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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tips for Installing CCTV Systems in Bars and Music Clubs

Are you considering the use of a CCTV security system in your music club, bar or live music venue? CCTV systems can provide layers of security that can help you pinpoint trouble before it starts, not to mention, defend yourself in case your business is accused of wrongdoing. If you’re been looking at CCTV systems for the purpose providing security for your live music venue or dance club, consider these tips to help you decide how and where to locate each security camera inside and outside your premises.
Cover Entrances and Exits
Entrances and exit points are among the most important areas to keep under surveillance, especially outside business hours. An obvious surveillance camera pointed at the doors will help discourage vandals and burglars who might otherwise attempt to break in.
Spare a Surveillance Camera for the Door
Don’t take chances with bouncers “forgetting” to check ID when a hot babe wants in. A CCTV camera at the admission door can capture everyone entering as well as their IDs. Keeping a record of the ID checks at the door can help ensure that the bouncers stay on task and don’t let anyone underage slip by. If someone does manage to slip in on a fake ID, you’ll have a record proving that your crew did their due diligence.
Watch the Bar
Place at least one surveillance camera where it can pick up what’s going on behind the bar. Bevinco, a liquor inventory control service, estimates that shrinkage – losses due to waste, spillage and theft of your liquid stocks – can eat up to 30% of your bottom line. That’s a lot of spilled beer. It’s not all due to theft, of course – a CCTV camera will help you pinpoint inefficiency, clumsiness and drinks “for friends” as well as outright theft. One of the best uses for CCTV systems in the hospitality industry is to keep an eye on staff and make sure they’re not stealing from the company.
Cover Likely “Hot” Spots
Every bar has some out-of-the-way areas where bad things are likely to happen. It may be the pool room in the back, the alley beside the back door or a sheltered alcove on the far side of the stage, but it’s out of the line of sight for most of the staff most of the time, making it an attractive place for people who are up to no good. Aim a security camera at the dark corner or cover the pool room with a monitor somewhere it can be watched so that you can stop trouble before it starts.
CCTV systems can help protect nightclubs and other entertainment venues as long as you know the best places to locate the cameras. Even if you end up installing the system yourself, consider consulting a professional to help you draw up a good plan to cover your place of business.

Five Places to Put a Security Camera with CCTV Systems

The success of CCTV systems depends, in large part, on proper security camera placement. After all, the surveillance camera and security camera you choose are the eyes of your security system. You want them pointed in the right direction to get the information, images and date you need. These are five of the places for security camera placement suggested by law enforcement and loss prevention specialists.

Front Door

The front door of the building is the most important place to locate a CCTV camera. Position it so that it will capture the faces and up to 3/4ths of the full body of all persons entering the building. The front door camera in a security building will allow you (or your tenants) to view who is at the door without opening it. This is especially valuable if you have children who are home alone after school. They never have to open the door to check who is ringing the doorbell.

Rear or Side Doors

Combine rear and side door cameras with a front door security camera to track all people entering and leaving the building. A CCTV camera record for each entrance and exit can be invaluable in situations where you need to verify who is inside a building and who has left it.

Somewhere Visible

One of the biggest benefits of CCTV systems is their deterrent effect on crime. Most criminals don’t want to perform for the security camera, so put an obvious surveillance camera in a very visible spot – and back it up with a sign warning that the property is under video surveillance.

Near the Driveway/Garage

If your driveway is out of sight of the house, a security camera can serve as a deterrent to thieves and vandals, and let you keep an eye on your wheels. It will also discourage teenage kids from taking the family car for a spin when mom and dad are asleep.

Around the Swimming Pool

Add a layer of protection around your swimming pool by covering it with a surveillance camera. A motion-activated security camera will turn on only if someone enters the pool area. Combine it with a motion-activated alarm to warn you if a child or neighborhood kid has entered the pool enclosure unsupervised. A CCTV camera at the swimming pool is more than a security enhancer. It could, quite literally, save a life.

Choosing the right place for security cameras makes CCTV systems more effective. Before you shop for cameras, figure out the best places for your surveillance. It will help you choose the best cameras for those positions.