Andy Jones is a technology expert with a broad knowledge in security and surveillance. To read more tips and advice like the ones in this article, go to: http://www.homesecuritysystemsadvice.com
Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) systems are an important weapon in the modern fight against crime and are the future for preventing crime. As CCTV security cameras become more sophisticated, more crimes will be prevented and more offenders will be caught. CCTV systems are commonly used to monitor offices, shopping malls, schools, universities, banks, inner city problem crime areas as well as government facilities and private establishments. As CCTV technology has become more affordable and easier to use, more and more people are installing cameras in their homes and businesses. CCTV deters theft and vandalism and provides constant surveillance 24 hours a day, every day.
There are many types of CCTV systems on the market. The traditional analog systems consist of a recording device, e.g. VCR, a monitor and if one or more cameras are needed, linked together with a multiplexer. The multiplexer is used to allow the switching between each camera. Nowadays, new cameras are IP based and are networked together so that any camera’s images can be viewed from anywhere on the network and digital storage is used to record the images.
IP based cameras are still a little expensive for most home use and there is a risk the camera itself could be stolen. Home users on a budget could opt for CCTV system for as little as $40. These systems often use a SCART lead to plug directly into you VCR or television.
Consider the following to help you decide on buying a CCTV system:
• Decide what you want to monitor. Do you just want to see faces, all of the person, goods or commodities, whole crowds of people?
• CCTV systems have to be installed so what is your budget for this? Consider a wireless installation to save money. Do you need interior or exterior cameras? How many cameras do you need, 1, 2, 5 or 10?
• Black and white or color? For low lighting conditions consider a black and white CCTV camera and color should really be used inside with good lighting conditions.
• There are two types of camera: CMOS and CCD which is the image sensor within the camera. CCD cameras produce a clearer sharper picture but are more expensive than CMOS.
• One very important specification is a cameras capability to work in low lighting conditions. Light levels are measured in LUX and the lower the number the less light it will take to reproduce a clear image.
• If you need sharp, quality images, go for a higher resolution camera. Entry level cameras have a resolution of 330 lines whereas high resolution camera will produce around 400 lines.
• Consider your image storage. DVT (digital video recorder) are the best option and are relatively inexpensive. They record onto a hard disk.
• Finally, select a monitor that is compatible with the resolution of your CCTV camera system.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
The history of police siren
By: Sunil Punjabi | 24/12/2009The sirens we hear today have more than two centuries of history behind it. The police siren that we see in emergency vehicles today started as two simple disks that were placed coaxially at an air outlet. Though the basic sound emitting principle is incorporated to a large extent in today's sirens also, most sirens are today electronic ones that can produce a wide variety of sounds.
The colors of cop lights
By: Sunil Punjabi | 24/12/2009Though modern technology offers plenty of colors for use, police vehicles all over the world use mainly blue and red only. Amber is also used in parked vehicles and also for traffic guidance. In handheld cop lights white is the predominant color though blue and ultraviolet lights are used to examine markings of blood, urine, saliva etc.
Fire lights that help to douse fires
By: Sunil Punjabi | 24/12/2009Fire is something that can be destructive or benevolent based upon how it works and how it is used. Though the fire lights that firefighters use are not actually fire, we can see in them the benevolent face of fire.
Evolving EMS lights
By: Sunil Punjabi | 24/12/2009First responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, nurses, and full-fledged physicians often have to respond to various medical emergencies. EMS lights define the wide category of lights used on these vehicles. The rules on color uses of these vehicles vary from state to state but most states allow those involved in handling medical emergencies to use warning lights on their vehicles.
Everyone needs emergency vehicle lights
By: Sunil Punjabi | 24/12/2009Though emergency vehicle lights are more commonly seen on police vehicles, fire trucks, and ambulances, there is a second tier of vehicles on which these lights are used depending upon the service for which they are meant. And all private vehicles must sport some emergency vehicle lights when they are driving through areas which are not regular roads or are otherwise unsafe places.
Emergency light hazards
By: Sunil Punjabi | 24/12/2009An emergency light has so far not been shown to be a serious health hazard. Still, those who come into contact with these lights on a regular basis should know the possible hazards inherent in it so that they can try to minimize its bad effects.
Concealed police lights
By: Sunil Punjabi | 24/12/2009Police lights have essentially got to be bright to attract the attention of the other vehicles on the street. Their colors have also got to be right to convey the right type of messages to other drivers. At the same time it is also necessary for the police to have at their disposal lights that can be well concealed.
Car strobe lights decorate best
By: Sunil Punjabi | 24/12/2009Strobe lights find widespread use in clubs and other dancing venues. It is also used in cars, trucks, SUVs etc for high intensity lighting, as well as for car shows. Manufacturers offer plenty of choices for car strobe lights used both for emergency lighting as well as for decorative purposes.
Puppy Training – How to Stop Chewing and Mouthing
By: Andyj00 | 20/12/2009 | PetsChewing and mouthing are behaviors shown by puppies, and many dogs learn the right behavior with no further problems. However, occasionally problems persist and we must look at what we can do.
Attention Seeking Dog – What Do I Do?
By: Andyj00 | 20/12/2009 | PetsHow attention seeking is your dog? Find out the best ways to deal with a dog that likes to be noticed that eventually can lead to learning unwanted behavior.
Best Ways To Cope With Your Dog And Food Related Problems
By: Andyj00 | 20/12/2009 | PetsThis covers many a variety of difficulties. This includes: greedy dogs, dogs that are not eating as much as they should, dogs that steal food, aggression over food and eating non-food items.
Best Ways To Prevent Car Travel Problems With Your Dog
By: Andyj00 | 20/12/2009 | PetsCars are an essential part of our lives and help us get around far quicker than using the bus or train. Unfortunately, our dogs do not always react well to travelling in a car and a number of problems could arise. Learn how to prevent problems that your dog may have when travelling in your car.
Dog Behavior – Great Ways On How To Overcome Nervousness In Dogs
By: Andyj00 | 20/12/2009 | PetsSome degree of nervous behavior is essential for survival. However, some dogs take this to extremes and their behavior is out of proportion to the situation, even becoming so severe that the quality of life is affected.
Best Ways On How To Prevent Bad Behavior In Your Dog
By: Andyj00 | 20/12/2009 | PetsGood social behavior around other dogs is a must in today's society. As there are more areas where dogs are banned, dog walkers tend to gather in suitable areas. Learn how to prevent bad dog behavior so you can have a more fore filling relationship with your pet.
Digital Photography – 6 Great Reasons Why You Should Try It
By: Andyj00 | 20/12/2009 | Digital PhotographyFrom computers to cellular phones, mobility and microchips – this is the way of life in the world today. In this ever changing technological world we need to understand technology to see how it benefits us. Understanding digital photography is no different and the tremendous benefits it provides make it an enjoyable, exciting and fun hobby for anyone of all ages to enjoy.
Digital Photography – It’s Easy When You Understand It
By: Andyj00 | 20/12/2009 | Digital PhotographyToday, digital photography is more popular than ever for not only the business sector – but for personal use too. Many people have moved on from using traditional film type cameras to feature packed hi-tech digital cameras. But to some, this may sound highly technical and complicated but learning about digital photography is easy when you understand it.