PTZ Cameras for CCTV Systems

CCTV systems are only as good as the security camera attached to them. One of the best choices to extend the capabilities of your CCTV system is a PTZ surveillance camera. PTZ – which stands for pan, tilt, zoom – allows you to survey larger areas, zoom in for higher detail and do automatic surveys of the area your cameras cover. In addition, a motor-driven PTZ security camera for your CCTV system can provide some other benefits that may not be so obvious.

Multiple Alarm Inputs

A PTZ security camera can be programmed to zero in on potential trouble based on input from an alarm contact. Most PTZ surveillance cameras allow for four alarm inputs, so you can hook your camera up to a motion detector, door and window contacts or other alarm device to activate your camera and draw its attention.

Programmed Sweeps and Tours

A PTZ CCTV camera can be set to do routine sweeps of multiple areas. You can, for example, program your security camera to sweep the entire parking lot every 5 minutes, then zoom to do closer sweeps of different sectors of the parking lot in between the broader sweeps. You can also program a PTZ security camera to focus on a large area and zoom in when triggered by an alarm signal.

Non-Obtrusive

Choose a PTZ dome camera for unobtrusive uses, such as surveillance of your business throughout the day. PTZ cameras are about the same size as a fixed security camera, and can be installed so that they are not obvious. In addition, a PTZ surveillance camera can be controlled from a remote location, making it easy to watch without being observed.

Weather Resistant

For outdoor use, choose a weather-resistant PTZ surveillance camera. Modern CCTV camera equipment is built to withstand exposure to the elements and housed in weather-resistant casing that keeps the motors safe.

Auto-Focus

A modern PTZ surveillance camera will use auto-focus to maintain focus at different zoom and distance levels. This is invaluable, especially in comparison to older CCTV camera systems that required manual focusing every time the camera’s focus moved.

A good PTZ security camera can extend the capabilities of most CCTV systems, allowing observers to get a better view of the area under surveillance, zoom in to get a closer look either manually or via alarm triggers and provide security better coverage of your retail, private or business premises. If you’re choosing a CCTV camera for your security system, consider investing in a high quality PTZ camera and reap the benefits.

Using CCTV Systems in Your Business

A good CCTV security system can help ensure that your business is safeguarded from many different types of threats. If you’re looking at CCTV systems with an eye to installing a surveillance camera in your public space, there are a number of things you should know about the use of CCTV systems and security camera use on your business property.

Security Systems for Shoplifting Loss Prevention

A surveillance camera can prevent loss from shoplifting in two different ways. First, a visible security camera can scare off many would-be shoplifters who would much rather not be seen on camera. They’ll avoid areas and stores that have an obvious CCTV security system. To get the most deterrent value out of your CCTV systems, choose bullet cameras and place them in plain sight.

Secondly, a well-placed surveillance camera allows you to view areas that aren’t in the line of sight from the register or other stations in the store. You can record video from your surveillance camera as well, which allows you to pinpoint shoplifting incidents you might have missed when they happened. That gives you the option of keeping a closer eye on specific people when they’re in your store.

Surveillance Camera to Monitor Employees

You may also choose to set up a CCTV system to monitor your employees at work. There are a number of reasons why you might choose to watch your employees covertly, and each of them requires a slightly different security camera layout. You can use a surveillance camera at the checkout to catch incidents where employees may be stealing from the register, or monitor the work floor to keep an eye on employee performance. If you do choose to use a surveillance camera and CCTV system to monitor your employees, it’s important that you check the laws regarding the use of surveillance in the workplace in your state. In general, you’re prohibited from placing surveillance cameras in areas where employees have a “reasonable expectation of privacy,” such as in restrooms. In some states, you may also be required to inform employees that you’ll be monitoring the premises remotely.

Providing Security and Safety for Staff and Customers

One of the most important uses for a security camera on your business premises is to bolster security and safety for your staff and customers. If employees park their vehicles out of sight of the building, for example, a security camera on the employee parking lot can prevent car theft and vandalism while your employees are working. In high-risk areas, you can also make a point of monitoring the parking area after dark when employees leave to go to their cars.

CCTV systems provide many benefits for businesses that use them appropriately. Make sure you understand the laws governing the use of security and surveillance cameras before you install them, and that you’re clear in your reasons for needing a CCTV camera system for your business.