CCTV stands for Closed Circuit Television, which refers to a surveillance system using cameras that send their signals back to a specific location. These video images can be monitored live, or stored for viewing later. CCTV systems are most often used to monitor stores, banks, and public buildings, etc. However, with the technology becoming more and more affordable, and easier to use, many people are actually installing CCTV cameras in their homes and businesses for added security.
Many large stores use a combination of security personnel and a CCTV system to combat shoplifting. Smaller businesses, with smaller budgets for security, may have only one CCTV camera installed in a prominent place so that shoppers know they are being watched. A retailer can review the tapes on a VCR later, or observe any shoppers that are behaving suspiciously and note the vulnerable areas in the store. The only problem with recording and watching later is that some shoplifters will get away with stealing. On the other hand, the system still has merit because it allows for the recognition of repeat offenders.
In larger stores, the CCTV cameras are often less visible. They can have high-resolution digital cameras that may be mounted in smoke detectors, sprinkler heads, thermostats or clocks. It is also very popular to mount these cameras in ceiling tile domes (they are bubble-like and tinted so no one can see where the camera is pointed). From this vantage point, a pan/tilt/zoom camera can swing about and follow someone around the store.
There are a few different types of CCTV systems available such as analog or digital, wired or wireless. The methods used to operate them may vary, but the basic components are pretty much the same. A CCTV system will include a camera, a lens, a monitor, and cables that carry the signal from one place to another for the wired systems. Many systems also use some form of video recorders to record the video footage.
The camera captures up the signal from the area being monitored using the lens. The lens used determines how far and how wide of an angle the camera can see. If the system is wired, the camera then sends the signals through a cable to the monitor, and/or the recording device. If it is a wireless system, then the camera simply broadcasts the signal straight to the monitor itself.
The video cameras used for CCTV usually do not look anything like the video cameras you typically see at your local electronics store. They are becoming smaller and more specialized for their security purposes. A standard CCTV camera might be in the neighborhood of 4 inches long by 2 1/2 inches wide with a lens on the end, or smaller.
The monitor used is often just a simple television set (often just a black and white set), but increasingly a PC or laptop is used. Most of the wired analog systems will use the simple television monitors, while digital and wireless systems are more likely to use computers as the monitors. By setting it up on a computer, you can actually see the images from anywhere using the internet.
Installing a CCTV system is generally very easy to do as long as you follow the instructions that come with it. Some systems are shipped ready-to-go in the box and may take only a few minutes to install. On the other hand, others have to be set up from scratch and will take longer depending on their complexity. The wireless systems are usually very portable and do not require much more than an electrical outlet and some software.
Most experts would agree that the mere presence of CCTV cameras will reduce the incidences of theft or vandalism. Criminals know they are more likely to be caught if there is a camera watching them. Some retailers also have the monitors visible to the public so they can see themselves on a monitor as they enter a building. This way everyone knows for sure they are being monitored.
If you are thinking of getting a CCTV system for your home or business, the first issue to decide on is what you can afford as the systems vary quite a bit. You also need to know exactly what you want to see in the monitor and on the recordings; examining both the scene and the quality of the images. Also, remember to buy one for the right reasons. Using a high-tech solution to solve a low-tech problem can result in wasted money and effort. Be sure to check out several types of CCTV systems to make sure the one you are getting is going to provide the results you need.