Closed Circuit TV or CCTV has become one of the most essential security equipments used both for personal or business use. Basically, a CCTV system is a set-up of two or more video cameras hooked up to TVs located elsewhere in the property for easy monitoring. You’ve seen these systems in movies, banks, casinos, retail stores, factories production lines, theaters, malls, schools, and even private residences.
A CCTV system is regarded as a closed and private transmission security measure that is limited in scope and cannot be accessed by anyone outside the system. This is the main difference with a regular TV which accepts signals from open transmissions.
Not long ago, this type of surveillance system used to be extremely expensive to operate because of the high-priced equipment and limited technology. This has all changed and it is now possible to buy an entire system in computer stores, from online dealers, and sometimes, even in the mall.
There are different kinds of cameras that can be used for the CCTV system. The choice would depend on:
Image Type Colored of Black and White, Night Vision capable or dim lighting capable
Number of Frames/Second (fps) The ideal number is 30 fps because it can capture at real time pace but 1 to 6 fps can do a reasonably good job in capturing images
Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) This refers to the manipulation of the camera as controlled by the operator. Generally, the size of the area to be monitored will dictate if the PTZ feature is necessary.
Special Options These are accessories that prevent vandalism, outdoor use, and special mini sizes
Power Options It’s a choice between battery-operated or powered by electricity.
In choosing cameras, the options are between digital and taped. To tape data will need the VHS or VCR tape and analog recorders. This is more affordable than the digital CCTV which can consume hard drive space in less than 100 hours as compared to the tape which can record almost up to 1000 hours.
Installing a CCTV system is very basic. Choose between wireless and wired. The main problem with fixed wiring is that the farther away the cameras are from the main system, the more distorted the images can be. The only way to remedy this is by using high quality cables. With the wireless transmission, it is ideal to avoid obstacles that would block the frequency even if there are cameras whose frequencies can penetrate through walls. Also, the ideal range would be 150 feet for good data transmission, although 200 feet will still work.
Technical features aside, what about the ethics of having a surveillance system? Are there laws that govern the use of these type of equipment?
In the United States, there are 13 states that do not allow the unauthorized use of surveillance cameras in private properties. Many states have laws that make it illegal to have surveillance cameras in specific areas like locker rooms and public restrooms. There is no single law that encompasses all states. Thus, to determine the requirements for using a CCTV system, check your state and local laws.
A CCTV system is regarded as a closed and private transmission security measure that is limited in scope and cannot be accessed by anyone outside the system. This is the main difference with a regular TV which accepts signals from open transmissions.
Not long ago, this type of surveillance system used to be extremely expensive to operate because of the high-priced equipment and limited technology. This has all changed and it is now possible to buy an entire system in computer stores, from online dealers, and sometimes, even in the mall.
There are different kinds of cameras that can be used for the CCTV system. The choice would depend on:
Image Type Colored of Black and White, Night Vision capable or dim lighting capable
Number of Frames/Second (fps) The ideal number is 30 fps because it can capture at real time pace but 1 to 6 fps can do a reasonably good job in capturing images
Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) This refers to the manipulation of the camera as controlled by the operator. Generally, the size of the area to be monitored will dictate if the PTZ feature is necessary.
Special Options These are accessories that prevent vandalism, outdoor use, and special mini sizes
Power Options It’s a choice between battery-operated or powered by electricity.
In choosing cameras, the options are between digital and taped. To tape data will need the VHS or VCR tape and analog recorders. This is more affordable than the digital CCTV which can consume hard drive space in less than 100 hours as compared to the tape which can record almost up to 1000 hours.
Installing a CCTV system is very basic. Choose between wireless and wired. The main problem with fixed wiring is that the farther away the cameras are from the main system, the more distorted the images can be. The only way to remedy this is by using high quality cables. With the wireless transmission, it is ideal to avoid obstacles that would block the frequency even if there are cameras whose frequencies can penetrate through walls. Also, the ideal range would be 150 feet for good data transmission, although 200 feet will still work.
Technical features aside, what about the ethics of having a surveillance system? Are there laws that govern the use of these type of equipment?
In the United States, there are 13 states that do not allow the unauthorized use of surveillance cameras in private properties. Many states have laws that make it illegal to have surveillance cameras in specific areas like locker rooms and public restrooms. There is no single law that encompasses all states. Thus, to determine the requirements for using a CCTV system, check your state and local laws.
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