CCTV Surveillance
What Is A Surveillance System?
Surveillance systems consist of security cameras and a recorders. The cameras capture and record footage of selected areas. There are 3 types of CCTV signal transmission; IP, analogue and wireless systems. Surveillance systems are popular choices for homes and businesses to deter intruders and capture suspicious activities
IP Surveillance System Vs Analogue Surveillance System
What Is An IP Surveillance System?
Internet Protocol (IP) systems consist of cameras that are connected to a Network Video Recorder (NVR) through an Internet network. These IP network cameras have the ability to record and compress video data before it reaches the NVR where it is stored and accessed for playback.
IP camera Kits have become popular choice because they deliver high-resolution videos and images while enabling remote accessibility to live cameras via smartphones, laptops or tablets.
Advantages of IP Surveillance System
- Easy to set up
- High resolution images and videos
- Fewer cables
- Access video footage remotely via a smart device
- Additional capabilities like motion detection, face detection, tripwire technology, email & Push notifications, digital zoom, and image enhancement technology
Disadvantages of IP Surveillance System
- High resolution video needs large storage capacity
- More costly compared to analog cameras
What Is An Analogue Surveillance System?
Camera’s from Analogue security systems transmit and record video data in an analogue format before it is transmitted over coaxial cable to a Digital Video Recorder (DVR). The DVR converts this analogue data into a digital format before compressing and storing it on a hard drive for future playback. Some of the more modern DVR’s can be connected to the Internet for live monitoring and playback over a network.
Advantages of Analogue System
- Lower cost in comparison to IP systems
- Easy to set up
- Requires less bandwidth compared to IP camera systems
- Allow for high-resolution analogue cameras up to 5 megapixels
Disadvantages of Analogue System
- Coaxial cable and power cable are required for each camera in comparison to IP cameras requiring a single PoE cable
- Image quality and frame rates are lower and may appear blurry or grainy for high motion areas
- Less coverage so more cameras will be needed to cover the same area in comparison to IP camera
What Is A Wireless Surveillance System?
A wireless security system is similar to an IP system. The only difference is that the cameras are connected to the NVR through Wi-Fi or a wireless network. But you will still need wired power for each camera.
Advantages of a Wireless System
- Easy to install since there is no need to run cables between the cameras and recorder
- Easier to conceal because of the smaller size and lack of wires
- Easier to relocate, making it ideal for renters or even in situations requiring a temporary setup
Disadvantages of a Wireless System
- Cameras still need a power source to run
- Potential loss of WiFi signal from interference, such as poor weather
- Susceptible to hacking which could put your property at risk
- Cameras need to be within WiFi range or repeaters may need to be added to improve signal
Camera Styles
Bullet Cameras
Bullet cameras stand out, which makes them a good visual deterrent. They can be fitted with bigger lenses because of their shape – giving them longer viewing ranges and coverage than other security cameras. This long range is ideal for outdoor areas, they are particularly great for mounting to walls.
Many bullet cameras are weatherproof and come with infrared night vision with a range of at least 30 metres for night recording. They can easily be reoriented to monitor new areas and are an excellent option for both indoor and outdoor coverage.
Dome Cameras
Dome cameras are more discreet in appearance. These cameras come with a dome housing case to protect the camera and conceal its viewing direction. Dome cameras are less susceptible to tampering. This ensures superior protection against high-impact vandalism.
Dome cameras are great for indoor spaces where they can be easily mounted to ceilings. They can also be used outdoors as many come with IP67 ratings for complete weather protection. Dome cameras are great if you want a more discreet option, and want to hide the viewing direction of the lens.
Turret Cameras
Turret cameras are aesthetically pleasing, which makes them a popular choice. They resemble ball and socket joints – giving them immense directional flexibility. Turret cameras are low maintenance and easy to clean – avoiding the accumulation of cobwebs that cause problems for dome cameras over time.
The downside of turret cameras is that they are susceptible to vandalism and tampering. They are ideal for people who want easy-to-install cameras that blend in well with home and office aesthetics.
PTZ Camera
A pan–tilt–zoom camera (PTZ camera) offers a tremendous amount of flexibility through total zoom and movement control, allowing you to cover more area with fewer devices.
With PTZ cameras, you can set up patrols through auto roaming where an intrusion is detected and tracked automatically until the intruder is out of range. They offer infrared night time ranges of up to 150 or even 300 metres, along with a range of smart detection features. They typically cost more because of their advanced features, but are well worth it for protecting vital business and commercial spaces and infrastructure, such as airports, train stations and metro lines, sports stadiums, hospitals, bridges and campuses.
Core CCTV surveillance systems
