subject: When It Comes To Cctv Systems, There Are Two Main Options. [print this page] These systems are often used for office buildings or other areas as a security measure. Guards are on duty to watch the closed security feeds and make sure not suspicious activity is taking place. The system is closed, meaning only those directly connected to the security system is able to view the live video feeds. This is helpful so individuals on the outside are not able to hack in and change the video feed.
When it comes to CCTV systems, there are two main options. The first is via wireless cameras while the second is through wired cameras. Wireless cameras make the installation process less of a hassle, as you aren't running wires through the facility, but you also need to make sure the cameras are able to connect to the receiver. Different cameras and receivers have different ranges in wireless connectivity, so when selecting a CCTV system, you must make sure the reception range is within the distance you plan on placing your cameras. There is a slight downside to these camera setups though. For a trained computer expert, it is possible for them to hack into the wireless security feed and view the information. To be completely sure no individual is watching the closed circuit television system, you need to go with a wired option.
The wired options do take a little longer to set up, but provides further security. The cameras connect to the security system via a single cable. The cables generally run along with other network cables, so you don't need to wire additional connections through the facility. There are two main downsides to this closed circuit security system. The first being if the video feed drops. It means there is a disconnected cable. You need to go to either the receiver and check the cable connection, or check the cable connection into the camera itself. If either is disconnected it results in a lose of video feed. On top of this, if someone is trying to break in, they are able to cut through the video feed cable and completely disconnect the camera. Of course, if the camera is placed in a high enough position, this is not possible (and if the cable is protected). The wired security setups do allow you to place the cameras anywhere in the facility, you just need a long enough cable.
All the video feeds run into a receiver box. This box than connects to a television system and displays all the video feeds. When using a wired setup the individuals cables from each camera plugs into the rear of the receiver. When using a wireless setup, there is a wireless receiver attached, that receives each individual signal from the cameras.
Depending on how many cameras you have set up around the facility, you may choose to connect multiple televisions to the receiver. This allows you to view the video feeds on a larger screen. It is also possible to have the video feeds switch every few seconds, so you can monitor the feeds on a loop. The down side to this is not all camera views are displayed at all times, so if someone knows the exact time the camera cuts out, they are able to make their way past the specific camera.
For recording purposes, there are two different options. If you want to older method of recording, you can connect an individual VCR to each camera connection, allowing the video feed to record onto an individual tape. This does become rather tiresome constantly changing out the tapes, so you may want to opt for a hard drive method. The video feeds record directly to a hard drive, when you are able to then delete and erase after a few weeks, when you need to make new room for additional footage.
