CCTV is the acronym for Closed Circuit Television. The expression “Closed Circuit” means that it is an installation of directly connected components that create an image circuit that cannot be seen by another person outside of it. And it differs from broadcasting ordinary television signals in that they can be seen by anyone with an antenna or other equipment to receive them, while CCTV cannot.
CCTVs are customized to suit the nature and security needs of each client. The ideal CCTV system should provide good quality images during the day and also at night, and it should also be easy to use and flexible, to record images that serve as useful evidence and help to analyze incidents. If the images do not have quality, then it will be of little use.
How does a CCTV camera system work?
There are many different CCTV camera systems available, analog and digital, wired and wireless, and their ways of operating vary. However, the basic components are basically the same: CCTV cameras, a CCTV lens, a CCTV monitor, and (for wired systems) the cables that carry the signal from one site to another.
The received images are sent to a CCTV monitor and recorded. Depending on the lens, the camera may have one range or another of vision. The camera picks up the signal from the area being monitored, and in wired systems, the CCTV camera sends the signal through a coaxial cable to the CCTV monitor. In wireless systems, the camera emits the signal without the need for cables. The monitors can be observed by qualified personnel or not be supervised in real time by anyone.
Recent advances in technology and software make it possible for many recorders to now be equipped with motion recording or incident reporting. With motion recording, devices will only record when CCTV cameras detect motion. This saves storage space during periods of inactivity. Event notification consists of the process of sending text, telephone or email messages when activity is detected.
This is particularly effective for teams without human supervision. Recorded information can be stored or viewed by those with access whenever they want. Many of today’s recorders also have an Internet connection so images can be accessed remotely with a computer or even a mobile phone.
A multi-camera CCTV system?
Most systems today consist of more than one camera, but you don’t need a monitor and recorder for each of them. Multiple CCTV cameras can share monitor and hard drive. There are computers that, for example, separate the screen into four to view four images, or that allow you to choose which camera you want to view. However, the most common way to control several cameras is with a multiplexer, which incorporates the previous services with a code, with which you can then see the camera you want knowing that code. Before multiplexers and recorders were separate, but now units have been developed that do it all.
Who needs a CCTV video surveillance system?
CCTV systems can be found practically everywhere today. You may have seen them in shopping malls, building exteriors, in football stadiums … the list is endless. And a CCTV camera system is becoming more and more common in home situations. CCTV systems are also no longer a luxury, especially considering the level of security they provide.
The commercial sector can be used for different purposes, such as to have evidence of an incident or to fight against fraudulent complaints. And of course to avoid theft, of course.
What you want and what you need
These days a CCTV camera system can be designed to suit any scenario you can imagine. For example, cameras can be internal or external, visible or covered, static or remote controllable. You can have a single camera or hundreds, record a day or weeks. With a proper internet connection you can keep an eye on your property even when you are away.
Why should you get a quality CCTV system?
In about 70% of cases, CCTV recordings are useless as evidence because the quality is not good enough. This can be due to poor design or poor system installation, so it is tremendously important to seek professional advice.
You should only go to a company that can demonstrate its experience in designing and installing CCTV systems. Most importantly, you need to be able to trust that the company you choose will listen and understand you.
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