Closed circuit TV (CCTV)
systems have been available for many years, they have also undergone some
almost miraculous transformations in recent years. What used to be very
expensive, cumbersome and hard to configure systems are now very
reasonable, easy to configure , and easy to maintain, and they provide
much more versatility and usefulness than just a few years ago.
When choosing system
components the first decision you need to make is what are you using it
for. The primary uses for CCTV systems are surveillance, traffic control,
theft, shoplifting, employee theft, and/or robbery deterrence, and
identification. Surveillance and traffic control probably do not require
color cameras, black & white may actually provide better resolution.
However theft, shoplifting and/or robbery deterrence and identification
may require color cameras, if there is an arrest and prosecution a court
will require color to make positive identification, on a black & white
recording a red sweatshirt would appear to be gray.
Next you need to decide
what exactly do you want to see, how far away is it, what are the lighting
conditions, is it indoor or outdoor, how wide a viewing angle is desired?
The answers to these questions will help you choose the correct kind of
camera and lens combination, the correct mounting or enclosure, even what
kind of cabling needs to be provided. Deciding how you will view, record
and store the information is next on the list.
The choices for viewing
include a central monitoring point, multiple monitors, single monitors
that can show multiple images, on your computer via the Internet, how
about on a special cell phone from anywhere in the world. Recording and
storing information can range from a time lapse recorder, your computer,
or a DVR recorder. If you use a time lapse recorder, you need to be aware
of the limitations on what is recorded and when, and you may need more
equipment, such as a switcher and/or multiplexer. Storage of video tapes
can also be a challenge. With a DVR recorder, all you need to decide is
how long to you want to save events at one time, the longer time frame you
want to save, the bigger hard drive you need. Events or time periods that
need to be saved can be downloaded to a computer, or burned to a CD, very
economical and easy to manage. A DVR, unlike the time lapse recorder will
record continuously from all camera's, they also incorporate the switcher
and multiplexer functions into one unit. A few years ago DVR recorders
were very expensive, today they are very reasonable, and will continue to
go down in cost and provide more advanced features.
When you are ready to spec
your system contact your local CCTV expert for the latest information and
a competitive quote, these professionals are in the business, they have
access to all of the new products, they know how they work, and what works
in any given situation.
A couple of words of
caution; Some businesses will display a fake camera in their place of
business with the idea that this will deter shoplifting, robbery or
employee theft. In light of some recent court case this practice should be
discouraged, it has been successfully argued that the presence of a
"dummy" camera can provide patrons or employees with a false
sense of security that is not there. This false sense of security has led
to injury.
Buying your security system
as an all in one set from a "big box store" can save some money,
however you will almost surely end up with equipment that is inferior and
not specified correctly for you needs, and when you need service or
adjustment, you may not be able to get service.
Jim Newell
