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Home > CCTV -- What Are The Advantages? How Do I Decide, What I Need?
December 21, 2005
By: Jimmie Newell
Closed circuit TV systems have been available for many
years; they have also undergone some almost miraculous
transformations in recent years. What used to be very
expensive, cumbersome and hard to configure systems are now
very reasonable, easy to configure, and easy to maintain,
and they provide much more versatility and usefulness than
just a few years ago.
When choosing system components the first decision you
need to make is what are you using it for. The primary uses
for CCTV systems are surveillance, traffic control, theft,
shoplifting, employee theft, and/or robbery deterrence, and
identification. Surveillance and traffic control probably do
not require color cameras; black & white may actually
provide better resolution. However, theft, shoplifting
and/or robbery deterrence and identification may require
color cameras, if there is an arrest and prosecution a court
will require color to make positive identification, on a
black & white recording a red sweatshirt would appear to be
gray.
Next, you need to decide what exactly do you want to see,
how far away is it, what are the lighting conditions, is it
indoor or outdoor, how wide a viewing angle is desired? The
answers to these questions will help you choose the correct
kind of camera and lens combination, the correct mounting or
enclosure, even what kind of cabling needs to be provided.
Deciding how you will view, record and store the information
is next on the list.
The choices for viewing include a central monitoring
point, multiple monitors, single monitors that can show
multiple images, on your computer via the Internet, how
about on a special cell phone from anywhere in the world.
Recording and storing information can range from a time
lapse recorder, your computer, or a DVR recorder. If you use
a time lapse recorder, you need to be aware of the
limitations on what is recorded and when, and you may need
more equipment, such as a switcher and/or multiplexer.
Storage of video tapes can also be a challenge. With a DVR
recorder, all you need to decide is how long to you want to
save events at one time, the longer time frame you want to
save, the bigger hard drive you need. Events or time periods
that need to be saved can be downloaded to a computer, or
burned to a CD, very economical and easy to manage. A DVR,
unlike the time lapse recorder will record continuously from
all camera's, they also incorporate the switcher and
multiplexer functions into one unit. A few years ago, DVR
recorders were very expensive, today they are very
reasonable, and will continue to go down in cost and provide
more advanced features.
When you are ready to spec your system contact your local
CCTV expert for the latest information and a competitive
quote, these professionals are in the business, they have
access to all of the new products, they know how they work,
and what works in any given situation.
A couple of words of caution; some businesses will
display a fake camera in their place of business with the
idea that this will deter shoplifting, robbery or employee
theft. In light of some recent court case this practice
should be discouraged, it has been successfully argued that
the presence of a "dummy" camera can provide patrons or
employees with a false sense if security that is not there.
This false sense of security has led to injury.
Buying your security system as an all in one set from a
"big box store" can save some money, however you will almost
surely end up with equipment that is inferior and not
specified correctly for you needs, and when you need service
or adjustment, you may not be able to get service.
Jim Newell
About the Author
Jim Newell, a Security Professional and Consultant for over
35 years, operates a web site whose mission is to bring you
information about security systems, security devices and
security hardware. To help you to make informed and educated
decisions about securing your personal property, your home
and your business property. Visit
http://www.secureYourStuff.com for more info.
Also See:
[ How effective are
CCTV security systems at reducing crime? ]
[ Nannycams -- miniature, micro
& pinhole video cameras for child safety ]
[ Security camera
systems for CCTV surveillance and remote monitoring ]
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