Introduction CCTV Cameras

by Furqan Qadeer

• Surveillance Systems
• September 28, 2020

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems are ubiquitous in commercial security, with "CCTV Surveillance in Use" signs visible in banks, coffee shops, and other establishments. But what is CCTV, and how does it function? 

CCTV is a type of video surveillance system that uses cameras to capture images and transmit them to a specific, limited set of monitors. This allows for the monitoring of a particular area or activity without the need for a physical presence. CCTV systems are often used to deter crime, as well as to monitor and record activity for later review. They can also be used to monitor employee performance, detect safety hazards, and provide evidence in the event of a crime. 

The technology behind CCTV systems is relatively simple. Cameras are connected to a recording device, such as a digital video recorder (DVR), which captures and stores the images. The images can then be viewed remotely via a computer or smartphone, or on a dedicated monitor. The cameras can be set to record continuously, or they can be triggered by motion sensors or other external events. 

The use of CCTV systems has become increasingly popular in recent years, as they provide a cost-effective way to monitor and protect businesses and other establishments. With the right setup, CCTV systems can be an invaluable tool for keeping people and property safe.

CCTV cameras are a cornerstone of crime prevention, deterring criminals, monitoring building premises, and capturing invaluable footage of events. If you're looking to reduce theft and loitering in your business or create a safe environment for your residents, it is essential to understand the fundamentals of video surveillance CCTV systems. With the right system in place, you can ensure that your property is secure and your people are safe.

How Does CCTV Work?

CCTV systems use cameras to capture video footage of a facility, which is then sent to a recording device (DVR or NVR) for storage and later retrieval. This footage can be viewed in real-time on a dedicated monitor, smartphone, or computer. CCTV security systems are connected to the cameras via coaxial cable, network cable, or wireless signal, depending on the system type.

CCTV cameras are strategically placed at business entrances and around the perimeter, as well as inside the building, to guard merchandise, data, and the safety of employees and visitors. By monitoring and recording everyone who comes near, CCTV surveillance cameras provide 24/7 protection against crime. In the event of a security breach, property managers and security staff can instantly view the footage and take the necessary steps to respond. Additionally, anyone who commits a crime on the property is recorded, providing easy identification and legal evidence.

What Are the Benefits of CCTV Surveillance?

CCTV installation has been shown to effectively deter criminals from targeting your facility and the area around it. Many burglars know to look around for security cameras to see if they are being monitored — and seeing a high-quality surveillance system in place will convince many criminals to move on. Nobody wants to risk being caught committing a crime on video. https://youtu.be/ncTDcIlvRwc

CCTV systems make it easy for property owners and managers to identify anyone who has committed a crime in their facility. Cameras also help to catch and prevent theft by employees, especially in retail and industrial settings. In large facilities such as warehouses, security cameras let staff view operations in multiple places at once, enforcing safety protocols and keeping track of progress.

Security cameras capture time-stamped evidence of everything that happens in and around a facility, including accidents, mistakes, and injuries. This is helpful in reducing liability for businesses and settling any disputes that might arise. With CCTV cameras, property managers gain insight and control over their facility and business operations.

IP vs. Analog CCTV Cameras

Two main categories of security cameras are IP cameras and analog CCTV cameras.

Analog CCTV Systems

Analog systems are the more traditional form of CCTV. These use coaxial cables to connect the camera and surveillance monitor or recording system. These systems tend to have a more difficult installation process, since they require more cabling than IP systems.

IP Systems

IP systems, otherwise known as network cameras, are technically not “CCTV” in the same way as hardwired analog systems — but for convenience they are often referred to as CCTV systems. IP-based systems run on digital IP and local area networks — they can run on a company’s existing network, or can be set up on their own if data and bandwidth speeds are a concern. Unlike analog systems, IP CCTV cameras generally use ethernet cables, such as a Cat5E.

Is an Analog or IP System Better?

Analog CCTV cameras offer high reliability thanks to their coax cables, but they generally shoot in much lower resolutions than their digital counterparts (though HD-over-Coax is a possibility). IP security cameras are capable of much higher resolution — up to 4k in many cases — and thus provide better image quality. They are also usually compatible with many more features than analog based systems, such as video verification, video analytics, and advanced processing for performance in low-light recording situations.

IP systems tend to feature easier CCTV camera installation and less cabling than analog systems. IP cameras can also be scaled almost infinitely, allowing for far more flexibility and more powerful systems than analog cameras have traditionally allowed. For instance, while the network may be closed, many even allow for remote monitoring with a smartphone app.

Though analog systems lack the diverse features and performance capabilities of digital systems, they offer simplicity and a lower price tag, making them a better choice for some businesses. However, as most businesses and manufacturers continue to transition to digital systems, IP-based systems are quickly becoming the more dominant form of surveillance.

CCTV Camera Types

There are various types of CCTV surveillance cameras, suitable for indoor and outdoor use in a range of building types and industries.

Bullet Cameras

Bullet cameras offer a sleek design and a flexible range of areas they can be placed, including on walls. The shape of a bullet camera allows it to accommodate a large lens, giving it a longer range than many other cameras. This makes it ideal for monitoring over long distances. Bullet cameras’ good recording quality, motorized zoom capabilities, and infrared make them ideal for outdoor use and use in industries such as manufacturing, property management and farming.

Dome Cameras

4 Mega Pixels IP Dome

Dome cameras are generally used indoors and mounted on ceilings. This allows them to survey large areas at a wide angle. Dome CCTV cameras are great for retail establishments, restaurants, hotels, and casinos, as they can completely monitor a large room. They are also well-suited to environments that get dirty easily, such as kitchens and warehouses. Dome cameras offer smaller, more discreet hardware than other camera types.

PTZ Cameras

PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) cameras are shaped like dome cameras, but they allow users to remotely move the camera using an app, joystick, or computer program. This is ideal for panning certain areas and focusing in when the camera detects movement. With the ability to move and “look” around a room, PTZ cameras provide 360-degree coverage, and can do the job of several static cameras. PTZ cameras are great for protecting valuable objects, such as in retail settings.

Box Cameras

Box cameras are bulkier than many other camera types, which can be good for deterring crime by giving people an obvious sign they are being recorded. Box cameras are a modular option that let users configure the system for a range of different uses. This allows box cameras to be specifically equipped for outdoor use in rough weather.

Thermal Cameras

Hikvision

New Thermal Bi-spectrum bullet camera designed to detect fires before they happen

Thermal imaging cameras use heat mapping technology to detect people and objects. These are ideal for obtaining accurate security footage in environments with challenging lighting. Thermal CCTV cameras can also detect heat loss, gas leaks, and other repair issues in a facility. Thermal cameras are ideal for use in industrial buildings, defense, traffic monitoring, research and development facilities, and more.

License Plate Reader Cameras

License Plate Reader (LPR) cameras have high-resolution sensors that allow them to accurately capture license plate numbers day and night. Most security cameras cannot consistently capture license plates in every weather and lighting condition, let alone when vehicles are moving. LPRs are great for tolling, hotel overstay management, parking lots, and keeping track of who enters and exits any facility or community.

CCTV Video Storage

CCTV video storage can happen in a few different ways. Footage may be stored in a DVR or an NVR, or it can be stored in the cloud.

How to back up CCTV DVR / NVR video footage to cloud storage? Can analog DVRs be backed up?

NVR vs DVR

In a CCTV security camera system, an onsite recording device is used to store footage captured by security cameras. In analog CCTV systems, this is a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) — IP systems use an NVR (Network Video Recorder). In analog systems, a DVR recorder converts all video footage to digital format, compresses the file, and stores it on a CCTV hard drive. The DVR can be hooked up to a monitor to show video footage, or it can connect to a router and internet modem to broadcast the footage using an internal network.

NVR CCTV systems connect to IP cameras, and use a software program to automatically record video in a digital format. This allows NVRs to instantly transmit data over a computer network. This makes it easy to use NVRs for remote viewing of security footage in real time on a smartphone or web browser. NVRs are typically newer and more advanced systems that offer higher video quality and more flexible features.

To learn more about NVR vs DVR, click here.

Cloud Storage

More modern CCTV camera systems allow users to store security footage in the cloud, allowing property owners and managers to access live and recorded footage from a mobile device or web browser. This is a good alternative to memory cards, because it offers better storage of large video files, as well as more convenience in today’s internet-based world. CCTV cloud storage allows users to get instant security alerts, making it easy to view and respond to security footage in real time, even when users are offsite. Many cloud-based CCTV camera systems offer a limited amount of free cloud storage, as well as monthly, annual, or lifetime subscription.

CCTV Security System Cost

CCTV monitoring typically costs around $150 per camera per month — about $1,800 annually. Certain CCTV security systems cost more than others, depending on several factors: systems with more wires are more expensive to install, since they can require expensive trenching, running cables through walls, and post-installation repairs. Higher resolution CCTV systems, License Plate Readers, and cameras with other special features typically cost $50 to $300 more. Cloud-based systems also come with cloud storage fees. It is important for facility owners and managers to make an informed decision about their security investment.

CCTV System Integration

CCTV security recording systems are commonly integrated with new and existing security, including access control and alarm systems. When paired with remote door release technology, security cameras let you see who is at the door before deciding whether to let them in, which can be done with the press of a button. With intercom and camera technology, security staff can easily talk down to intruders, visitors, or employees, enabling convenient facility-wide communication.

CCTV systems with integrated alarms allow security staff to effectively view and respond to intrusions, clearly recording all security events to keep business owners and staff in the know. Integrating your CCTV camera system gives you comprehensive security, protecting your facility, merchandise, and data from all angles. Using a VMS (Video Management Software) for CCTV systems is a good way to this, or convenient platforms such as Alarm.com are available for streamlining your building security.

With the wide variety of CCTV cameras on the market, and new advances in technology being made all the time, there is a lot to learn about CCTV security cameras. For more information, or to get a free quote, contact Safe and Sound today.