CCTV camera systems have has been escalating in sales year after year. Large companies, small companies, local governments and homeowners are using CCTV systems more than ever. With the advent of the CCTV industry experiencing a large demand for their products, manufacturers have increased, and CCTV cameras are more affordable for even the average homeowner.
What Should You Look for in a CCTV Camera System?
There are hundreds of websites that offer or sell closed circuit camera or security systems. In a previous post I’ve mentioned you should do a search and consider looking at the Better Business Bureau website for a company. In this article I’ve compiled a few items you need to consider when looking for a system. Sure pricing is competitive and you want to get a great deal, but there are many other critical technicalities that are important to understand.
System: There are four basic type of CCTV camera surveillance systems.
Analog System: The least costly system uses video tapes which much be maintained (tapes changed every day) and offers low video quality compared to digital systems.
PC Based DVR System: DVR cards are built inside a computer. Includes a capture board with a 4,8,16 video input. The PC Based system receive the analog signal from all the cameras, it convert the signal to digital signal and compress it with mp4 compression, and than it store the data on the hard drive for archiving and playback.
Stand Alone DVR System: Computer based which run proprietary operating systems designed to run only one application.
IP Network Camera System: Offers remote monitoring and Security Camera, is a system which gives users the ability to monitor and record video over an IP network (LAN/WAN/Internet).
Number of Frames Per Second (FPS): In your system, the DVR or Digital Video Recorder usually offers a specific amount of frames per second. The minimum FPS you’ll want is 30. Nothing less. It will be easy to find more, and you may want to consider more than 30 FPS.
Camera Resolution: Do you need clear, accurate images? The higher the camera resolution, the better quality image you’ll get. Over 480 TVL (TV lines) is a good high-resolution, though it will cost more than the lower resolution cameras.
Monitor Resolution: Select a monitor matches the resolution of your camera. You should not “mix” resolution: High resolution camera, recorder and monitor.
CMOS or CCD: There are two basic types of cameras. The CMOS-based cameras are less expensive but do not produce as clear and sharp image as CCD (charged coupled device) cameras.
Black & White or Color: The old rule (always meant to be broken), if you need the security system mainly for low-light or night conditions, consider a black and white system. However, as you look for your system, you’ll see color versions are offered for low light as well.
Lux: Lux is the measurement for light sensitivity. A sensitivity of 0.5 lux would indicate a camera can distinguish images in low light, for instance: outdoors with dim lighting. A 2 lux would indicate a camera can see fairly well by the light of a 40-watt fluorescent bulb.
HDD Capacity: The camera has a memory for recording data. It stores the data on a Digital Video Recorder (DVR). This data gets recycled at specific times in the cycle. The higher the memory, the longer the camera will store the data.
Dome camera (shutterstock)
Motion Sensors or Thermal Sensors: Some cameras have motion sensors or thermal imaging capabilities. Thus, they begin recording when something moves or is emitting heat (such as people).
Signal to Noise Ratio (S/N): Signal to Noise Ratio indicates how much signal or actual picture information, the camera transmits, as opposed to how much noise it is receiving. (Noise comes across as static.) A S/N of 40db indicates that the signal is 100 times the noise. This indicates an acceptable picture with some fine grain or snow. 30db would indicate a poor picture, and 60db produces an excellent picture with no static visible. Not just the camera produces noise; other components can contribute to noise as well.
Lenses: The lenses you purchase should match the format of your camera: 1/4″ lenses work best with 1/4″ cameras. There are also types of lenses, such as fixed focal length lenses which offer only one field of view. On the flip side, there are variable focal length lenses and zoom lenses. These types of lenses allow for the field of view to change or be adjusted. With Zoom Lenses, you can zoom out to get a wider view and bigger picture, yet zoom in for detail when you spot suspicious activity. Some cameras also pan, tilt, rotate, and scan. The more features and functions the cameras have, the more costly they will be. For outdoor activity, you may want to consider an automatic iris.
DVRs: To record and store a lot of data, you’ll need a large hard drive. An 80-gigabyte (GB) hard drive will store about 5-8 days of full-motion video from one camera. It is unlikely you’ll be storing that much full motion, as usually there is low-quantity motion. A 120 or 240 GB is a better investment. You an expand the hard drive units by adding to them.
VCRs: The security system VCRs are by far the better choice than a homeowner VCR. Security system VCRs are made more rugged and reliable, necessary since they are used on a constant basis. Though VCRs are less expensive than DVRs, the costs for replacing and storing tapes gets expensive. Look for a security VCR that offers a decent record period without sacrificing frames per second recording. You will be able to find a VCR that records for 960 hours on a standard tape, but the FPS may not be optimal.
Coaxial Cable or Wireless: Systems can be set up using coaxial cable or you can consider a wireless system. Large corporations, banks, casinos and such often use fiber optics. Wireless systems run into a few problems, such as interference.
Installation, Demonstrations, References, Recommendations: check out several companies thoroughly. Ask about installation fees, a demonstration of the system, references, and recommendations based on your needs. Ask about success and failure rates of the systems and what can potentially go wrong with a system. What happens when the power goes out? How does it perform in bad weather? What the warranties for the various components?
(The following article was written by Brian M. Smith, President of MagniSight, Inc., Presented at AFB/AER Technology Odyssey – CCTV Systems for the Visually-Impaired)
Tips on reading with a CCTV
Golden rule: The tendency is to over magnify with a CCTV. Make it big enough to where you can see it comfortably but not so small that you struggle to see it.
Let the x/y table move the viewing materials back and forth under the camera instead of moving the material manually. Exception: Small items like checkbooks, or business cards can be moved by themselves, without the use of the x/y table.
When a person is first starting out, have them use both hands on either side of the x/y table. After the person has become an accomplished user then they can use just one hand.
Example of CCTV for Visually-Impaired
Have the person use their finger when trying to locate something to view. Place your finger on the beginning of the location you want to see and then go find your finger in the image.
When a person first uses the x/y table, have them use the brake and margin stops to slow or stop the table from moving. After a person becomes more advanced, they may want to use their hands to slow and stop the x/y table from moving. *Especially when writing, use one hand to steady the table while the other hand writes.
Tips on writing with CCTVs
If a person is a beginner, have them write in the smallest magnification, increasing the magnification as they become more accomplished.
The smaller you make the image the bigger you write and the bigger you make the image the smaller you write.
Always use lined paper when learning to write with a CCTV. With blank paper, it is hard to tell what is up and down.
When writing, try writing a few words, then stop and move the x/y table verses trying to move the table while writing. Don’t write out of your “eye” viewing area.
A person needs to flip their pen around to find where the camera is viewing the paper.
It is recommended that you use a normal pen when writing instead of a big felt marker.
Write in positive mode verses negative mode.
If a person writes at an angle, then turn the camera right or left and keep the monitor facing straight.
Tips on user’s comfort when using CCTVs
Read in the lower half of the screen. Looking from the table to the top half of the screen for reading can cause neck strain.
Use an adjustable chair to raise the person up and down to an ideal viewing position. If a person is steady on their feet, use a chair that swivels and rolls. That way you can swivel and roll the chair to get in and out of your machine.
An individual can use an adjustable table to raise and lower the CCTV to a comfortable position as well.
The person’s head should be facing straight into the screen at the material to be read. Neck aches occur when they are looking to far up or down, or from one side to the other.
If a person is using a side-by-side system, position the monitor on the person’s better eye.
Use an in-line system when the individual needs to be close to the screen (less than 12 inches).
Tips on buying CCTVs
First evaluate how the person will use it. What do then need to accomplish with the use of a CCTV?
When should you buy black and white verses color?
Obviously first issue is what can the person afford. But money aside, if the person will be using the machine primarily to read text, then buy a black and white unit. Reading material is generally a black and white image anyway. Consider multi-color options for high contrast needs. A color system is great for looking at photos, maps, recipes, magazines, and working with crafts.
What monitor size should a person use?
The smaller the monitor is the higher the resolution is. However, if a person is using more then half to two third magnification then I recommend a bigger monitor. Keep in mind that the individual can make the image smaller in a larger monitor, which produces a greater field of view.
Two-piece units should be used when an eye condition needs greater separation between monitor and camera. This allows them to access the x/y table while the screen is a distance away.
When should options be used?
Different color combinations are ideal when a person sees certain colors better, or requires high contrast.
Line marking and windowing is ideal when a person needs to isolate text.
Computer options are ideal when a person needs to work with a computer and a CCTV.
Split screen computer systems are ideal when a person needs to transpose material.
Auto Focus is ideal when a person needs to keep it as simple as possible. Manual focus override on an auto focus system allows for maximum versatility and allows complete control over unique viewing situations.
Closed circuit TV cameras, CCTV installation and monitoring are vital for today’s protection. The evolution of CCTV cameras has rendered them practically necessary for many businesses and their high-tech development has made them more commonplace and affordable. Choosing a CCTV security system requires a large invest in time and research. There is a huge variety of types of security cameras and CCTV systems out there. It would likely take months to make heads or tails of all the information that’s available. The best possible solution is to talk to a CCTV expert.
The Latest & Greatest CCTV Security Systems
You don’t always need the very latest CCTV cameras, but you certainly want the most reliable. You’ll need to make a hearty list of your needs, such as “Secure and Safe building, 24/7.” CCTV systems are also used as deterrents from outside intruders and other potential crime. Understand exactly what you need before you begin your quest to find experts.
Finding CCTV Experts
There are virtually thousands of CCTV security and surveillance companies and vendors in the U.S. along. When searching for reliable CCTV companies, you can do an internet search for “CCTV surveillance” or similar – or look in a local telephone book. CCTV equipment is available for professional installation or do-it-yourself. Whether you need a home security system or security cameras for your business, there’s a lot to consider beforehand. Are you looking for a wired systems or wireless system? Do you need four cameras or 16?
Consider looking for a Better Business Bureau-accredited company first. Go to the BBB.org site and type in your zip code. You then will need to search for the type of service – such as “security and surveillance.” Once the listings pop up, you should have a few to look through. Call as many as you think necessary and begin asking questions. Some critieria you may consider asking:
Are they also an installer of security systems, or just a retailer (don’t forget, depending on the system, you can self-install)
Do they offer a wide range of products – including access control, intruder alarms and a variety of CCTV systems
Does their staff have experience in surveying properties and designing systems
Do they offer specific solutions and tailor individual programs to meet your needs
Do they have a clear understanding of vulnerabilities and solutions
Do they offer a warranty or guarantees of any kind
CCTV Equipment
The amount of different kinds of CCTV Surveillance equipment is huge. When you start looking, you’ll want to look for complete packages. CCTV security packages may include some or all of the following components:
Cameras
DVR
CD-RW (CD burner)
Backup Drive
Hard Drive
VGA for output to computer
Audio capabilities (one way or two way)
Real Time Display monitor
Cables and connectors
Power supply box to connect all cameras to
Ask your CCTV experts of they offer complete packages, be sure you understand all the components you’ll need for a complete system. And don’t forget to ask for an estimate and schedule.
Here’s an interesting tornado video from a security camera:
