FAQs About CCTV Systems

Most people are used to seeing CCTV systems – or at least a CCTV camera – in retail spaces. Companies use CCTV to monitor customers and employees for many different reasons. The most common reason given by businesses that use CCTV is to prevent shoplifting and employee theft, but it’s only one reason. Other businesses use CCTV camera systems to provide safety and security for their employees and customers, and to provide a detailed record of particular events during the workday – for example, to detail the inspection of IDs at the door to a nightclub.

Over the past few years, it has also become more common to see CCTV systems in private homes, especially in homes that have young children. These facts can help you decide whether a CCTV security system is right for your home.

What is CCTV?

CCTV is an acronym for closed circuit television. A complete CCTV system includes at least one security camera, a monitor and/or a recording device. The recording device may be a DVR, a VCR or a PC hard drive. PC-based CCTV security systems are among the most popular and fastest growing segment of the security industry.

Why Do People Use CCTV?

One of the biggest reasons that retail businesses use CCTV systems is protection. A visible security camera is a deterrent against theft and vandalism – most vandals and thieves would prefer not to be recorded as they break into your premises. They serve the same purpose for home use, but they can also be used to keep an eye on a sleeping baby and allow homeowners to keep an eye on their property from a remote location, like their office.

What Are the Functions of a CCTV Surveillance System?

A complete CCTV surveillance system has three main functions: surveillance, recording and playback. Some systems only provide for real-time monitoring of places covered by a CCTV camera, but most record footage from the security camera to some sort of storage media so that it can be played back later for viewing.

How Do I Pick the Right Security System?

The CCTV system you choose depends on your needs and your budget. One of the best ways to determine the best CCTV systems for your needs is to consult a company that sells and installs CCTV cameras and security systems.