The use of a real-time CCTV system involve linking multiple cameras to a control room or central
location, where a security officer will monitor the area for incidents and decide what appropriate
responses are required. Due to the advancement in technology, the camera can detect movement
through various sensors, allowing the security operator to be notified of areas that require
immediate attention. This also means that multiple cameras or locations can be effectively
monitored at once.

Deciding on the type of CCTV system for your business or home will require you to identify the
purpose of the installation in the first place. While there’s always room for more protection in a
premises, there is no need to overspend if a basic  system can already provide an adequate peace
of mind. On the other hand, you cannot expect the system to cover all areas if you are investing
too little..

Aside from helping in deterring burglaries, installing a CCTV system can also benefit small and
medium size business by allowing them to monitor and observe the behaviors of employees.
The system will ensure sure that employees will perform their duties according to their job
description – even when the owner or boss isn’t around, which will ultimately increase their
productivity level.

Regardless of the types of CCTV system that you choose, it can be successfully implemented if
there’s a good synergy between the system, security policies, and the employees. Hence, the
importance of creating a proper plan and coordination steps between the people, process and
product should not be discounted. Failing to do so may result in a less optimal outcome of the
security measures. You can get examples of best practice in the industry by consulting with
the CCTV provider.

Understandably, the vast selection of security cameras and systems can easily overwhelm
those that are not too familiar with the equipment. Consulting with the right security system
provider will ensure that you get the most ideal system with the best configuration for any
budget and security needs, as well as helping integrate the system with smoke and fire
detectors, among other things. Implementing the right surveillance system will provide a
24/7 protection for your business.

This utilises a system of cameras that
will monitor and record a particular viewing
area and will help you monitor what’s going
on when you’re not able to see the premises
or house directly.

With advances and developments in the technology used,
investing in a CCTV system has
become a lot more affordable and easier to setup
compared to what they were like previously.

We have listed here are a couple of tips which you can use to find the right CCTV system for
your house or business.

Wired In or Wireless?
If you’re planning to set up a CCTV(Closed-circuit television) system the very first factor you
might want to consider is whether or not a wired or wireless system is more suitable. Wireless
systems tend to be more prevalent nowadays because of advances within the technology which
makes them more reliable and simpler to setup than in the past. Using a wireless CCTV product
is a lot easier to install too. You aren’t running wires or cables all over the place and a simple
systems can be self installed. You are not restricted to where you can place the cameras and can
move them to suit your needs. If your system can get access to the Internet you can view and
monitor yoour property remotely through a direct IP address connection.

Multiple and varied Camera types
If you are looking to monitoring your house or home directly using a CCTV system you
might want to consider investing in several different cameras. You will find systems
where you can use multiple cameras that broadcast on the different wavelength. You
are able to move backwards and forwards between your different cameras. You might
want to consider setting up cameras by every entrance or by any exterior structures,
for example garden storage sheds or outhouses. You will be able to monitor all these
locations from 1 point and react to any situation that may happen. A typical CCTV
system can handle a number of cameras normally in multiples of 4 e.g 8, 12 or 16
camera systems.

CCTV monitoring
You may look at a centralised monitoring option where your CCTV system is
viewed and monitored from a centralised monitoring station or office. Here your
office, premises or home can be monitored by a person and if any unusual activity
is viewed on the system, this person can react in a prescribed manner i.e contact
key holder, local police or security staff or warn off the intruder.

Internet Accessible
You might want to access your CCTV system on the Internet therefore the CCTV
system should be IP based and every camera could be accessed from a PC or smart
phone. Most new CCTV systems have the built in capability to be accessed via the
Internet.

Other additional features
You will find some additional features that you might want to consider. Motion sensitive
cameras would be well suited for places where there are lengthy periods of inactivity.
Small cameras are wonderful if you want to have the ability to monitor a place without
anybody realizing them. These “nanny cams” are frequently extremely popular with
parents who wish to monitor child care activities in your home.

Thanks the TIB Team

Closed-circuit TV systems can monitor for illegal activities,
such as theft from a store or violence against an employee.
If something does happen, CCTV systems can provide valuable
evidence to police.  Just the presence of a system can deter
unwanted behaviors.

Many business owners are realizing they can’t afford not to
have video surveillance. At the same time, they want a system
that is reliable and fully featured without breaking the budget.
Nobody wants to be the owner of a system that failed to capture
a crime or produced video too grainy to be useful.

CCTV questions
Here are several questions to consider as you begin shopping for a CCTV system:

1. What do you want to monitor? Some CCTV cameras are designed to work outside, while others are for indoor use only. Also, how much area do you want to monitor with each camera? Is it a tight, narrow angle? Or a broad swath?
2. How many cameras? Count the areas that you want the system to monitor. If you are planning to watch only one entrance, a single camera will do. Otherwise, look at multiple-camera systems that can handle several feeds of video at once.
3. How good is the lighting? CCTV systems use a variety of techniques to capture images in low-light environments. If you are planning to monitor in low light, an infrared camera is likely worth the extra money it will cost.
4. Will someone be monitoring a live feed? If you have security personnel on staff, a system that generates a live feed may be the best option. Live feeds also are excellent deterrents when they’re shown at the entrance of a store. Shoplifters immediately get the message that they’re being watched!
5. Do you want to record the video? There is no better evidence than a video of a crime being committed. Recordings also can have a useful role in training.
6. If you do choose to record video, how long do you need to keep it? Video files are very big, and lengthy recordings require a lot of storage. Figure out how much time can elapse before files can be safely deleted.

Types of CCTV cameras
There are several different types of CCTV cameras, each designed for specific environments. Several enclosure options are also available, too, including domes and boxes. Both support a variety of lenses and cameras. In addition, cameras can either be placed in a fixed position or placed on a motorized mount that can be controlled remotely.

Here’s a sampling of camera types:

• Day/Night Cameras: These record in standard color during the day, when light is sufficient. As light diminishes, the camera switches to a low-lux black-and-white mode so that more detail can be captured.
• Infrared Cameras: These capture images when no light is available. They record infrared light that’s not visible to the human eye. Video appears in black and white.
• Standard Color: These capture the most realistic detail but require sufficient light for the clearest images. These are ideal for indoor surveillance systems.
• PZT Cameras: These can be controlled remotely to capture close-ups of activities of interest.

Recording video
Video captured by a CCTV system can be recorded on videotape or a hard drive. Advanced systems use technology similar to the digital video recorders (DVR) found in many homes. DVRs can record and play video at a variety of speeds and at very high quality. They also can be programmed to automatically delete recordings on a schedule – or when storage is tight. DVRs can be connected to a network – either a private LAN or the Internet – for remote monitoring.

CCTV companies
A number of companies offer complete CCTV solutions, including cameras, monitoring systems and networking equipment.

There are reasons for any business in any industry to invest in a
CCTV system. Besides keeping an eye out for crime, they can deter
unsafe activities, disruptive behaviors or illegal shenanigans.
You can’t be dozens of places at once, but a CCTV system can.

What is CCTV?
A closed-circuit TV system captures video from a camera and transmits the signal to
a specific monitor bank of monitors or a video recorder. Unlike regular television,
which is broadcast widely over the air, CCTV signals are only available to a specific destination.

CCTV systems have become commonplace in recent years. Cities such as New York and
London have cameras set up in subways and on street corners. Nearly every store in the
United States actively records the movements of shoppers. Home owners, fearful of burglars,
are setting up cameras so they can capture any problems.  At schools and the workplace,
cameras are constantly on the lookout for suspicious or dangerous behaviors and illegal activities.

Why does my organization need CCTV?
You can’t be everywhere. Your CCTV system can. You should consider CCTV if you are
concerned about theft, inappropriate or suspicious behaviors, or simply want to discourage
such activities.  Also consider how your organization will monitor video feeds from CCTV cameras.
Will security guards or existing staff be expected to monitor the feeds 24/7/365?
Or do you only need to record the feeds in case the video is needed for future reference?
If so, how far back should the video archives go?

In addition, several decisions must be made before your order a CCTV system.
For example, high-quality video will capture the facial detail of anyone caught on camera.
But such video needs more expensive cameras, and high-resolution video requires considerably
more storage than standard-definition video. Also remember that the network carrying high-
resolution data must be more robust than one carrying standard or low-resolution video.

Should I record or not record CCTV?
Some businesses find CCTV to be an effective deterrence even when the video is not recorded.
A store, for instance, can just show the live broadcast at the entry to remind potential shoplifters
that they’re being watched. That said, you won’t regret having a recording available if something
is captured. Here are some reasons why:

• Evidence: Recordings can be used in court. A video that captures a suspect in the act of committing
  a crime is far more convincing to juries and judges than a sketch based on someone’s memory or
  circumstantial evidence.
• Education: Recordings of mistakes and successes can be useful in staff training and other
  educational efforts. A video that details how a problem occurred or was handled is far more
  memorable than a written or spoken description.
• Investigations: Video recordings can provide a description of a suspect that’s far more reliable
  than a person’s memory. CCTV videos from crime scenes are often broadcast to help police
  identify suspects and victims.
• Protection: Your employees will feel safer knowing that their workplace is being watched – and recorded.
  If something should happen, the video will show exactly what occurred. This can decrease the likelihood
  of a “he said, she said” situation.

What about privacy?
The installation of a CCTV system often raises questions about privacy, whether the cameras are
installed on a city street, store, workplace or school. In most cases, the security benefits outweigh
concerns over privacy. In most cases, privacy questions can be resolved quickly by posting signs that
remind people that their actions are being recorded. If you are installing a CCTV system in a workplace,
you should explain the benefits and how the video will be used at employee meetings and in your employee handbook.