Navigating CCTV Camera Surveillance Terminology
CCTV manufacturers are a growing industry due to the increase in interest in surveillance (home and business) systems. Prices for systems have steadily dropped, bringing new customers that previously could not afford a system into the market looking for CCTV products. This has led to an upswing in the number of CCTV manufacturer’s who may or may not have been making CCTV systems and accessories. If consumers are not aware or knowledgeable about CCTV, they may be leaving themselves vulnerable for an unscrupulous CCTV manufacturer to take advantage of them. You can arm yourself by learning some of the terminology associated with CCTV.
• Analog System
Uses video tapes to record surveillance. This is the least expensive and least up to date video camera surveillance system. Expect to have a large collection of VHS tapes!
• PC based DVR Surveillance System
The PC receives an analog signal from cameras and converts it to digital signals for storing and playback.
• DVR alone system
Utilizes a DVR recorder and software to operate on a computer.
• IP Network Camera System
Users can monitor and record video over an internet connection, gives the user the capability to monitor the security system remotely.
• Resolution
Resolution is the term used to describe the clarity of images. Your camera and monitor should be of high enough resolution to give you a sharp clear image. Camera and monitor resolution should be the same. If you have a camera with a higher resolution than your monitor, it is a waste of money. You can only view images with as high clarity (resolution) as your monitor.
• CMOS/CCD
Refers to the two types of camera you can buy. CCD cameras produce a much clearer image. When looking at wireless surveillance camera systems and accessories, CCD is recommended.
• Lux
Lux measures the light sensitivity of a camera. To decide what you need keep these facts in mind: 1) Outdoor dim lighting will require a lux sensitivity of .5 and a 2) lux camera can produce images under a 40 watt fluorescent.
• HDD Capacity
Refers to the amount of data a camera can store before it has to be transferred to the DVR. The more HDD capacity a camera has the longer it can store the data.
• S/N
This is the signal to noise ratio and tells you how well a wireless camera can sort picture images from static noise. A 60 db provides excellent picture quality. Lesser numbers may indicate poorer picture quality.
• Cameras Lenses
There are several optional lenses that can increase the capability of your camera, but will also increase the price. Tilt, pan, and zoom all make your camera capture wider and more close up fields of view, but can add substantially to the overall cost of the system.
You should make yourself very familiar with the above terms so that you will know what you are buying. Some additional hints to help you obtain the best PC based CCTV surveillance system from a reliable CCTV manufacturer are to check with the better business bureau and internet consumer complaint boards online. You might also want to check the manufacturer’s installation instruction for simplicity. Inaccurate or difficult to understand directions may indicate a lower level of dedication to consumer satisfaction.
