Vendors who specialize in CCTV systems and surveillance camera
systems field a lot of questions about surveillance, security and the
capabilities of CCTV for security. While every customer has his own
questions, some of them are asked so often that they may as well be on a
FAQ page. These are among the most common things people want to know
before they buy a new security camera, CCTV security system or
surveillance system.
Can I Install the System Myself?
The
answer to that question depends on the complexity of the system and
your own skills and abilities as a handyman. Some CCTV systems are
relatively simple – just a security camera wired to a DVR or monitor.
Installing a system like that isn’t much more difficult than hooking up
your cable box. If, on the other hand, your security system will involve
multiple surveillance cameras and running miles of wire to hook them
all together, you might be more comfortable calling in a professional to
do the installation.
Will I Be Able to View Surveillance Footage via Smart Phone or Tablet?
Many
CCTV systems include software that will allow you to view and control
your security camera through your smart phone or tablet. If that’s your
intent, let the vendor know so that he can direct you to appropriate
camera, DVR and monitor options.
What Is the Best Security Camera to Buy?
This
may be one of the most difficult questions you’ll have to decide
because there are so many factors that influence your choice. If you
want great detail – if you want to be able to read license plates, for
example, or produce footage that is clear and detailed enough to use in a
court case, you’ll want to consider a high-resolution camera. If you’re
looking for a surveillance camera for nighttime surveillance, you’ll
want one that operates well in low light situations. If clear
recognition is important and the camera will mostly be used with daytime
lighting, a color security camera may be your best bet. Again,
consulting with a knowledgeable CCTV expert can help you make the best
choice for your needs.
Is Wireless or Wired Better for Surveillance Systems?
The
answer to this question depends on your priorities and your needs.
Wired CCTV systems are more secure than those that use a wireless
IP-based security camera, because the signals are transmitted in a
closed loop. IP cameras, on the other hand, transmit signals through the
air, which means that there is a possibility of the signal being
intercepted. On the other hand, wireless CCTV systems tend to be more
affordable, in large part because installation is much less expensive.
If cost is a major concern, an IP surveillance camera that broadcasts to
a PC may be the most suitable option.
Choosing the right equipment for CCTV systems can be tricky,
but there’s a lot of information available to help you make the right
choice. Take the time to research and ask question so you’ll get the
best equipment for your needs.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Monday, October 14, 2013
Requirements for Outdoor Security Cameras in CCTV Systems
Do you need an outdoor security camera? If you’re a business owner
with an outdoor entrance, the answer is an unequivocal yes. Homeowners
installing CCTV systems
for security should also consider an outdoor security camera at the
entrance, as well as one to survey areas of the property that aren’t
viewable from any window. Commercial property owners have the most
incentive for installing an outdoor surveillance camera, not only for
the protection of their property and tenants, but to protect themselves
from lawsuits and other legal actions. When choosing a CCTV camera for outdoor use, there are several factors to take into consideration.
Power Source
For most outdoor uses, you’ll want to use a wired camera rather than one that is battery operated. In most cases, the placement of the camera will make battery replacement awkward – and the last thing you want is to miss something important because the batteries have run out. Thus, you’ll want to place outdoor cameras for CCTV systems within easy access to power receptacles – or arrange to have power receptacles installed at the most advantageous position for your security camera.
Lighting
It’s also important to provide an adequate amount of light for photographing the area. There are a number of options for ensuring adequate lighting for CCTV systems and cameras. First, you can provide additional lighting as part of an overall security plan. This can include permanent lighting for parking lots and entry areas combined with low lux cameras, as well as motion-activated security lights combined with a motion-activated surveillance camera. Another more expensive option is an infra-red security camera that can record images in near darkness.
Weather Resistance
Look for a security camera with weather resistant housing for use outdoors. Cameras that are meant to be used outdoors with CCTV systems generally have weather-tight, water resistant housing to keep out the precipitation and dust. Be certain to choose a CCTV camera that’s meant for outdoor use.
Protective Housing
In addition to being protected from the weather, your outdoor security camera should also be protected by a security housing that will prevent it from being disabled or broken by thrown, blown or falling objects. Many outdoor security camera options include a wire cage of sorts to protect the camera from deliberate or accidental damage.
Outdoor cameras are often integral parts of CCTV systems. The use of an outdoor security camera extends the protection and surveillance outside the walls of your home and can help you identify and stop trouble before it gets to you or your family.
Power Source
For most outdoor uses, you’ll want to use a wired camera rather than one that is battery operated. In most cases, the placement of the camera will make battery replacement awkward – and the last thing you want is to miss something important because the batteries have run out. Thus, you’ll want to place outdoor cameras for CCTV systems within easy access to power receptacles – or arrange to have power receptacles installed at the most advantageous position for your security camera.
Lighting
It’s also important to provide an adequate amount of light for photographing the area. There are a number of options for ensuring adequate lighting for CCTV systems and cameras. First, you can provide additional lighting as part of an overall security plan. This can include permanent lighting for parking lots and entry areas combined with low lux cameras, as well as motion-activated security lights combined with a motion-activated surveillance camera. Another more expensive option is an infra-red security camera that can record images in near darkness.
Weather Resistance
Look for a security camera with weather resistant housing for use outdoors. Cameras that are meant to be used outdoors with CCTV systems generally have weather-tight, water resistant housing to keep out the precipitation and dust. Be certain to choose a CCTV camera that’s meant for outdoor use.
Protective Housing
In addition to being protected from the weather, your outdoor security camera should also be protected by a security housing that will prevent it from being disabled or broken by thrown, blown or falling objects. Many outdoor security camera options include a wire cage of sorts to protect the camera from deliberate or accidental damage.
Outdoor cameras are often integral parts of CCTV systems. The use of an outdoor security camera extends the protection and surveillance outside the walls of your home and can help you identify and stop trouble before it gets to you or your family.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Five Things You Should Know About HD CCTV Systems
Is your existing CCTV security system wired with coax cable? Then you’re well on the way to upgrading to an updated HD CCTV system. Here are a few important facts for people who are considering upgrading from standard CCTV to HD CCTV systems.
You May Not Have to Rewire Your System
If your security camera system is wired using coaxial cable, you’re already wired for high definition CCTV systems. The newest HD CCTV camera configurations can send full 1080P highdef video in real time over your existing coaxial cables. That makes upgrading to a newer surveillance camera system far more affordable for the average business owner.
With HDSDI Cameras, CCTV Systems Are Broadcast Quality
Thanks to new technology, CCTV systems can now boast the same quality video you get when you watch the hover camera during the football game. An HDSDI security camera can send uncompressed 720P and 1080P video over coaxial lines at 30 frames per second, enabling real time surveillance in HD video quality.
Huge Price Drops in the Past Couple of Years Make HD Surveillance Affordable
Think HD CCTV systems are out of your price range? Think again. As with any new technology, prices were high at first, but as the demand rose for HD CCTV camera components and new manufacturers entered the market, the prices have tumbled very quickly. And since most HDSDI security camera components will work with your current coax wiring, retrofitting your system is neither difficult nor expensive.
HDSDI CCTV Systems Meet High Quality Standards
How high? In 2010, the South Dakota Gaming Commission approved an HDSDI security camera system for use in South Dakota casinos. How good is the video? The casino’s security people were easily able to determine which playing cards were turned and could read the denominations on dollar bills on a whole table using just one camera. Today’s HDSDI CCTV camera components send a constant 30 fps per channel at 1280x720 resolution.
HD CCTV Systems Are Plug-and-Play
Because the HD CCTV camera is point-to-point, all you have to do is plug it into a compatible DVR or recording device. You don’t need a degree in computer networking to figure out how to pick up the signal from your recorder. All you have to do is get the cable from the security camera to the DVR – and if you’re already wired for CCTV using coax cable, you’ve got that covered.
Finally, HDSDI CCTV camera systems work with both standalone and PC-based hybrid DVRs, but they do require a compatible DVR to deliver full HD video over CCTV systems. Manufacturers are committed to tracking HDTV with HDCCTV standards. So you can expect the resolution on new cameras to keep getting better and better.
You May Not Have to Rewire Your System
If your security camera system is wired using coaxial cable, you’re already wired for high definition CCTV systems. The newest HD CCTV camera configurations can send full 1080P highdef video in real time over your existing coaxial cables. That makes upgrading to a newer surveillance camera system far more affordable for the average business owner.
With HDSDI Cameras, CCTV Systems Are Broadcast Quality
Thanks to new technology, CCTV systems can now boast the same quality video you get when you watch the hover camera during the football game. An HDSDI security camera can send uncompressed 720P and 1080P video over coaxial lines at 30 frames per second, enabling real time surveillance in HD video quality.
Huge Price Drops in the Past Couple of Years Make HD Surveillance Affordable
Think HD CCTV systems are out of your price range? Think again. As with any new technology, prices were high at first, but as the demand rose for HD CCTV camera components and new manufacturers entered the market, the prices have tumbled very quickly. And since most HDSDI security camera components will work with your current coax wiring, retrofitting your system is neither difficult nor expensive.
HDSDI CCTV Systems Meet High Quality Standards
How high? In 2010, the South Dakota Gaming Commission approved an HDSDI security camera system for use in South Dakota casinos. How good is the video? The casino’s security people were easily able to determine which playing cards were turned and could read the denominations on dollar bills on a whole table using just one camera. Today’s HDSDI CCTV camera components send a constant 30 fps per channel at 1280x720 resolution.
HD CCTV Systems Are Plug-and-Play
Because the HD CCTV camera is point-to-point, all you have to do is plug it into a compatible DVR or recording device. You don’t need a degree in computer networking to figure out how to pick up the signal from your recorder. All you have to do is get the cable from the security camera to the DVR – and if you’re already wired for CCTV using coax cable, you’ve got that covered.
Finally, HDSDI CCTV camera systems work with both standalone and PC-based hybrid DVRs, but they do require a compatible DVR to deliver full HD video over CCTV systems. Manufacturers are committed to tracking HDTV with HDCCTV standards. So you can expect the resolution on new cameras to keep getting better and better.
Friday, September 13, 2013
Tips to Reduce CCTV Systems Downtime
One of the least-discussed facts about CCTV systems
is that they sometimes need repair – and when they need repairs, your
property is not protected. CCTV components, from your security camera to
the DVR to the cabling that ties your whole system together, are
electronic/electrical equipment, and sometimes they fail. And far too
often, when they fail, you end up having to ship a component back to the
factory to be evaluated, or pay a repair person to come out to the site
to evaluate it in place. There are, however, a few ways that you can
reduce downtime when dealing with CCTV systems.
Buy Quality
The better quality your equipment is, the less likely it is to fail. If you pay $30 for a security camera, there’s a much higher likelihood of it failing than if you buy a $150 surveillance camera. Spend a little more up front when buying components for your CCTV camera system to avoid costly downtime in the future.
Keep Extras on Hand
You’ve heard the old saying, “For want of a nail, the shoe was lost…?” The simplest things can take CCTV systems down for the count. Have extra cabling, BNC connectors and other small component pieces on hand so you can do quick repairs yourself. If you’ve opted for a cheap surveillance camera instead of a much more expensive one, keep a second one on hand, just in case.
Test Everything on Arrival
When your CCTV camera and other components arrive, test them to make sure that everything is operable. If anything is broken or doesn’t seem to work, notify the dealer immediately to get a replacement.
Record Model Numbers and Other Details
Record serial numbers, model numbers and all other pertinent details for each component of your system. If something goes wrong, you won’t have to dismantle your whole security setup to get to the serial number for one camera. You’ll be very glad you have it when you call about a repair or replacement, and the manufacturer can’t help you without the right model number or serial number. It’s also easier to find information (and replacement pieces) online when you know the exact model number.
Register Your Warranty
Return any warranty cards and/or fill out warranty information online when you purchase your components. Many manufacturers make it easier for you to find tech support for your products if you’ve registered your equipment. A registration also provides an accurate record of your purchase, which could make a difference if you need to call on the protections provided in your warranty.
While most CCTV systems operate without a hitch, there’s always the chance that you’ll run into problems along the way. These tips can help you minimize the inconvenience when your security camera system malfunctions.
Buy Quality
The better quality your equipment is, the less likely it is to fail. If you pay $30 for a security camera, there’s a much higher likelihood of it failing than if you buy a $150 surveillance camera. Spend a little more up front when buying components for your CCTV camera system to avoid costly downtime in the future.
Keep Extras on Hand
You’ve heard the old saying, “For want of a nail, the shoe was lost…?” The simplest things can take CCTV systems down for the count. Have extra cabling, BNC connectors and other small component pieces on hand so you can do quick repairs yourself. If you’ve opted for a cheap surveillance camera instead of a much more expensive one, keep a second one on hand, just in case.
Test Everything on Arrival
When your CCTV camera and other components arrive, test them to make sure that everything is operable. If anything is broken or doesn’t seem to work, notify the dealer immediately to get a replacement.
Record Model Numbers and Other Details
Record serial numbers, model numbers and all other pertinent details for each component of your system. If something goes wrong, you won’t have to dismantle your whole security setup to get to the serial number for one camera. You’ll be very glad you have it when you call about a repair or replacement, and the manufacturer can’t help you without the right model number or serial number. It’s also easier to find information (and replacement pieces) online when you know the exact model number.
Register Your Warranty
Return any warranty cards and/or fill out warranty information online when you purchase your components. Many manufacturers make it easier for you to find tech support for your products if you’ve registered your equipment. A registration also provides an accurate record of your purchase, which could make a difference if you need to call on the protections provided in your warranty.
While most CCTV systems operate without a hitch, there’s always the chance that you’ll run into problems along the way. These tips can help you minimize the inconvenience when your security camera system malfunctions.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Hidden Camera CCTV Systems: What to Look For
One of the first decisions to make when you’re looking at CCTV systems
is whether you need a visible system or one with a hidden security
camera or cameras. An obvious surveillance camera has its place. Among
other things, it serves as a deterrent to bad behavior. People are far
less likely to shoplift, burglarize or vandalize if they know there’s a
CCTV camera trained on them. If your intent is to discourage those
things, a visible camera is the obvious choice.
On the other hand, if your intent is to catch someone engaging in bad behavior, you won’t do it with a security camera in plain sight. In that case, you should be looking at CCTV systems with hidden cameras. You’ll find plenty of these on the market, from the ubiquitous “nanny cam” that can be hidden in a wide variety of household objects to complete CCTV systems with cameras set into recessed ceiling domes or behind mirrors and walls. These tips can help you find the right surveillance camera for your needs.
Quality First
There are lots of “gadget” security cameras on the market. You know the type: pen cameras that fit in your pocket, teddy bear cameras and the like. They’re inexpensive for a reason: they’re cheap. If your intent is to capture evidence of wrongdoing on camera, you need to pay attention to quality. Look for a CCTV camera that delivers good quality images above all else.
Fit to Your Needs
Will your camera remain in one place permanently? Consider a wired CCTV camera that can be hidden behind an object or wall. A wired camera offers one distinct advantage over wireless cameras: they’re not prone to interference from other electronic frequencies. If you don’t want to run wires, look for a wireless security camera that can transmit to a nearby computer or DVR.
Hide-ability
Consider where you’ll be placing the surveillance camera when choosing the size, shape and casing. You can choose from small cameras that you can hide inside or behind objects or cameras that are fitted into casings that look like everyday objects – for example, no one would think twice about a second smoke detector affixed to the ceiling or high on a wall. Do keep in mind that many hidden cameras are meant for indoor use only, so if you’re buying a camera for outdoor use, your choices will be considerably more limited. On the other hand, your choice of hiding places may be much wider.
CCTV systems can provide open security, surveillance or both. When choosing cameras for covert use, consider where, how and why you’re using them to help you pick the best security camera for your needs.
On the other hand, if your intent is to catch someone engaging in bad behavior, you won’t do it with a security camera in plain sight. In that case, you should be looking at CCTV systems with hidden cameras. You’ll find plenty of these on the market, from the ubiquitous “nanny cam” that can be hidden in a wide variety of household objects to complete CCTV systems with cameras set into recessed ceiling domes or behind mirrors and walls. These tips can help you find the right surveillance camera for your needs.
Quality First
There are lots of “gadget” security cameras on the market. You know the type: pen cameras that fit in your pocket, teddy bear cameras and the like. They’re inexpensive for a reason: they’re cheap. If your intent is to capture evidence of wrongdoing on camera, you need to pay attention to quality. Look for a CCTV camera that delivers good quality images above all else.
Fit to Your Needs
Will your camera remain in one place permanently? Consider a wired CCTV camera that can be hidden behind an object or wall. A wired camera offers one distinct advantage over wireless cameras: they’re not prone to interference from other electronic frequencies. If you don’t want to run wires, look for a wireless security camera that can transmit to a nearby computer or DVR.
Hide-ability
Consider where you’ll be placing the surveillance camera when choosing the size, shape and casing. You can choose from small cameras that you can hide inside or behind objects or cameras that are fitted into casings that look like everyday objects – for example, no one would think twice about a second smoke detector affixed to the ceiling or high on a wall. Do keep in mind that many hidden cameras are meant for indoor use only, so if you’re buying a camera for outdoor use, your choices will be considerably more limited. On the other hand, your choice of hiding places may be much wider.
CCTV systems can provide open security, surveillance or both. When choosing cameras for covert use, consider where, how and why you’re using them to help you pick the best security camera for your needs.
Monday, August 12, 2013
Connecting CCTV Systems to Your TV
When it comes to security and surveillance, CCTV systems
are the obvious choice for most property owners, even homeowners. A
CCTV camera typically connects to a security monitor with a BNC (British
Naval Connector) cable. These security monitors can be pricey, and
while they do deliver high-quality images, they may be overpowered for
the typical homeowner. It’s not difficult to connect a single security
camera to a TV, but did you know you can connect entire CCTV systems up
to a single television? You don’t need an expensive security monitor to
keep an eye on your property. You can connect 4 or more surveillance
cameras using an adapter and a video switcher. Here’s how.
You’ll need a BNC-to-RCA adapter, an RCA male to male cable and a video switcher.
Connect the output of each security camera to one of the inputs on your video switcher.
Connect the adapter to one of the outputs on the video switcher. You’ll use the second output, if the switcher has one, to connect a DVR to record your feed, or to display the video feed to another television.
Connect one end of the RCA cable to the adapter and the other end to one of the video inputs on your television. You’ll generally have a choice of Line In or several AUX lines.
That’s it. Your CCTV system is now physically connected to the television. From here, there are a few steps involved in setting up the video feed. Turn on the video switcher, then turn on your television.
Turn on your television and bring up the onscreen menu. Select the video input to which you connected the video switcher and follow onscreen prompts to set up the amount of time the switcher displays the view from each security camera. You can also choose to view just one camera.
Remember in terms of the actual recording that the DVR will only record the images that are shown on your screen and set up your dwell times accordingly.
This is a quick and dirty way to bring all of your security camera equipment together to mimic basic CCTV systems. It will work with just about any modern television and many older ones that have an RCA jack. A CCTV security system helps make your home, your belonging and your family safer. Whether you choose to monitor one camera or many, this simple trick will make it easier for you to keep an eye on your home.
You’ll need a BNC-to-RCA adapter, an RCA male to male cable and a video switcher.
Connect the output of each security camera to one of the inputs on your video switcher.
Connect the adapter to one of the outputs on the video switcher. You’ll use the second output, if the switcher has one, to connect a DVR to record your feed, or to display the video feed to another television.
Connect one end of the RCA cable to the adapter and the other end to one of the video inputs on your television. You’ll generally have a choice of Line In or several AUX lines.
That’s it. Your CCTV system is now physically connected to the television. From here, there are a few steps involved in setting up the video feed. Turn on the video switcher, then turn on your television.
Turn on your television and bring up the onscreen menu. Select the video input to which you connected the video switcher and follow onscreen prompts to set up the amount of time the switcher displays the view from each security camera. You can also choose to view just one camera.
Remember in terms of the actual recording that the DVR will only record the images that are shown on your screen and set up your dwell times accordingly.
This is a quick and dirty way to bring all of your security camera equipment together to mimic basic CCTV systems. It will work with just about any modern television and many older ones that have an RCA jack. A CCTV security system helps make your home, your belonging and your family safer. Whether you choose to monitor one camera or many, this simple trick will make it easier for you to keep an eye on your home.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Helpful Tips for CCTV Systems How (and Why) to Back-focus a CCTV Camera
One of the biggest problems encountered by people who DIY install their own CCTV systems
is inconsistent focus. The most common iteration of the problem is that
the image is in perfect focus in daylight, but at night, all you get is
a blur. It results from a basic technical detail: during the day – or
in bright sunlight –the lens iris is closed, giving you a very wide
depth of field. As the light level drops, the iris opens to bring in
more light. When that happens, the depth of field is decreased and
images at most distances will be blurred. There is a way to combat this
tendency: back-focusing your CCTV camera with the iris fully opened to
provide the optimal focus for all conditions. Here’s how you do it.
Back-focusing a Fixed Lens Security Camera for CCTV Systems
Determine the distance from the camera to the scene you want to capture with the surveillance camera.
Set the physical focus of the lens to the full infinity position.
Insert a neutral density filter. This iris will open completely to allow more light and increase the depth of field to give you the most precision with your adjustments.
Set the lens focus to near and the zoom to wide.
Aim the CCTV camera at a high-contrast object that is the same distance from the camera as the scene you’ll want to capture when the camera is in place.
Turn the lens body until the object is completely in focus.
Remove the neutral filter and install the camera in place.
You should now be able to focus the camera manually to get the precise focus you want – and all of your scenes will remain in focus regardless of the lighting conditions.
Higher end CCTV systems have security camera choices with auto back focus, so this procedure is not necessary. If you’re running discount CCTV systems with a cheap surveillance camera option, you may need to fiddle with it a bit to get the settings right for optimal focus.
Need more help with setting up your CCTV camera for good focus? Most professionals who sell and service CCTV systems will be happy to answer simple questions and offer advice. And of course, if you want to be absolutely certain that everything is properly installed, you can always hire a pro to install your security/surveillance system and not have to worry about it at all.
Back-focusing a Fixed Lens Security Camera for CCTV Systems
Determine the distance from the camera to the scene you want to capture with the surveillance camera.
Set the physical focus of the lens to the full infinity position.
Insert a neutral density filter. This iris will open completely to allow more light and increase the depth of field to give you the most precision with your adjustments.
Set the lens focus to near and the zoom to wide.
Aim the CCTV camera at a high-contrast object that is the same distance from the camera as the scene you’ll want to capture when the camera is in place.
Turn the lens body until the object is completely in focus.
Remove the neutral filter and install the camera in place.
You should now be able to focus the camera manually to get the precise focus you want – and all of your scenes will remain in focus regardless of the lighting conditions.
Higher end CCTV systems have security camera choices with auto back focus, so this procedure is not necessary. If you’re running discount CCTV systems with a cheap surveillance camera option, you may need to fiddle with it a bit to get the settings right for optimal focus.
Need more help with setting up your CCTV camera for good focus? Most professionals who sell and service CCTV systems will be happy to answer simple questions and offer advice. And of course, if you want to be absolutely certain that everything is properly installed, you can always hire a pro to install your security/surveillance system and not have to worry about it at all.
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