations.
DVR: Most modern CCTV systems incorporate DVRs (digital video recorders) which enable operators to reap some of the benefits of a network-based surveillance setup. DVRs convert the analog footage to digital, which helps to extend storage capacity, makes it much easier to search archived footage, and also allows users to stream video over a network for remote viewing from multiple locations.
