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.



Thanks to Roy Buckingham for contributing this article to our Surveillance blog:

Car Gps Tracking

Modern security systems are far from the passive simple devices that people often believe them to be. Indeed, a well designed security system featuring latest generation CCTV equipment can almost be thought of as a proactive security guard, safeguarding your property and possessions from potential intruders around the clock. Let’s take a closer look at the core components of a security camera based system.

·        CCTV Cameras – These are the eye of the CCTV Systems, they come in both external and internal types, and are capable of capturing full motion video, often in extreme conditions such as bad weather or low lighting. They can either be conventionally cabled to CCTV Systems as a standard video source, or more increasingly they will be IP enabled, acting as a network device which can be access from other parts of the security system.

These are a digital video recording device, designed to capture and store the video recorded by CCTV Cameras. Unlike conventional analogue recording units, a CCTV DVR requires no costly consumables to operate. More advance models will include such functionality as timed recording, still frame capture and capture on motion detection.

CCTV technology has enabled both companies and individuals to vastly cut down their security overhead, whilst maintaining unparalleled levels of security. In the past, a large business premises may have been guarded and patrolled by a whole team of security guards, CCTV cameras and CCTV DVR are now used to replace many of the physical security guards, as they require nothing more than simple monitoring, this can even happen from a remote location, meaning modern day security systems can be completely outsourced to external security companies working off-site.

By intelligently combining key CCTV technologies such as CCTV cameras and CCTV DVR units, it is possible to construct a robust, secure system that will deliver high levels of security, even in the harshest of environments. By incorporating multi fail safes and levels of redundancy it is entirely possible to protect your premises from almost any form of security risk. Current CCTV cameras are small, discreet units that are easily hidden from site in the most obscure of location, meaning that even if intruders spot and possibly disable part of your CCTV security systems, it is unlikely that they will highlight every component and render it inoperable.

In the past, CCTV security systems were plagued by low levels of reliability combined with a high amount of visibility, leaving them entirely prone to exploitation, and requiring constant monitoring and maintenance. If you have considered CCTV security systems in the past and dismissed them due to these limitations, it is strongly advised that you revisit the entire concept again and discover just how far CCTV security systems, CCTV cameras and CCTV DVR have developed over recent years, they are now entirely usable as the backbone of a robust and reliable security system.

Having been in the security industry for over a decade, Peter Jumper is now a leading consultant in the use of CCTV technology to create fully secure systems. Visit CCTV Direct for more information.



Thanks to john miller for contributing this article to our Surveillance blog:

Car Gps Tracking

Have you ever felt watched? No, don’t dismiss that feeling as paranoia. Maybe you are being watched. In light of recent tragedies - terrorist attacks, illegal activities, and the onslaught of crime, petty or otherwise, people from both the public and private sector have been obsessively setting up digital video surveillance systems everywhere possible. These days, it’s almost impossible to enter a building or even stand on the sidewalk of a busy street without being under surveillance.

Video Surveillance with Hot Fudge, Please

Digital video surveillance systems are designed as a security measure to apprehend criminals, and maybe even act as a deterrent to crime. There are several digital video surveillance systems available nowadays and choosing the right one can be like a trip to Baskin and Robbins - you simply don’t know which flavor to pick. Digital video surveillance systems also come with hefty price tags, so before you waste time shopping for a system, make sure you can actually afford it.

The most common digital video surveillance system is the lowly webcam. You’re probably thinking that it doesn’t make a very good surveillance system and you’re right. It doesn’t. If you’ve seen the movie American Pie, however, you know it can be done. It does not stop there, though. Digital video surveillance systems can be a complex labyrinth of wires, cameras, and monitors, so whatever you do, don’t attempt to set it up yourself. Contact a reputable company that specializes in digital video surveillance systems. Otherwise, you’ll do no better than Jim and his pie.

A Star with CCTV Systems

You’ve probably heard of CCTV systems, or closed circuit television systems. This is just an example of a digital video surveillance system and is probably the most popular, too. In the days of yore, CCTV systems were grainy and in black and white, and have brought about many a case of mistaken identity. Recent developments, however, have since improved the quality of CCTV systems, and all digital video surveillance systems for that matter. You can now be watched in full color on high-tech LCD monitors while you rob a bank or steal your neighbor’s underpants.

Video and Voyeurism

Virtually unheard of just 15 years ago, night vision security cameras are now the talk of the town. Don’t let the name fool you. This type of digital video surveillance system is no night owl. It works as well in daylight as it does at night. For the voyeur who is looking for material for a reality television show, DVR, or digital video recorder, surveillance is just the thing for your viewing pleasure. With DVR surveillance, you can save your footage and watch it as you please. It’s almost like recording your favorite television show on the VCR. If you or a family member is clumsy, you can minimize wiring-induced accidents by investing on a wireless home security system. You’re not only safe from crime; you get to keep all your limbs.

So before you surreptitiously scratch an itch on your privates or floss your teeth with your hair, you might want to think twice and wait until you’re in the safety of a rest room. Come to think about it, rest rooms might not be safe anymore so you might want to wait before you get to your own house. If you’re lucky, nobody has set up surveillance there yet.



Thanks to Nahshon Roberts for contributing this article to our Surveillance blog:

Wireless Home Surveillance System