Why Analogue CCTV?

Digital CCTV is CCTV that takes advantage of modern digital technology to great effect and that has for many people largely replaced analogue CCTV. Essentially a digital security camera records onto files that are stored on a memory card, an internal storage device (within the security camera itself) or online. This then means that there is no need for large physical storage such as the VHS tapes used in analogue CCTV, and also means that more can be done with the data as it can be analysed and manipulated by computer.

These 'more things' incorporate a lot of great functions. For instance an IP CCTV camera can allow you to watch the footage remotely while VoIP can even allow you to then 'speak' through the security camera should anything appear to be wrong. Better yet is motion detection that means you can set cameras up to record only when they sense movement meaning that you don't have to watch hours of footage of an empty warehouse to see if anything of interest happened. Even more impressive is video analysis which can record only when there is movement that appears to be caused by human activity. This often works well enough that it can be safely linked to your alarm systems so that if the camera picks up movement it can alert you and anyone near. Again with VoIP it can even call you.

So the question is why would people still use analogue cameras? Just as there are many advantages to digital CCTV, there are many drawbacks to analogue - perhaps the most damning being that it can only record from one 'track' at a time meaning it can only record from one camera and could thus miss the important 'action'.

However there are actually several reasons for this, and though they are lower tech, analogue still has a lot of advantages that certain businesses and individuals can benefit from. The first of these is that the technology is simple to understand. For small private shops run by technophobes, installing lots of digital cameras could seem daunting and if anything went wrong they would not know what to do - not so with analogue. At the same time the analogue CCTV will less likely go wrong in the first place, as there is nothing to crash and no way for the data to get accidentally erased (short of a magnet on the VHS tape). Again this makes it much easier to handle for those who aren't that familiar with technology and also means in some ways analogue CCTV can be more reliable. A good idea for those companies with a great digital CCTV system is to get an analogue security camera is backup in case there is a power cut or something else that should cause the digital cameras to cut out.

Finally there is the matter of expense and of course being older, analogue cameras are much cheaper not only to purchase but also to install and to maintain.

An analogue CCTV system actually has several advantages for those news to CCTV surveillance. For the best cameras, click the links.

Need a IP CCTV System

This article helps you to specify a CCTV system; the intended audience for this guide being either an installing company or an end user. You should be aware there are many types of CCTV systems available on the market; these range from cheap cctv systems for basic monitoring, best value security camera systems for some form of identification and to high resolution security systems that lead to identification and prosecution.

A good security camera system will offer best value for money without compromise on the quality. There are many products available on the market which makes it very difficult to identify what products are suitable for your requirement. Sometimes, it is equally difficult to identify areas that are vulnerable and a suitable cctv camera to target that area. Most people forget that a cctv camera system is a long term investment and they should discuss their requirements with a technical sales person before they make the purchase.

Understanding cctv terminology can also be daunting, see our FAQ section for more details.

Understanding your Security requirements

Main reasons for your requirement of cctv security cameras will reflect the type of system you need. Some of the reasons for needing a security system could be:

- Shop theft
- Shop or home break-ins
- Vandalism
- Industrial espionage
- Danger to individuals from attack.
- Health and safety of individuals on the premises or site.
- To replace or reduce manned guarding.
- To supplement manned guarding, making them more efficient.
- To monitor persons entering and leaving the premises.
- To provide visual confirmation of intruders activating an alarm.
- To monitor a remote, unattended site.
Reasons for a system could be endless, but for a particular site, there will finite reasons for considering CCTV. If they cannot be listed, you probably don-t need it.

What is the possible solution-

Once a problem is understood, the next step is to find how a solution can be achieved. The solution could be in many forms - it could be an intruder alarm system, some form of deterrent (lighting, fencing and gates), a cctv system or manned guarding. Your need will depend on the circumstances and requirements on any particular site, but it is important to at least make a list and consider all the possibilities. Some options maybe impracticable and others maybe too expensive but you should finish up with a short list of possibilities. Quite often, the solution will point to a cctv system as this will be cheaper and more affordable.

Decided that you need CCTV Systems-

Before selecting the type of cctv system that will fulfill your requirements, you should consider; the type of cctv cameras you need, how you will monitor the system, will you require network access (remote internet access) and cabling.

Type of cctv cameras you need:-

Colour cameras generally require a higher level of lighting than their Black & White counterparts do. Colour cameras give the advantage of being able to easily distinguish and detect objects simply by their colours where Black & White cameras offer better resolution in low light conditions.

- Covert cameras. These cameras are so small they cannot be easily seen or are disguised as a different device (such as smoke detector, PIR etc).
- Day/Night cameras. These cameras switch from colour to black and white depending on lighting levels. They are ideal for variable lighting conditions.
- Night Vision cameras. These cameras have their own light source in a light spectrum that can't be seen by the naked eye.
- Outdoor cameras. These cameras have hardened, waterproof outer bodies.
- Speed Dome cameras (Pan, Tilt, Zoom). These cameras allow for remote control of what the camera is pointed at and what it is focused on.
- Vandal Proof cameras. These cameras come in hardened cases that can resist physical abuse.

How you will monitor the cctv system-

- Main Output- Most CCTV DVRs have composite video output which can be viewed on standard TV Monitors (like AV input or SCART input)
- Spot out / Call output- This output is also composite Video which can be used to monitor cctv cameras in full screen mode in sequence.
- VGA output- this output is standard output used on PCs. Any VGA TFT LCD monitor can be used.

Network Access / Remote Access- CCTV DVR Access over the internet (broadband)

- Internet Access- Most CCTV DVRs now days have remote access via the internet
- Simplex- DVR can only perform either record or play back but cannot perform both simultaneously.
- Duplex- DVR can only perform two things simultaneously (record, play back or remote viwing but not all three simultaneously).
- Triplex- DVR will perform all three things simultaneously (record, play back and remote playback)
- Pentaplex - cctv DVR can carry record, playback, remote access, remote playback.

What type of cctv cables are there-

- Pre-made leads- these are pre-fabricated leads with BNC and power connectors already terminated on the cable. Very simple to install, no real skill required. These leads are design to carry low voltage (12V DC) upto a distance of around 35m. Distance greater than 35m will cause picture corruption with the camera.
- Local AC power - where the distance is greater than 35m, if cameras are powered locally, you can cover much greater distances. For distances upto 100m, RG59 coaxial cable could be used.
- Combined Coaxial cable with power- RG59 coaxial cable but 2 core power cable attached (like a Shotgun).
- CAT5E- Longer distances can be covered CAT5E in-conjunction with passive transceivers.

Selecting the most suitable cctv system is a compromise between the quality, area you want to cover and the overall budget. It is advisable that you have in-depth discussion with the technical sales person before you select the security cameras or the diy cctv system you need. A good technical person will try to understand your need, explain the difference between the various cctv cameras before any recommendation.

Over 15 Years of CCTV Experience.

info@digitaldirectsecurity.co.uk

Cheap CCTV Cameras

Cheap CCTV cameras.

Cheap cameras come in many shapes and sizes so look out for the basic which are:

• Resolution of the camera. The most common types of cctv cameras are standard analogue type and nowadays they are 420-600 TV lines TVL. There are some cameras below and some above that TVL but not many. The higher the number the better the camera should be, but not always. I have taken many standard 420 line cameras and compared them to 600 line cameras and could not see the value in the 600 line, but that is not to say a 600 line camera is not better, just not always.
• Chipset used in the camera. The most common chips used are either Samsung or Sony and the extra lines are often just enhanced chips on steroids using similar base level image sensors, which explains why more lines is not always a guarantee of more quality. The rest of the cctv cameras often use generic electronics made by many manufacturers. Most cameras are made in China nowadays and it is rare to see a problem with that, although the cameras are still made in the USA, Taiwan, Japan, etc.
• Lens, lenses are critical to good image and many cameras that have a good chipset are let down by poor lens selection. The bigger the lens the better the image quality as a general rule because it allows more light and colours to enter the camera. A fixed lens is setup by a factory and cannot be changed, where as a vari-focal lens allow you to zoom in or out manually and then manually adjust the focus. An auto-iris lens is very handy and many vari-focal lenses have auto-iris features also. Auto-iris lenses need power from the camera to operate and simple open the lens more when it is darker, thus allowing more light and colours to enter and in reverse when too much light exists they will make the iris small and close much more light.
• Other things to look for include the housing and if it is weather and dust resistant or weather proof, although I do not like the terms weather proof, vandal proof, dust proof etc as I don;t believe anything can be entirely proofed.
• Night cameras can use technology that allow a much lower view in very low light and therefore have a LUX rating. the lower the LUX number the better the camera should see at night, so a 0.1 lux camera is not as good at night as a 0.01 lux camera would be.

Hope this all helps and happy sourcing and selecting Cheap CCTV cameras.

IP CCTV Cameras For Retailers

IP CCTV Cameras are making a significant impact on the cctv security systems among retailers. The need to keep premises and stock safely under a watchful eye makes the investment in a reliable CCTV security system a necessity for retailers.

But, there are a number of factors that need to be taken into account when making that investment, from the CCTV cameras purchased to other components that can affect the efficiency and reliability of the system overall.

It is possible to get everything necessary in one package, thanks to the range of CCTV kits that are available. Often, these kits are perfect for the needs of a small retailer. However, it is always beneficial to look at the alternatives, speak to expert security system providers and generally get an understanding of the relative issues. That is why we have listed two key factors that are worth careful consideration.

The most obvious CCTV security equipment issue is the type of camera to install. There is no shortage of different styles to choose from, from the traditional block shaped camera with protruding lens to the more subtle domed camera that can go almost unnoticed in a corner. However, style is one thing and capability is another. The three most common choices of camera are mono, colour and ip cameras. The mono camera is a basic black and white camera. The modern models do offer far better images that those of their predecessors, but a lack of colour can be a problem in some situations. Unsurprisingly then, colour is a popular option, providing crisp imaging that makes subject recognition easier.

Given the internet age that we live in, ip cameras have grown much more popular in recent years. These allow images to be sent over the internet directly, in the same way that webcams do. However, the crucial difference is that ip cameras are built for security surveillance purposes, and are much more durable and longer lasting. These cameras also have an inbuilt recording facility, so images can be uploaded directly without the need of a recorder, and can also be transfered onto USB sticks and SD cards with ease. However, that is not to say that recorder is not still necessary. In fact, they are the second chief concern for retailers to consider. Today, the digital video recorder, more commonly known as simply DVRs, are the most common method of recording video surveillance footage. Their great advantage is that the image quality is far greater than it was with the older analogue recorders. They also feature a range of capabilities that the older systems could never offer, such as detailed close ups on recorded images, which should not be confused with a camera zooming in while recording.

DVRs also accommodate a lot more cameras than the older systems, with images from as many as 64 cameras being recorded and stored. However, most of these digital recorders are not actually wireless, which means that cameras need to be sited close to the DVR and connected directly to it by cable. For a small retail shop, this provides no great problem, since every camera will be in close proximity to the recorder anyway, but for larger businesses, this could be a problem. The best alternative to a DVR is an NVR, otherwise known as a network video recorder.

The main difference between them is that numerous ip cameras can be used with NVRs, meaning their images can be received from the other side of the world. Images are available in high definition, while operational aspects such as an image search, a simple four step set up and convenient image transfers makes NVRs much easier to use. In any security system, there is an array of equipment required. The secret is to identify what is actually necessary before going out to buy security system or CCTV kits, or individual system components. Clearly, the most essential part of a CCTV security system are the CCTV cameras themselves, making them the starting point for any investment considerations. However, it is worth noting that there is more CCTV security equipment to consider, such as the digital or network video recorders, the number of cameras and technology they require to make them completely effective.

Iain Jenkins writes articles for Traders Warehouse, who have a wide range of CCTV security equipment, fire alarms and access control items. Security in many organisations is one of the most important factors, and Traders' cctv kits containing dvd writers and dvrs, cable leads, warning signs and a varying number of cctv cameras depending on the size of the kit. The cameras are available either as standard fixed or as ceiling mountable vandal resistsant dome

Diagnosing CCTV Video Signal Problems

Lost your video signal from one of your security cameras? Maybe you have a fuzzy picture or rolling video. Whatever the problem may be with your video signal; there are a few tips and steps you can take to attempt to diagnose the issue.

Check The Cable

If you are able, it can be beneficial to quickly take a secondary cctv cable and connect it to your security camera to see if your cable is the problem. Even if this solves the issue; it may not be the problem if you're transmitting your video signal over a long cable run, as we will discuss next.

Not Enough Power

If you are running your video signal over long cctv cable runs; then they may begin to build up a resistance in the line and degrade your video signal. If you are using a 12VDC power source; then one solution would be to switch to a 24VAC power source with a high enough amperage; then all you would need to do is equip a 24VAC to 12VDC converter at the end of the line before hooking it into your security camera.

This solution would sufficiently boost the power on your cable to provide a better connection and signal grade. On the other hand a cctv power booster may be enough to do the trick depending on the length of your run.

Ground Loop Isolator

A quick and relatively cheap fix for rolling video or fuzzy signal can be what is called a ground loop isolator. By using this device between the end of your security camera cable and your DVR you can sometimes eliminate these problems.

In essence what the isolator does is help to "isolate" your video signal and remove/shield it from various unforeseen electrical interferences and signal degradations.

Check Your Crimps & Connectors

If you have a loose or badly crimped cctv connector on one of your cables; you may be losing or degrading your video signal at this point. Try replacing or tightening these connectors and see if this solves the problem. Furthermore crimped cctv ends tend to last longer and have a better signal then screw on ones.

Check Your Lens & On-Camera Connections

A couple simple things you can test is your on-camera connections and your cctv lens. Make sure all of your connections are secure and not loose, and make sure that your lens is properly tightened and in focus.

Additionally if you find or have a strong feeling that your cctv cable is at fault; then you should check the run and make sure there are no breaks or nicks in the line. Sometimes this type of fault can be solved by simply tightening some good electrical tape around the problem area.

Christian M Gillman has worked in the surveillance industry for over 6 years. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, learn more about surveillance, and find great products at http://www.cu1.com

CCTV Security Systems

Closed-circuit television is a kind of a security technique which involves the usages of video camera which are commonly called CCTV cameras. The purposes of these are to transmit a signal to TV sets or monitors for the purpose of security. CCTV is a lot different than broadcast television. It differs in that the signal is not openly transmitted.

CCTV systems employ point to point wireless links, often used for surveillance. These Camera security systems are used in areas which need security. Some examples can be banks, casinos, airports, shopping malls or military installations, army bases etc. However, the increased use of CCTV in public places has caused debate over public. It is argued that this is a debate on security versus privacy. In many industries and industrial plants and semi-industrial plants, these cameras are used to observe parts of processes that are remote. The control is through a control room. Continuous operation of CCTV systems could be done. They can also be used to overview just a specific portion or an area.
The first CCTV system was installed at Test Stand VII. It was in Peenemünde in the country of Germany in the year 1942.

These CCTV cameras were installed for observing the launch and take off of V2 rockets. CCTV systems are often used at launch. They are used at these sites to record the flight of the rockets. This is helpful in order to find the possible causes of malfunctions if any, happening during the launch. Film cameras are also used for this purpose. The more large rockets are often installed with camera systems. They allow pictures of stage separation to be transmitted back to earth by radio linkages. CCTV systems are also used to observe the launch pad, before the launch. This is none especially when no other person can be there, because of safety hazards and other safety reasons.
The industrial process nowadays is mostly supervised by security cameras. There are some processes which are harmful for the humans but still take place.These cameras are mainly used in chemical industies.The other processes include the interior of reactors, facilities for manufacture of nuclear fuel etc. Use of Thermo graphic Cameras are used which permit operators to measure the temperature of the processes also.

The usage of of these systems in such processes is sometimes made mandatory by law.
CCTV cameras are also used outside government offices and other special government facilities. CCTV systems are a very good means of increasing security in banks. CCTV today has developed to that point where it is very simple and inexpensive enough to be used as home security systems also.
CCTV security systems are the next big thing on the general security scene, they have already overtaken all other means of security including spy cameras. CCTV cameras are and will continue to develop into the greatest security solutions available worldwide. CCTV security systems, CCTV security solutions would be buzz words in deciding about even security of small and very tiny enterprises. After all, with prices falling everyday, CCTV is much more affordable today than it was earlier.