CCTV
Systems, for surveillance, and crime deterrence.
A CCTV System when
configured correctly, and making use of modern components, is a great tool
for general surveillance, decreasing employee crime, robbery deterrence,
identification, and may be used to help with prosecutions.
Closed circuit TV systems have been available for many
years, they have also undergone some almost miraculous transformations in recent
years. What used to be very expensive, cumbersome and hard to configure systems
are now very reasonable, easy to configure , and easy to maintain, and they
provide much more versatility and usefulness than just a few years ago.
When choosing system components the first decision you
need to make is what are you using it for. The primary uses for CCTV systems are
surveillance, traffic control, theft, shoplifting, employee theft, and/or
robbery deterrence, and identification. Surveillance and traffic control
probably do not require color cameras, black & white may actually provide better
resolution. However theft, shoplifting and/or robbery deterrence and
identification may require color cameras, if there is an arrest and prosecution
a court will require color to make positive identification, on a black & white
recording a red sweatshirt would appear to be gray.
Next you need to decide what exactly do you want to
see, how far away is it, what are the lighting conditions, is it indoor or
outdoor, how wide a viewing angle is desired? The answers to these questions
will help you choose the correct kind of camera and lens combination, the
correct mounting or enclosure, even what kind of cabling needs to be provided.
Deciding how you will view, record and store the
information is next on the list. The choices for viewing include a central
monitoring point, multiple monitors, single monitors that can show multiple
images, on your computer via the Internet, how about on a special cell phone
from anywhere in the world.
Recording and storing information can range from a time
lapse recorder, your computer, or a DVR recorder. If you use a time lapse
recorder, you need to be aware of the limitations on what is recorded and when,
and you may need more equipment, such as a switcher and/or multiplexer. Storage
of video tapes can also be a challenge. With a DVR recorder, all you need to
decide is how long to you want to save events at one time, the longer time frame
you want to save, the bigger hard drive you need. Events or time periods that
need to be saved can be downloaded to a computer, or burned to a CD, very
economical and easy to manage. A DVR, unlike the time lapse recorder will record
continuously from all camera's, they also incorporate the switcher and
multiplexer functions into one unit. A few years ago DVR recorders were very
expensive, today they are very reasonable, and will continue to go down in cost
and provide more advanced features.
When you are ready to spec your system contact us for
the latest information and equipment, and a competitive quote.
A couple of words of caution; Some businesses will
display a fake camera in their place of business with the idea that this will
deter shoplifting, robbery or employee theft. In light of some recent court cases
this practice should be discouraged, it has been successfully argued that the
presence of a "dummy" camera can provide patrons or employees with a false sense
if security that is not there. This false sense of security has led to injury.
Businesses displaying "dummy" cameras have been held partially liable for
injuries.
Buying your security system as an all in one set from a
"big box store" can save some money, however you will almost surely end up with
equipment that is inferior and not specified correctly for you needs, and when
you need service or adjustment, you may not be able to get service. The modern
CCTV components of today are quality, precision tools and should be specified,
installed and calibrated by a security professional.
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