CCTV SECURITY SYSTEM: How it works and It’s Benefits
CCTV security system describing here – closed-circuit television allow the use of video cameras to monitor the interior and exterior of a property, transmitting the signal to a monitor or set of monitors. Cameras and monitors enable you to view events live, and recorders archive footage for later reference. It doesn’t receive publicly broadcaster content—only footage from security cameras installed on the premises.
There have been substantial technological advancements for CCTV security systems in recent years. These advancements have made security systems more effective at catching criminals during a crime. Not to mention, they are an effective measure to have in place to protect your business’s assets. There are so many reasons why CCTV cameras have become increasingly popular for business owners. Continue reading to learn more about the different types of CCTV cameras, how they work, their various parts, and the benefits of using CCTV security system in recent times.
Different Types of CCTV SECURITY SYSTEM
You have several basic CCTV camera options to choose from:
- Wired security cameras use cables to transmit footage and conduct video surveillance, but the signal can weaken when the transmission range exceeds 300 meters. Using the appropriate networking cables, switches, and signal boosters can help overcome this problem. We can interconnect several cameras with a single monitor located in a security room.
- Analog cameras have been for years. These are still the most common type of installed CCTV cameras nowadays. They have basic functionality and store video onsite.
- IP (Internet protocol) cameras carry out the same functions as their analog counterparts, but with vastly greater capabilities. IP cameras boast sharper, higher resolution images and more flexible features like remote zoom and repositioning. They also give you the option to view footage on a web browser. This makes it possible to receive notifications regarding anything peculiar your cameras records—such as movement inside your business at 3:00 am—and view it live from anywhere via a computer or smartphone. The major drawback of IP cameras is their higher price tag.
How does a CCTV security systems work?
The answer depends on the type of system involved. The security system is defined by the types of CCTV cameras used.
CCTV security system that uses analog cameras around for years is still the most common type of CCTV camera installed in the field. Analog systems include a CCTV camera or series of cameras with a dedicated set of wires fed into a recording device and series of monitors. Video is recorded and stored on site.
IP-based CCTV cameras carry out the same function as analog ones, but with a host of extra capabilities. IP cameras typically offer better images with higher resolution and more flexibility, allowing users to e-mail video images for consultation. In a large organization with many facilities, insurance companies often prefer, and in some cases demand, IP systems.
IP cameras work by using an IP (IP stands for Internet Protocol) network, often the same data network the rest of a company uses. If bandwidth is a problem, a separate network using category 5 wiring can be used. Either way, video information is recorded on a server, which means video data can be located on-site or in a remote location.
Though storing a vast amount of data can be a concern, it’s not unusual for IP CCTV systems to have software that governs how long the video is stored, and at what quality. After a time, video can be compressed to save storage space.
Video Recorders for CCTV Security Systems
Recorders are an essential part of CCTV security systems. Every time a CCTV security camera captures something of interest, a recorder archives the footage, allowing you to view it after the fact. There are two primary forms of video recording options. These are:
- DVRs, also known as digital video recorders, are the modern recorder replacement for analog recorders, which relied on the use of videotapes. DVRs convert analog camera footage into a digital format at the desired frames per second and resolution. When the hard disk’s storage becomes full, the new images record over the original images, making it essential to check your recorder as soon as an incident occurs.
- NVRs, also known as network video recorders, are similar to DVRs. However, they are compatible with IP cameras. You connect your NVR and security cameras via a network router or switch. Likewise, you can simply view your NVR footage through a mobile app or web browser.
Display Unit
A TV or monitor connected to your NVR or DVR is required to view recorded or live footage from your security cameras. Your CCTV system’s display unit can range from anything between a simple monochrome screen to an HD color monitor. Not mention, if your business has IP cameras, viewing footage remotely from a computer or smart phone is also available.
CCTV Security Footage Storage Options
CCTV security cameras can record everything they capture. However, you will find that archiving everything fills up internal storage space rather quickly. Storage space can become rather costly. For this reason, you could consider programming your security camera to only record footage during a particular time of day, or when movement is detected. Doing so will save you the hassle of constantly buying more storage space to archive the constant stream of footage.
Benefits of using a CCTV camera in recent times
The need for residential and business CCTV systems is higher than ever before. Aside from the obvious advantage of being able to monitor your premises, here are the benefits of using a CCTV security system.
- Deter Criminal Activity
This is the biggest and most recognized benefit for those who choose to add CCTV security systems to their property. Outside of being able to monitor your premises, CCTV cameras are an excellent deterrent for burglars.
Just like seeing a mounted alarm system, an intruder seeing cameras may decide that it’s easier and safer to move elsewhere. It’s much better to prevent intrusion than dealing with it after it’s occurred.
A report written by the Office for National Statistics in 2017 found that 2 in 100 homes were victims of robberies, with 40% of incidents taking place during working hours whilst occupiers are away from their properties.
In the same report, 70% of burglars gain entry to homes via the front door, while the remaining 30% use windows as an entry point. Therefore, pointing cameras towards these routes of entry is the best and most strategic place to add your CCTV camera.
- Improved Home Insurance rates
By deterring criminal activity, CCTV security system can reduce your home and property insurance costs. You are less of a target, so the risk is lowered, which means the price of your insurance decreases too.
“If you’re the victim of burglary and your home isn’t properly secured, you may find that your home insurance provider could question your claim and refuse to reimburse you for any loss.”
As well as being less of a target, CCTV offers evidence towards insurance claims that you may not have had otherwise.
- Peace of Mind
A camera system provides people with an increased sense of security and reassurance, particularly in areas where the crime rate is high.
Many of the more sophisticated models are wireless, meaning they can be viewed and monitored from your smart phone or tablet.
This gives you the ability to check in and review your premises at the click of a button, so your home security is always in reach.
- Cost Effective
A CCTV security system is a cost-effective form of security. Once the system has been installed they are very easy to maintain and require little reparations.Ensure that your cameras are cleaned in order to receive the best performance from your system. Other than this, CCTV systems will keep your premises secure for years.
Protecting your home or business isn’t as complicated or expensive as you may think. Modern security systems aren’t just for massive corporations. A modest initial outlay will buy a setup tailored to your requirements, help to protect people, and prevent costly theft or damage. The technology is easy to understand, simple to use, and cost-effective to maintain.