Security Camera Systems and Digital Video Recorders
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) or Video Surveillance Systems are common terms used to describe some type of camera and recording device implemented to deter or catch a criminal. There are three fundamentals that you should keep in mind when looking to implement a Video Surveillance Systems. These three principals will also guide you in what type of equipment is needed for your circumstance and they are Detection –discovery of events happening within the field of view, Recognition –acknowledge exactly what the events are taking place in the field of view and Identification – determine who or what is involved in the events.
Camera Types:
Box Security Camera: This is a very popular and versatile style of camera used for the high degree of electronic circuitry that it is able to contain. These cameras can come with all type of options and can use a large variety of lens for the most difficult lighting conditions. You can use these types of cameras outside but they will require some type of protective housing preferably with a heater and blower to protect the electronics of the camera. The housings and mounts come with all sorts of options for outdoor use, industrial applications, dust free environments and even explosion proof housings.
Vandal Proof & Weather Proof Security Cameras: These cameras consist of a security camera inside of a vandal resistant housing, making them perfect for areas where they could be damaged by people trying to take out the camera view. Most vandal proof cameras are of the dome type and some are IP66 rated weatherproof for outdoor use.
Dome Security Cameras: They have become so popular that they are the most used style of camera used today. They come with every option available and because they are less discrete than the Box Camera they have become very popular. The main thing about domes cameras it is hard to know where a dome security camera is viewing because the dome can be smoked or tinted.
Covert Spy Cameras: These cameras are disguised in a variety of housings, from a non-functional smoke detector to a fully functional clock radio to an artwork hung on the wall. Covert cameras otherwise known as spy or hidden cameras have become more and more popular in recent years.
Pan Tilt and Zoom Security Cameras: Pan, Tilt, and Zoom (PTZ) cameras are some of the most versatile cameras in the marketplace today. They can pan (move left and right), tilt (move up and down), and zoom in or out on objects of interest. They come with all type of lens and housing to make these very useful in most application where identification is crucial.
License Plate Capture Cameras: License Plate Capture Cameras are designed for one thing and one thing only and that is to capture license plate information. If you think or are trying to perform this function with any other camera and I don’t care how high the resolution is or what type of lens it has because you are wasting your money and time trying to do this. Theses cameras are designed for the sole purpose to capture license plates, during rain, snow, glaring high beams, fast moving vehicles, trucks, cars, vans and they work great. We also suggest that a low light camera be installed just to get a global view of the events that are occurring at the time a vehicle drives pass the License Plate Capture Camera.
Network IP and High Definition Cameras: Network IP cameras can be connected to your network but we offer caution in doing this because of bandwidth limitations. Before you connect a camera to your network I would diffidently consult your IT Administrator to make sure you don’t crash the network. Most applications we are involved using these types of cameras we end up installing a separate network for security reasons and because of the band width issues especially in older networks. These cameras are getting better every year by producing High Definition 1080p Quality Video in a variety of housings and mounts. These cameras take video surveillance into a whole new world. Where it would take three to four cameras to cover and area it now can only take one camera. This saves time, money and produces incredible video where you can actually make someone out in the playback.