Closed Camera Circuit Television (CCTV) system or video surveillance systems could be the perfect solution to enhance security, although being used mostly for commercial applications in banks, airports, malls, office buildings and small businesses, you can find CCTV systems in residential premises as well where there is a need for extra security and monitoring capabilities.

Main Components

The main components and some basic specifications of a CCTV system:

Cameras & Lenses:

• The main types of cameras are – Dome cameras, Infrared cameras, Box cameras, PTZ (Pan/Tilt/Zoom) cameras, Spy cameras
• TVL – TV Lines of resolution. This datum gives indication about the quality of the picture or camera resolution. The higher the TVL the better quality of the image
• Color VS Black & White Security Cameras - Color cameras are the preferred choice for obvious reasons but black and white cameras are cheaper for most applications, however, black and white cameras are slightly cheaper, more sensitive to light and can see better in lower light conditions
• Indoor VS Outdoor Cameras – Outdoor cameras must be a weather resistant camera unless it is mounted in weather proof camera housing
• FOV - Field of View. This datum is the height and width of the picture size produced by a lens FOV can be adjusted to your application using a different lens.
• Auto Iris VS Manual Iris – Manual iris lenses are cheaper than their auto iris counterpart and will be considered as an option for areas with constant light such as: offices and libraries. Auto iris lenses will be a good selection for locations where the light is constantly changing such as: building entrances or parking lots

Recording Equipment:

• PC-based DVRs - PC-based DVRs are built around a PC running on Windows operating system
• Standalone DVRs - Standalone DVRs are computer-based machines which run on a Linux or other proprietary operating system that is design to run only one application

Motion Detection:

Motion detectors are not a function of the cameras but part of the DVR software. The DVR will start recording as soon as the DVR software detects change in the frame or movement during the analysis process of the video frames coming from the cameras

Security Monitors:

The video feed from the cameras can be displayed either on a regular TV monitor or PC monitor. PC based DVRs most likely will provide both options while most of the standalone DVRs will be used with regular TV monitors

Power Supplies:

Each camera requires a power source. Most of the cameras operate on 12V DC, but some operate on 24V AC. It is recommended to use a multi port power supply if you have 3 or more cameras

While the applications and uses of security and surveillance cameras have not changed much over the years, the equipment and technology have been dramatically improved giving the customer many options to choose from, some may say too many. Cameras have become smaller and better, recording devices have become far more sophisticated and feature rich and wireless technology is available. The decision of the right components and system should be carefully determined by our professional technician based on the customer needs.

Please call us today to schedule an estimate. This service is free of charge and will allow us to review your needs more carefully and provide you with a binding estimate.