Basic Guide to CCTV
Commonly used CCTV security terms
security industry has been
surprisingly slow to pick this up and of the verge of being
dismissive of this technology. Lately however the security industry
has realised the potential market that IP-camera surveillance
offers.
Missing knowledge about the technology is part of the
slow pick up rate of demand from the market.
- CCTV: Closed Circuit Television. A television system used for private purposes and not for public or general broadcast.
- CCD: Charge Coupled Device, which is used as a type of image sensor. CCD sensors are high quality sensors that are commonly used in portable camcorders and similar video equipment.
- CMOS: Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor, which is used in another type of image sensor. CMOS sensors are medium quality sensors that are commonly used in digital cameras and many low-powered image devices such as USB webcams.
- Infra-red (IR): Infra-red Night Vision allows cameras to 'see in the dark'. It is the method of using IR LEDs (Infra-red Light Emitting Diodes) as illumination for a camera with a sensor that can 'see' infra-red light. Infra-red light provides the illumination needed to capture clear images in total darkness or low-light conditions.
- Television Lines (TVL): This is a measure of the resolution of a video device. A higher number is higher resolution and therfore increased picture quality. 380 TVL is considered medium resolution. 480 TVL or greater is considered high resolution.
What do you need to consider before buying?
How to record video from cameras
The easiest way to record CCTV video was traditionally to connect cameras to a regular TV and VCR. Now, new digital video recording (DVR) technology enables users to simultaneously monitor and record numerous cameras at one time with motion detection triggers. The video is saved onto a hard drive and can be played back on the DVR or transferred to alternative media.
How to monitor remotely
Many DVRs now include software and an ethernet port to enable viewing on remote PCs with broadband internet connections. Video is sent to the host PC via the DVR or PCI card. The remote PC or laptop with the appropriate software is then able to access video streamed over the internet or network connection. More sophisticated systems enable email and SMS alerts in the event of the camera(s) and DVR detecting motion.
Can other devices interfere with wireless CCTV?
Yes, some common causes of interference are Wireless LAN equipment, cordless 2.4GHz telephones and microwave ovens (while they are actually cooking). Using a camera that has 4 switchable channels allows you to change to a channel that is further away from the interference source to minimise the potential for interference.
Legalities of CCTV monitoring
Before using any camera for any purpose, it is the buyer's responsibility to be aware of all applicable laws and regulations that prohibit or limit the use of cameras and to comply with the applicable laws and regulations.
Connecting a camera to your TV
Wireless Cameras
Wireless camera receivers come with an AV cable which plugs into the 'Video in' and 'Audio 'in' connectors on your TV or VCR. These plugs are commonly referred to as Phono plugs and are similar to the connectors used by game consoles and DVD players. If you plug your wireless camera's receiver into your VCR so that you can record the footage, you will need to select the channel on your TV that you normally use to view videos. If you plug your wireless receiver directly into your TV, you can view the images on the appropriate AV channel but you will not be able to record the images.
Wired Cameras
Wired cameras use Phono AV (audio and video) plugs to connect into your TV's 'AV in' sockets, similar to many game consoles and DVD players.
Phono AV Plug
Simply connect this into your TV to start monitoring your DIY security solution.
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