Video Security Systems
Closed circuit television (CCTV)
CCTV means “closed circuit television” and is the general term used for any private or security arrangement of video cameras and monitors. While some new video cameras may transmit to a base station, the term CCTV is still used, although it originally referred to cameras connected by wiring alone.
The basic CCTV system is a monitor and a distant video camera connected by a cable. These can be discrete components, or a package such as the video intercom doorbell. In this simple case, the monitor shows only the one particular camera viewpoint. With more advanced security video systems, a range of very useful features start to become available. Generally these are able to be installed by the DIY handyman with no special skills required. The increase in features provide enhanced safety, protection and can approach fully professional security systems.
Common applications for security systems
Video security systems or CCTV are a powerful and versatile security option for the home or business. There is now a wide range of components or full systems available to choose from to suit most applications. From the minimal system of a single camera at the house front door, to a larger system of many cameras for throughout a home property or business building. Common applications include:
Around the house:
- The front or rear door of the dwelling, for security.
- The back yard, rumpus room or swimming pool, where the children are playing.
- The garage or street frontage, in case of intruders.
For the business:
- Shop display areas, in case of shoplifters.
- Cash tills, entrances or exits and public transition areas.
- Dangerous, inaccessible or prohibited factory areas, for staff safety and security.
- Property perimeters, for safety and security.
Common features of security systems
Features such as the following are available on various systems today:
- Automatic switching of several camera viewpoints to the monitor.
- In-built microphones, with the video camera.
- A feed for recording the video images to a VCR or DVR.
- The facility of recording the video images to a hard-drive.
- The ability to access or view the images over a LAN or WAN link to a PC.
- PIR motion-activated video camera-recorders.
Video cameras
Video cameras are often wall-mounted, but also can be weather hardened, waterproofed or mounted within an extra protective safety dome. Miniature cameras are available, if the need is for their presence to be unobtrusive or hidden. Cameras are available for use in poorly illuminated or dark areas, and these either have infrared LED lighting which cannot be seen by the naked eye, or are cameras or very high sensitivity in the dark.
