Home Security Jargon Buster
Analogue wireless
Prior to the digital revolution, all systems were analogue and the interference and noise gave the classic blurred security video. Now digital provides a clear picture.
Audio monitoring
Adds sound monitoring to a video security feed.
AV channel
On your TV the AV channel is normally used for media inputs, and is often used for security monitoring by utilising as much of your existing equipment as possible.
BNC
This is a connector standard with bayonet-style plugs, commonly used by CCD cameras.
CCD
‘Charge Coupled Device’. The sensor inside the camcorder that captures the images. Some models have 3 x CCDs, with one each dedicated to red, green and blue for a slightly better overall result.
CCTV
Stands for ‘Closed Circuit Television”, where images and sound are viewable only on specified devices, as opposed to being broadcast for anyone to see.
CMOS
A type of image sensor with mid-range quality, often used for security systems.
Coaxial cable
A type of cable used in security installations, where it is usually referred to as ‘RG59.
Digital wireless
A new technology for security systems that gives superior sound and video quality without noise, also able to transmit on an encrypted signal to keep unwanted viewers out.
DIY security
Security products intended for do-it-yourself installation.
DVR
‘Digital Video Recorder’. The same as your home media system, which records all sound and video to a hard-drive based system. Now a favourite with home security systems due to its vast storage capacity.
Image sensor
Measures light intensity that a security camera is detecting, which enables the device to adjust its settings automatically for best image quality in any conditions.
Infrared
Allows the camera to see night time images with a clear and detailed picture. Usually the camera has infrared LED’s for illumination, so the camera sees in the dark but people nearby can’t see the lights.
LUX
Measures the intensity of the light source and is a standard rating for how sensitive a security camera is. The lower the number the better.
Pan and tilt
Steers the camera up and down and side to side with small and silent motors.
RCA AV
A connector type used for analogue security systems.
2.4GHz
When a camera sends its feed to the security monitor it usually uses the 2.4GHz frequency band.
Television lines
Or ‘TVL’. The number of horizontal lines on the screen that a camera is able to transmit. Similar to television standards, though in security terms 380 TVL is standard while 480 TVL is considered high definition.
TFT monitor
Surveillance monitors often use this technology to display the image. It provides a good picture at a low cost.
Weather resistant
Equipment intended for outdoor use is designed and constructed to be able to withstand the elements for many years.
Wireless transmission distance
Refers to how far the wireless camera can send to the receiver monitor. For outdoor operation around 100m is typical, while indoors that is reduced due to walls and objects and is typically around 30m, depending on the environment it operates in.
