This article helps you specify a CCTV system; The target audience of this guide is an installation company or an end user. You should be aware that there are many types of CCTV systems available in the market; These range from inexpensive CCTV systems for basic monitoring, best value security camera systems for some form of identification, and high-resolution security systems that lead to identification and prosecution.
A good security camera system will offer the best value for money without compromising on quality. There are many products available on the market, which makes it very difficult to identify which products are right for your needs. Sometimes, it is just as difficult to identify areas that are vulnerable and a suitable CCTV camera to focus on that area. Most people forget that a CCTV camera system is a long term investment and should discuss your requirements with a sales person before purchasing.
Understanding cctv terminology can also be daunting, check out our FAQ section for more details.
Understand your security requirements
The main reasons for your need for cctv security cameras will reflect the type of system you need. Some of the reasons for needing a security system could be:
– Shoplifting
– Robberies in shops or homes
– Vandalism
– Industrial espionage
– Danger to people by attack.
– Health and safety of people on the premises or site.
– Replace or reduce manned surveillance.
– Complement endowed surveillance, making it more efficient.
– Monitor the entry and exit of people from the premises.
– To provide visual confirmation of intruders triggering an alarm.
– To monitor a remote and unattended site.
The reasons for a system can be infinite, but for a particular site, there will be finite reasons to consider CCTV. If they can’t be listed, you probably don’t need it.
What is the possible solution
Once a problem is understood, the next step is to find out how a solution can be achieved. The solution could take many forms: it could be an intrusion alarm system, some form of deterrence (lighting, fencing and gates), a CCTV system, or surveillance. Your need will depend on the circumstances and requirements of each particular site, but it is important to at least make a list and consider all the possibilities. Some options may be impractical and others may be too expensive, but you should end up with a short list of possibilities. Very often the solution will point to a CCTV system as it will be cheaper and more affordable.
Decided you need CCTV systems-
Before selecting the type of CCTV system that will meet your requirements, you should consider; the type of cctv cameras you need, how you will monitor the system, you will need network access (remote internet access) and cabling.
Type of cctv cameras you need:-
Color cameras generally require a higher level of lighting than their black and white counterparts. Color cameras offer the advantage of being able to easily distinguish and detect objects simply by their colors, while black and white cameras offer better resolution in low light conditions.
– Covert cameras. These cameras are so small that they cannot be easily seen or are disguised as a different device (such as a smoke detector, PIR, etc.).
– Day/Night cameras. These cameras change from color to black and white based on lighting levels. They are ideal for variable lighting conditions.
– Night vision cameras. These cameras have their own light source in a light spectrum that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
– Exterior cameras. These cameras have toughened, waterproof outer bodies.
– Speed Dome cameras (Pan, Tilt, Zoom). These cameras allow remote control of what the camera is pointing at and focusing on.
– Vandalism-proof cameras. These cameras come in rugged cases that can withstand physical abuse.
How will you monitor the cctv system-
– Main output: Most CCTV DVRs have composite video output that can be viewed on standard TV monitors (as AV input or SCART input)
– Point/Call Output: This output is also composite video which can be used to monitor CCTV cameras in full screen mode in sequence.
– VGA output: This output is the standard output used on PCs. Any VGA TFT LCD monitor can be used.
Network Access / Remote Access – CCTV DVR Access via Internet (broadband)
– Internet Access: Most CCTV DVRs now have remote access via the Internet
– Simplex: The DVR can only do recording or playback, but cannot do both simultaneously.
– Full Duplex: The DVR can only do two things simultaneously (record, playback or remote view, but not all three simultaneously).
– Triplex- DVR will do all three things simultaneously (record, playback and remote playback)
– Pentaplex – cctv DVR can carry recording, playback, remote access, remote playback.
What kind of cctv cables are there?
– Pre-made cables: These are pre-made cables with BNC and power connectors already terminated on the cable. Very simple to install, no real skill is required. These cables are designed to carry low voltage (12 V DC) up to a distance of around 35 m. Distance greater than 35m will cause image corruption with the camera.
– Local AC Power: When the distance is greater than 35m, if the cameras are locally powered, it can cover much greater distances. For distances up to 100 m, RG59 coaxial cable can be used.
– Combined coax cable with power: RG59 coax cable but 2 core power cable attached (like a shotgun).
– CAT5E: Longer CAT5E distances can be covered in conjunction with passive transceivers.
Selecting the most suitable CCTV system is a compromise between quality, the area you want to cover and the overall budget. It is recommended that you have a thorough discussion with the sales technician before selecting the security cameras or DIY cctv system you need. A good technician will try to understand your need, explain the difference between various CCTV cameras before any recommendation.