CCTV Security Systems

Closed circuit television, better known as CCTV, is technology designed for visual surveillance. Its purpose is to monitor activities in a number of environments. It works by way of a dedicated communication link between a monitor and cameras (also known as a fixed link.)

Up until a decade ago CCTV didn't get much notice. Now it's use has grown exponentially. The UK stands out as an all-time high user of CCTV, finding the monitoring systems useful for public facilities, residential subdivisions, and parking lots. The budget for its annual use runs into the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Many thousands of CCTV cameras, commissioned by public safety organizations, and neighborhood watch or homeowners associations, help reduce safety issues in areas such as buses and terminals, taxis and stands, trains and train stations, phone booths, vending machines and ATM locations. The cities and towns themselves are protecting their major thoroughfares and business districts with CCTV equipment that includes camera capacity for zooming, full tilting, panning and even infrared for night viewing. Hospitals are starting to use closed circuit television products to keep an eye on the interactions between hospitalized children and visiting parents or family members they suspect of molesting or otherwise abusing them.

While the technology was first seen in Britain as a deterrent and watchdog for major crime prevention, its use has increasingly come into play to catch in the act of, or deter from the act, of considerably lesser crimes. Which may or may not be seen as a good thing. The concern here is whether or not "big brother" will start watching. Just how far will they take it?

Where they've taken it from is from the prevention of physical assault crime and serious but lesser life threatening crimes such as burglary and car jacking to a current preponderance of smaller infraction oversight and prevention. In the UK, it's not uncommon for CCTV to catch in the act someone whose crime is an attempt to commit a traffic violation, urinate in public, be publicly intoxicated and - horrible of horribles - fail to feed the parking meter. Underage smoking and drinking, use of illegal substances and occasions of sexual and racial harassment have also been exposed through closed circuit television wizardry.

Whether this British CCTV craze has really been a significant crime deterrent is hard to say.

Some public safety authorities claim reduction of violent and other crimes as high as 75 percent, stating CCTV as the reason behind this. Others dispute the statistics, stating that the results are flawed due to inept reporting and interpretation. One conjecture is that, because CCTV is much more prevalent in more affluent areas, criminals have merely moved down the road to those lower income areas whose residents and administrators cannot afford the costly CCTV system.

One result of CCTV's capturing crimes in action is that a preponderance of alleged perpetrators, faced with the knowledge that their criminal actions have been captured on TV, are opting to plead guilty, saving taxpayers the cost of a lengthy trial. While this may be a good thing at first glance, the jury is really still out on whether this is justice served to the "innocent until proven guilty" or not.

Robert Michael is a writer for CCTV Security Systems which is an excellent place to find CCTV Security Systems links, resources and articles. For more information go to: http://www.cctvtotal.com

Are You Sure You Don?t Need a CCTV Camera Monitor?

Surveillance cameras are one of the best ways to monitor and capture any illegal activity, such as shoplifting in stores or supermarkets, some fighting near schools, or robbery in the warehouse. But what?s the use of spy cameras if you hove no monitors to see the view they transmit.

Monitors are very important when it concerns video capturing from CCTV cameras. Spy camera monitors vary in size and shape. They have different resolutions, may come in color or black-and-white, have audio options or not. So in order to get a good security camera system, not only you should look at the specifications of security cameras, but also at the monitors of spy cameras.

Of course, for basic surveillance needs, you may get away with a TV or a computer screen. However, for more professional (better image quality) surveillance camera view, you should consider a special security camera monitor.

TV Screen for Spy Camera View

Now some people decide to use their own TV for capturing spy camera view. It may be a good idea if you?re not seeking to have a high quality image.

You see, spy cameras use a particular number of horizontal lines to present the image. Usually, black-and-white spy cameras have about 380 horizontal lines. Colored ones have about 330 or so horizontal lines. However, there are higher quality security cameras that use more horizontal lines to reproduce the picture.

Better quality may be achieved by purchasing 580 TV line black-and-white cameras or 460 colored TV lines security cameras. Now if you use a TV screen to represent the picture, you won?t achieve high resolution image. That?s because TV?s have less horizontal lines than the spy camera can produce. So in order to get a quality picture, you need a better quality monitor screen.

Security Camera Monitors

Spy cam monitors offer much better resolution compared to regular TV?s. You can find some monitors that handle 900 or 1000 horizontal TV lines. So you can be sure that the image quality you?ll get will be maximum.

If you don?t need very high resolution for gathering pictures, then you may go for a 330 or 400 TV line monitor. It will be cheaper, but will do the job. However, if the image quality is crucial for your surveillance needs, then think about better quality spy camera monitor that can handle 900 TV lines.

One other thing you should consider is color or B&W monitor. Of course, if your cameras are black-and-white, then there?s no reason to use colored security camera monitor, right. But if you?ll decide to use some colored cameras, then you might regret for choosing B&W monitor. Basically black-and-white cameras produce better image quality when compared to colored ones. However, in some cases, color cameras are irreplaceable.

Some monitors come with audio technology built-in. This means that a person sitting over the monitors not only can see what the camera captures, but also speak with the person near the door. For example, if someone is at the door or gate, you can see the person and say something to him using a built in loudspeaker. If the security camera contains audio too, you both can speak to each other from the distance. This is a great feature for security personnel guarding the territory.

Lastly, you may want a monitor that handles more than one camera at a time. If you?re a homeowner looking for a monitor, then you may get away with one camera only. However, for larger companies, the ability to monitor many cameras at the same time is very important. Some CCTV camera monitors allow you to view 4 or even up to 16 cameras at the time using a split mode. Such monitors also allow you to switch from one camera to another, and even use a picture-in-picture view.

In Conclusion

Security camera monitors are relatively cheap. For a basic B&W model you can pay a little over $150 dollars. Better, LCD monitors may cost from $200 to $400 or little more dollars. It all depends on your needs.

If you want a color surveillance camera monitor that captures great quality view, has a built in audio equipment, allows multiple camera view, then you may perform a search on the internet and find the most suitable security camera monitor for all your needs.

Dan Crane, who specializes in security and surveillance industry, offers free tips and resources to homeowners and company managers about home security systems and advanced security camera systems for better home and office security and protection.

CCTV: An Introduction To CCTV

What is CCTV?

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) is an installation of directly connected components creating a circuit which cannot be viewed by anybody outside of the circuit.

This is different to a terrestrial television broadcast system which anybody with an antenna and reception equipment can view.

Who needs a CCTV system?

CCTV systems can be found virtually everywhere in these days. They are no longer considered an expensive luxury item, especially when you consider your increased level of security.

CCTV systems can be found in both the private and commercial sector and are used for security/ crime prevention purposes and providing Health and Safety protection to the members of the general public.

You will have seen CCTV systems operating in town centres, football stadiums, high street shops, sports centres, petrol stations, on public transport - the list is endless.

A CCTV system is a proven method of increasing the level of security of your premises. Its visual appearance alone will deter a criminal from approaching or entering your property for fear of being captured and identified on the system.

CCTV solutions can be tailor made to suit individual requirements. They can be as simple as one camera and a monitor, but it is quite common to have multiple cameras/monitors and recording devices in one installation.

The Elements of a CCTV System

There are three basic elements to a CCTV system,

1. Camera 2. Lens 3. Monitor unit

The camera is the element which captures the image and transmits the picture back to a monitor. The camera needs a lens to be able to focus on the subject. There are a wide variety of lenses to suit different applications.

The monitor is the receiver unit which converts the captured image into a picture, allowing you to see it.

Colour or Monochrome?

This is a very common question, but ultimately only you can decide.

A CCTV system should be designed to suit your needs, to fit into the environment on your property. The installing company should provide guidance on the suitability of different options, features and benefits - including colour and monochrome units. It may be that you need a camera that will work in colour during the day and automatically switch to monochrome at night!

Recording

As circumstances don't normally permit the luxury of having a dedicated person to sit and watch a monitor 24 hours a day, the image captured by the camera needs to be recorded so that it can be viewed later, if necessary.

Traditionally, this was done with a time lapse Video Cassette Recorder (VCR) which worked on the same principle as a domestic video but with the ability to record for a much longer period of time.

However, the VCR has now been superseded by the digital Hard Disk Recorder (HDR). Rather than using tapes, the HDR stores the images on to a hard disk drive similar to the way a home computer stores data.

More than one camera?!

Most systems today comprise of more than one camera, but you don't; a monitor and recorder for each camera.

Equipment is available that will split the monitor into four separate screens displaying four cameras, or a four way sequence unit can be used which allows you to choose which camera you would like to view. Alternatively, the automatic mode it will sequence through the four cameras that are connected.

However, the most common way of controlling multiple cameras is via a multiplexer.

To keep it simple, a multiplexer incorporates the above facilities but also has the ability to individually code mark each image from each camera and because of this, a multiplexer allows all of the cameras on a system to be recorded onto one tape or hard drive unit. The multiplexer then uses these code marks to play back the recorded picture from the camera that you wish to view.

Historically multiplexers and recording units were separate pieces of equipment, but recently a number of manufactures have developed units that do both jobs.

I want......I need.......

These days, a CCTV system can be designed to fit any scenario you care to imagine, using options from the vast range of equipment available from manufactures worldwide.

For example, cameras can be internal, external, highly visible or covert. They can be static or fully controllable/movable from a remote location. You can have one camera or hundreds; you can record for one day or 21 days. With a suitable internet connection, you can even view your property when you are abroad. Get the picture??!!!

Quality Counts

Although an avid DIY-er can buy equipment that claims to be a CCTV system from their local store, and electrical companies have jumped onto the CCTV bandwagon and will install systems too, it is always advisable to seek the advice of a specialist company.

Why?

In around 70% of cases, CCTV footage is found to be inadmissible as evidence in a Court of Law because the quality of the evidence is considered inadequate. This can result from the poor design and bad installation of the system and highlights the importance to seek professional advice from the outset

Only a specialist company who are professional in their approach and can demonstrate experience in design and installation should be approached. Most importantly, you must feel confident that the company you choose will listen to and understand your individual CCTV requirements. Their experience with lens optics and camera technology will guarantee you satisfaction with your system.

A specialist company will also ensure the best value for money , for example by using a different lens or camera mounting positions which can not only monitor the area at risk but also give an outline view of the surrounding area at the same time.

Data protection

A CCTV system must be registered in order to comply with the data protection act of 1998.

Since 24 October 2001, it has been a criminal offence to have an unregistered CCTV system that records people in a public or a private place (conditions apply).

The Code of Practice contains legally enforceable 'Standards' that must be met to ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

There are also a further 30 points of good working practice which, when used in conjunction with the Standards, are designed to build and maintain public confidence in CCTV systems and to ensure that installers and users operate within the law. The Code of Practice is available for you to view at www.dataprotection.gov.uk

Pete Childs is the Sales Manager of Christie Intruder Alarms. CIA install and Maintain Security & Fire Systems including Intruder Alarms and CCTV.

Are You Sure You Don't Need a CCTV Camera Monitor?

Surveillance cameras are one of the best ways to monitor and capture any illegal activity, such as shoplifting in stores or supermarkets, some fighting near schools, or robbery in the warehouse. But what's the use of spy cameras if you hove no monitors to see the view they transmit.

Monitors are very important when it concerns video capturing from CCTV cameras. Spy camera monitors vary in size and shape. They have different resolutions, may come in color or black-and-white, have audio options or not. So in order to get a good security camera system, not only you should look at the specifications of security cameras, but also at the monitors of spy cameras.

Of course, for basic surveillance needs, you may get away with a TV or a computer screen. However, for more professional (better image quality) surveillance camera view, you should consider a special security camera monitor.

TV Screen for Spy Camera View

Now some people decide to use their own TV for capturing spy camera view. It may be a good idea if you're not seeking to have a high quality image.

You see, spy cameras use a particular number of horizontal lines to present the image. Usually, black-and-white spy cameras have about 380 horizontal lines. Colored ones have about 330 or so horizontal lines. However, there are higher quality security cameras that use more horizontal lines to reproduce the picture.

Better quality may be achieved by purchasing 580 TV line black-and-white cameras or 460 colored TV lines security cameras. Now if you use a TV screen to represent the picture, you won't achieve high resolution image. That's because TV's have less horizontal lines than the spy camera can produce. So in order to get a quality picture, you need a better quality monitor screen.

Security Camera Monitors

Spy cam monitors offer much better resolution compared to regular TV's. You can find some monitors that handle 900 or 1000 horizontal TV lines. So you can be sure that the image quality you'll get will be maximum.

If you don't need very high resolution for gathering pictures, then you may go for a 330 or 400 TV line monitor. It will be cheaper, but will do the job. However, if the image quality is crucial for your surveillance needs, then think about better quality spy camera monitor that can handle 900 TV lines.

One other thing you should consider is color or B&W monitor. Of course, if your cameras are black-and-white, then there's no reason to use colored security camera monitor, right. But if you'll decide to use some colored cameras, then you might regret for choosing B&W monitor. Basically black-and-white cameras produce better image quality when compared to colored ones. However, in some cases, color cameras are irreplaceable.

Some monitors come with audio technology built-in. This means that a person sitting over the monitors not only can see what the camera captures, but also speak with the person near the door. For example, if someone is at the door or gate, you can see the person and say something to him using a built in loudspeaker. If the security camera contains audio too, you both can speak to each other from the distance. This is a great feature for security personnel guarding the territory.

Lastly, you may want a monitor that handles more than one camera at a time. If you're a homeowner looking for a monitor, then you may get away with one camera only. However, for larger companies, the ability to monitor many cameras at the same time is very important. Some CCTV camera monitors allow you to view 4 or even up to 16 cameras at the time using a split mode. Such monitors also allow you to switch from one camera to another, and even use a picture-in-picture view.

In Conclusion

Security camera monitors are relatively cheap. For a basic B&W model you can pay a little over $150 dollars. Better, LCD monitors may cost from $200 to $400 or little more dollars. It all depends on your needs.

If you want a color surveillance camera monitor that captures great quality view, has a built in audio equipment, allows multiple camera view, then you may perform a search on the internet and find the most suitable security camera monitor for all your needs.

Dan Crane, who specializes in security and surveillance industry, offers free tips and resources to homeowners and company managers about home security systems and advanced security camera systems for better home and office security and protection.