Choosing A CCTV System And Installer

What is CCTV?

CCTV stands for Closed Circuit Television and is designed for a limited number of viewers (in a controlled manner) as opposed to broadcast TV which is designed for mass viewing.

It differs from broadcast TV because all the components are linked together (generally by cables) to create a `closed? loop.

CCTV is often used in areas where there is an increased need for security, such as banks, casinos, airports, motorways and increasingly in public areas such as train stations and central business districts in most cities.

Initially developed as a means of increasing security in banks and other high risk businesses, CCTV is increasingly finding its way into small business and homes due to its easy of installation and operation and the continued reduction in pricing thanks to many domestic style products introduced in recent years.

It should be noted that CCTV is not exclusively the domain of security surveillance, but is regularly used in manufacturing process monitoring for QA purposes, for inspecting pipes, chimneys or even the underside of a ships hull.

For our purposes we will be discussing CCTV in its most common form, which is as a security surveillance system.

CCTV System Introduction

From a single camera and monitor to complex video surveillance systems with hundreds of cameras, multiple operators, and digital recorders, closed circuit television (CCTV) systems can provide security for a wide range of businesses.

A good CCTV system can make your business safer, more efficient, and less prone to theft and accidents. Specifically, CCTV can provide many benefits:

- Reduce shrinkage by catching shoplifters
- deter potential thieves
- monitor cash registers
- record evidence to prevent bogus accident claims
- identify visitors and employees
- monitor hazardous work areas
- increase security in and around business premises and parking lots
- meet insurance requirements

The most basic CCTV setup would be a single camera connected directly to a monitor and a recorder to store the video. While a setup like this could help security in some cases, it is unlikely to be enough for most businesses. Most situations call for multiple cameras.

Evaluating Your CCTV Needs

Before starting to compare systems or choose potential vendors, sit down and consider your CCTV needs carefully.

First, you should decide what the purpose of the CCTV system is. Is it primarily to act as a deterrent of potential crimes or to actually catch and prosecute perpetrators? Both can be important, but your priority will influence your purchasing decisions. If you are more interested in deterring certain activities, large, visible cameras are your best bet. Trying to catch criminals on video without them being aware of it requires discrete or hidden cameras. Hidden cameras in many countries can be illegal or may only be used by court order ? so check with your CCTV professional before installation.

Next, consider what you want to monitor. General comings and goings? Vehicles? Do you want to see faces, merchandise, crowds? Once you decide what you want to see, choosing components will become easier.

Then, decide how the images will be used. Do you want to use them for your own review or will your require that they are able to be printed for facial identification or even for admission in a court of law. This will have a big impact on the method you use to record the images and the quality of the cameras, lenses and recorder you will require.

Also consider how your system will be monitored. Will you simply record at all times, and only review the video when a problem occurs? Or will you have a dedicated employee watching for events? Do you want a monitor showing images in public areas?

Three Things To Consider

1. Avoid dummy cameras. While they may deter some problems, they also can create a legal liability by creating an expectation of safety when none exists, plus staff soon learn which ones are active and which ones aren?t.

2. Put up signs. Highly visible signage that lets customers and employees know that they are being filmed can greatly increase the deterrent effect. This is actually a legal requirement in many countries.

3. Do not record audio. Most CCTV systems do not include audio monitoring for the simple reason that it is generally illegal. People in public places can be videotaped without their consent, but their voices cannot.

Choosing a CCTV Installer

Once you know the basic requirements of what you want to see and how you want to use your CCTV system, it is time to call a CCTV installer to get a professional view and price up the supply and installation.

A professional installer will be able to tell you how to best achieve the results of the system you will be installing. That will include the positioning of cameras, the selection of equipment to meet your requirements and budget.

It is important that a potential installer for your job provides references of customers, they have current correct licensing (if applicable for your area) and I always recommend getting a breakdown of the equipment component versus the labour component of a quote.

Don?t just go for the cheapest option unless you are purely using the system as a deterrent. You should evaluate the capability of the installer, the warranty offered on the equipment, the warranty offered on the installation (ie cables), what level of training do they provide and what level of after sales technical support do they offer.

If you have opted to go with a modern digital CCTV installation, unless you are completely familiar with the system, you will require technical support, especially when that first time comes that you need to export video onto a CD or DVD to give to the police. At that time, how sure are you that the person/company that installed the system will be able to provide you with the required assistance.

As a final note on potential installers ? never ever choose an installer that doesn?t do a full inspection of the site in which the installation will take place. If they haven?t seen the site they cannot know of any potential issues that may cause them to need to adjust the price (always up) or take shortcuts that will affect your systems performance.

Once your system has been installed, make sure you and any other staff that may use the system make the time available to be trained. Don?t skip this point as you have spent good money on a system and you will need to use it at some point.

In future articles I will write about choosing cameras, DVRs, monitors and other equipment that will go to make up your CCTV system.

Brad Couper is the editor and publisher of Global CCTV Hub, the central point on the world wide web all things CCTV. For more information on CCTV and to find an installer in your area, visit http://www.globalcctvhub.com

CCTV Cameras--Reduce the Risk of Crime

CCTV Cameras are among the most effective ways to reduce crime in your business or home, and there are a number of places to purchase CCTV equipment, even if you're on a budget. Here are some things to look for when you're shopping for CCTV cameras that will help you save time and money, as well as help you to better to protect your property. First of all, you need to choose a CCTV camera that has both a wide range and a quality lens, so that you can see what's going on no matter which part of the property you're on, and you'll be able to spot any suspicious people or activity right away.

Next, make sure that your CCTV camera is compact and is easily rotated. This way, the camera is not easily seen by intruders or customers, and the ability for the camera to rotate quickly and effectively will give you a total view of who comes in and out of your business or home. The Voltek Wireless CCTV camera is a great choice for this reason, and we also offer a number of great new product to compliment this camera. It's also a good idea to make sure that the CCTV equipment you purchase works well with the way that your property is set up in terms of how many enclosed walkways there are, whether or not there are open spaces throughout the office space or home, and how many rooms are usually occupied on the property. This will help you to determine how large of a camera you should purchase, and you may also want to purchase wireless CCTV equipment to eliminate the look of cables and plugs across the walls of your property.

Other equipment you'll want to purchase in addition to the actual CCTV camera include a sign that you can post in front of your door or window on your property, which will let both potential criminals and customers know that the property is under surveillance. You'll also want to make sure that you have a CCTV monitor that is hooked up to the camera, so that you can make sure that your property is safe, no matter where you are in your home or office. The monitors are available in both color and black and white, so you have the option of purchasing the monitors that are most affordable for you. If you're just starting your business, or are switching alarm systems or moving into a new home or business building, you may also want to look into purchasing a dummy camera for a short period of time. The dummy cameras look very realistic, and you can use it to give the illusion of security on your property until you install a new CCTV camera. You may also want to look into the audio cameras we have to offer, such as the new Wireless Microcam Audio CCTV camera, so that you can hear what's going on in your property as well as see it.

The shape of your camera will also play a big part in how well hidden the camera is, and how secure you can keep your home or business. Many times, if a surveillance camera is very obvious or large, criminals will immediately try to destroy the camera before stealing merchandise or money, or otherwise damaging the property. If a CCTV camera is well hidden, it will be difficult for burglars to find the camera, and it is much more likely that you will catch the trespassing on tape accurately. A discreet camera will also make customers or others in your home feel safer. So, small cameras, dome-shaped cameras, and even submergible cameras are a good idea if you want to add a little extra security to your home or business.

For more information on CCTV go to http://www.musthavesecurity.com/cctv-kits.asp"> www.musthavesecurity.com/cctv-kits.asp

Must Have Security is one of the UK's leading specialist online retailer of personal and home security products. For more information go to http://www.musthavesecurity.com/cctv-kits.asp

A Peek Inside CCTV Cameras

The CCTV camera has certainly been able to generate a lot of publicity for itself during the recent years. Many recent trends are beginning when it comes to spy and surveillance gadgets. A lot of people have actually taken a good deal of interest in these CCTV cameras which are often described as the camera in a light bulb. These CCTV cameras can be easily screwed onto any light socket because the inside of the CCTV camera is a highly sophisticated low-light monochrome camera.

CCTV Camera Facts:

- The video signal of the CCTV camera is encoded and fed directly to a 110-volt power line
- Each and every CCTV camera also has a companion decoder that can be plugged into even a typical homeowners TV set
- Uses standard video output using line-level RCA type cables
- Built in infrared system for seeing images clearly even in total darkness and up to a maximum of 30 feet

1. Amazing Durability

The CCTV camera has already been tested and it successfully works even when using 2000 feet of AC wiring. And even though the power line is already loaded with other appliances such as refrigerator motors, heater elements as well other peaks and dips the CCTV camera will still be able to deliver good and clear images even under such conditions. When it comes to wide-angle viewing, the CCTV camera is actually the best in the lot and is considered a great choice.

2. Blazing Detail

CCTV cameras are extremely sensitive when it comes to being able to deliver readable images even with only minimum lighting. You can actually increase this infrared capability of the CCTV camera when you add some supplemental infrared floodlights.

Also, the CCTV camera is a fully plug and play compatible surveillance camera for any device using standard RCA connections. You can also plug the video feed of the CCTV camera directly to your VCR and you can actually record the captured images instantly. With the CCTV camera, you can monitor the images through your television set or you can take the tape with you and actually play it on a different VCR.

For people who would like to have more information about the CCTV camera as well as how the CCTV camera can help you feel secure in your home as well as the price listings of the CCTV cameras, interested people can just easily acquire it through the internet wherein various web sites concerning the CCTV camera abound, you just have to be able to resist the urge to just buy any old CCTV camera that is being offered in the market today. There are actually a lot of fraud CCTV cameras wherein they sell it off inexpensively, duping their customers into thinking that they were able to score a bargain but in reality these are just cheap imitations and do not really function that well.

For more great CCTV camera related articles and resources check out http://www.surveillance-stop.com

What is CCTV?

CCTV is an acronym that stands for Closed Circuit Television. It is defined as the use of one or more cameras used for surveillance purposes. It was initially developed to increase bank security and has since spread to every corner of the security industry. Home security systems, businesses, corporations, organizations, and schools are several examples of locations that implement CCTV Security Systems. When CCTV cameras first appeared in the public sphere, they were crude, low-definition cameras that only recorded in black and white. They were completely simple and lacked even the ability to pan or zoom. CCTV cameras today are smaller, sleeker, and far more technologically advanced than the cameras of yesterday. They produce high quality, exceptionally sharp color images, and have motion sensors that track movement across an area. They can pick a person out of a crowd and lock on them, tracing their movements; they can run at night because of infrared technology. The possibilities are endless for CCTV, especially as the technology continues to develop. Closed-circuit cameras are often used to discourage and deter crime. While they don't necessarily eliminate crime, closed-circuit cameras do make it possible to identify events and suspects, making is easier to detect and prosecute those involved in a crime. Another function that closed-circuit cameras serve is that of traffic monitors. Speed cameras are installed in various locations, taking a picture of your license plate and with the help of radar technology, recording your speed. In many cities in the US, you may receive a speeding ticket with a picture of your car and its clocked speed, or a picture of the exact moment you ran a red light. They come in all shapes and sizes and can be installed anywhere, from your car and your handbag to police surveillance vans and taxis. They are ideal for purposes of security as they have the ability to recall events in real time at an accurate date and provide information that may lead to the detection and persecution of criminal activities. Emerging technologies will make faster, quicker cameras that will be able to pick a face out of the crowd on command. They could be programmed to identify 'criminal' behavior by body movement that might signify a troublemaker, and zoom up on your face in an instant. Banks, hospitals, institutions that deal in large sums of money, government buildings, and schools are several areas of the public sector where closed-circuit television cameras work well. The CCTV System is moving towards a completely computerized monitoring system that will eventually replace the current need for a CCTV operator and become a fully automated system.

CCTV System: Choosing a System and Installer

What is CCTV?

CCTV stands for Closed Circuit Television and is designed for a limited number of viewers (in a controlled manner) as opposed to broadcast TV which is designed for mass viewing.

It differs from broadcast TV because all the components are linked together (generally by cables) to create a `closed' loop.

CCTV is often used in areas where there is an increased need for security, such as banks, casinos, airports, motorways and increasingly in public areas such as train stations and central business districts in most cities.

Initially developed as a means of increasing security in banks and other high risk businesses, CCTV is increasingly finding its way into small business and homes due to its ease of installation and operation and the continued reduction in pricing thanks to many domestic style products introduced in recent years.

It should be noted that CCTV is not exclusively the domain of security surveillance, but is regularly used in manufacturing process monitoring for QA purposes, for inspecting pipes, chimneys or even the underside of a ships hull.

For our purposes we will be discussing CCTV in its most common form, which is as a security surveillance system.

Video surveillance introduction

From a single camera and monitor to complex video surveillance systems with hundreds of cameras, multiple operators, and digital recorders, closed circuit television (CCTV) systems can provide security for a wide range of businesses.

A good CCTV system can make your business safer, more efficient, and less prone to theft and accidents. Specifically, CCTV can provide many benefits: - Reduce shrinkage by catching shoplifters

- deter potential thieves

- monitor cash registers

- record evidence to prevent bogus accident claims

- identify visitors and employees

- monitor hazardous work areas

- increase security in and around business premises and parking lots

- meet insurance requirements

The most basic CCTV setup would be a single camera connected directly to a monitor and a recorder to store the video. While a setup like this could help security in some cases, it is unlikely to be enough for most businesses. Most situations call for multiple cameras.

Evaluating Your CCTV Needs

Before starting to compare systems or choose potential vendors, sit down and consider your CCTV needs carefully.

First, you should decide what the purpose of the CCTV system is. Is it primarily to act as a deterrent of potential crimes or to actually catch and prosecute perpetrators? Both can be important, but your priority will influence your purchasing decisions. If you are more interested in deterring certain activities, large, visible cameras are your best bet. Trying to catch criminals on video without them being aware of it requires discrete or hidden cameras. Hidden cameras in many countries can be illegal or may only be used by court order - so check with your CCTV professional before installation.

Next, consider what you want to monitor. General comings and goings? Vehicles? Do you want to see faces, merchandise, crowds? Once you decide what you want to see, choosing components will become easier.

Then, decide how the images will be used. Do you want to use them for your own review or will your require that they are able to be printed for facial identification or even for admission in a court of law. This will have a big impact on the method you use to record the images and the quality of the cameras, lenses and recorder you will require.

Also consider how your system will be monitored. Will you simply record at all times, and only review the video when a problem occurs? Or will you have a dedicated employee watching for events? Do you want a monitor showing images in public areas?

Three Things To Consider

1. Avoid dummy cameras. While they may deter some problems, they also can create a legal liability by creating an expectation of safety when none exists, plus staff soon learn which ones are active and which ones aren't.

2. Put up signs. Highly visible signage that lets customers and employees know that they are being filmed can greatly increase the deterrent effect. This is actually a legal requirement in many countries.

3. Do not record audio. Most CCTV systems do not include audio monitoring for the simple reason that it is generally illegal. People in public places can be videotaped without their consent, but their voices cannot.

Choosing a CCTV Installer

Once you know the basic requirements of what you want to see and how you want to use your CCTV system, it is time to call a CCTV installer to get a professional view and price up the supply and installation. A professional installer will be able to tell you how to best achieve the results of the system you will be installing. That will include the positioning of cameras, the selection of equipment to meet your requirements and budget.

It is important that a potential installer for your job provides references of customers, they have current correct licensing (if applicable for your area) and I always recommend getting a breakdown of the equipment component versus the labour component of a quote.

Don't just go for the cheapest option unless you are purely using the system as a deterrent. You should evaluate the capability of the installer, the warranty offered on the equipment, the warranty offered on the installation (ie cables), what level of training do they provide and what level of after sales technical support do they offer.

If you have opted to go with a modern digital CCTV installation, unless you are completely familiar with the system, you will require technical support, especially when that first time comes that you need to export video onto a CD or DVD to give to the police. At that time, how sure are you that the person/company that installed the system will be able to provide you with the required assistance.

As a final note on potential installers - never ever choose an installer that doesn't do a full inspection of the site in which the installation will take place. If they haven't seen the site they cannot know of any potential issues that may cause them to need to adjust the price (always up) or take shortcuts that will affect your systems performance.

Once your system has been installed, make sure you and any other staff that may use the system make the time available to be trained. Don't skip this point as you have spent good money on a system and you will need to use it at some point.

In future articles I will write about choosing cameras, DVRs, monitors and other equipment that will go to make up your CCTV system. For more information on CCTV and to find an installer in your area, Global CCTV Hub

Brad Couper is the editor of Global CCTV Hub the central place for all things CCTV on the world wide web