A Guide To Choosing CCTV Security Camera Systems

You can have CCTV professionally installed, and, in some circumstances this may be appropriate. However modern technology has made CCTV products much more affordable and for the average DIY person, easy to fit. With such a large selection of cameras and prices, it is difficult to decide what to select. We have the following guide to help you choose the correct products. We also provide simple illustrations of fitting, from complete systems to fitting in domestic and commercial properties. 

1.0   'WIRE-LESS'

A very popular system, wireless transmission is governed by regulations which allow licence-exempt systems to transmit signals up to 100 metres in line of sight. However this can reduce to about 30 metres when used indoors. Basic wireless cameras work on one frequency, this means you cannot use 2 cameras within 100 metres of each other. There are cameras and receivers with 4 selectable channels which allow for multi-camera systems. We also supply the small covert type of camera with its own built-in transmitter. See our product range. A 'wireless' camera requires a power source, this is usually obtained by plugging into the mains, making it not strictly 'wire-less'. Batteries, which have a finite life, are not suitable for permanent installations. The voltage required is in the range 9-12V DC. A power supply in the loft is often quite easily accessible. Wireless systems are used where running the video cable back to VCR, DVR or monitor is not viable. Wireless cameras can be used for temporary monitoring of stock rooms offices etc. Miniature wireless cameras, using battery power, can be fitted to model aircraft, trains, boats etc., with the receiver connected to a domestic camcorder, giving a realistic on-board experience.

We offer wireless systems which operate on 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz frequencies.  The 5.8GHz system is more suitable in areas where wireless networks, cordless phones or other household equipment on 2.4GHz frequency is congested.  See our Wireless CCTV product range. 

2.0   'WIRED'

Wired cameras have virtually no interference and can be positioned a long distance from the monitoring/recording equipment. The cameras rarely need their own power supply. Normally one cable takes power and signal back to the recording device. See our Wired CCTV product range.

3.0   'TYPES of CAMERAS'

 A traditional CCTV camera has an 'industry style' look, making it unsuitable for fitting to homes or shops. Top-end cameras are usually specified without a lens and are chosen to give the focal length required and field of view. There are two common types of CCTV cameras, CMOS and CCD (see Glossary of terms). CMOS based cameras are generally cheaper but do not produce such clear or sharp images. If there is a need to easily identify who or what is being captured and recorded, CCD cameras provide pin-point clarity and are best where clarity is needed. Integrated cameras and lenses are sealed to prevent moisture damage. This sealing process enables them to be used under water if required. They do not need a heater and their size makes them suitable for fitting to domestic and commercial properties. Because they are permanently sealed it is not possible to adjust these cameras. Many integrated cameras are fitted with a 3.6mm lens giving a 72deg angle of view which is suitable for most domestic and small commercial properties. We also have cameras with a narrower angle of view allowing the cameras to 'see' further - the angle of view for all of our cameras is stated within the bullet point copy.

3.1   Colour or Monochrome

The human eye sees and recalls things better if they appear in colour - it's easier to track down someone with a red top and blue skirt than a grey dressed person that would see in monochrome. Colour cameras are more expensive than monochrome, but they are also less sensitive making night usage an impractical option unless good lighting is available. Monochrome cameras can offer Infra Red (IR) sensitivity making their use with covert IR illumination possible. This can be useful where planning permission makes extra lighting impractical or the security requirement is such that intruders should not be alerted to the existence of CCTV surveillance.

3.2   Outdoor Cameras

 If a camera is to be sited outside and is not going to be mounted in an enclosure it must be classed as weather resistant. All of our outdoor cameras are fully weatherproof. The cable entry points are sealed and most cameras come with trailing leads that allows the connections to be made inside the building.

3.3  Day/Night Cameras

 Very popular in domestic and small commercial CCTV applications, day/night cameras allow great quality, colour recording during daylight hours. When light levels drop below a certain level the camera's infra red LED's allow the camera to continue recording good quality footage even in complete darkness. The distance the cameras will see at night is dependent on the strength of the LED's. Most cameras will be able to cope with excess light. The major problem is when they do not have enough light to produce a picture.

3.4   Resolution

 This is the horizontal resolution in TV lines, i.e., the number of black to white transitions that can be resolved across the image. This is a function of the number of pixels that make up the CCD imaging area and the bandwidth of the camera circuitry. Typical entry level camera resolution is 330 TV lines, with high resolution cameras producing better than 400 lines. Higher resolution costs more!. How do I display the picture from more than one camera?. Most CCTV systems deploy several cameras so you need a method to view and record the images. There are various ways this can be achieved; use a video switcher, a quad processor or a multiplexer. Here are the simple benefits of each system.

4.0   SWITCHERS

 A CCTV switcher is a unit that changes between camera pictures one at a time, the output being viewed on a monitor or passed to the recording device. As switchers can use any VCR to record in true real-time, the pictures can be of a very high quality. The fact that they provide true real-time recording unlike a snapshot from a multiplexer means they provide a superior picture quality. This can sometimes outweigh the disadvantages that switchers can only record one picture at a time. Advantages - Simple, low cost, good quality real-time pictures. Disadvantage - Can only record one camera at a time.

5.0   QUAD PROCESSORS

 Quad processors enable 4 camera pictures to be displayed simultaneously. They are useful where it is necessary to monitor several areas at the same time. As with a switcher, what is seen on the monitor is the picture that is recorded on your VCR. Advantages - Simple to use - shows multiple displays which can be recorded. Disadvantage - Records only 1 camera at a time real time or 4 at a quarter of the resolution.

6.0   MULTIPLEXERS

 A multiplexer allows simultaneous recording of multiple full-sized camera pictures on to one VCR tape providing a more comprehensive record than with a switcher or a quad processor. Most have variable display options such as quad and picture in a picture allowing flexible surveillance of more than one camera at once. When to use a multiplexer Generally use when a high degree of surveillance is required and it is necessary to record full resolution pictures from a number of cameras at the same time. Advantages - Records all camera pictures full size on one tape - gives better monitoring of areas simultaneously - enables large areas to be monitored without losing surveillance due to camera switching time. Disadvantages - Does not record in real time - Raises the overall cost of the system.

7.0   RECORDING CCTV IMAGES

7.1   Domestic VCR

The simplest low-cost solution is to use your home VCR. This will typically give 8 hours recording time and can be used in conjunction with a Video Activator to provide event-only recording. With Video Activator, recording will automatically be triggered on motion detection.

 Advantages very low cost. Worth considering buying a seperate VCR for camera recording. This VCR can be hidden in the attic or a cupboard making it less likely to stolen by an intruder. Disadvantages most domestic recorders have a slow "take-up" time. (the time taken to start recording) - cannot use the VCR to record TV channel whilst camera input is selected.

7.2   Time-lapse VCR

Similar to your home VCR but with a slower-moving tape that records the camera pictures as snapshots at split second intervals. The time-lapse can be set to give 24, 240 or 960 hours of recording on standard VCR tapes.

 Advantages very long recording time, cost-effective. Added features like alarms, auto tape-rewind. Disadvantages will need a quad processor or multiplexer when recording multiple cameras which adds to the cost of the system. the longer the recording time the longer the period of time between the snapshots. tapes do wear out through over use.

7.3   DVR Digital Video Recorders

Can record images onto a built-in hard drive from one or more cameras. DVRs normally come combined with multiplexer functions and are generally considered the future of CCTV recording. DVRs can generally be split into two groups - standalone black box and PC-based solutions. PC-based solutions are discussed in their own section.

Advantages all-in-one box for recording, multiplexing, alarms and motion detect. Higher resolution than S-VHS VCR is possible near instant access to recording from known time and date no loss of quality when copies taken can record events in real-time before an alarm actually occurs with "Pre-event trigger" enhanced playback function, forward and reverse frame by frame playback easily connect to networks/internet for remote viewing and playback.  See our DVR product range.

7.4   Wireless Receiver with Built-in Recorder

These are relatively new in the market and they include a built-in recording device using SD-card as the storage media.  They normally offer a host of other functions e.g. motion detection and the ability to record images once detecting moving objects.  See our Wireless Receiver with Built-in Recorder product range.

8.0 PC-Based SYSTEMS

If you already have a PC then with the addition of a video-capture card and surveillance software you have a powerful digital system. The purchase of a video capture card and software is a very cost effective method of providing a high specification system.

8.1 Video and Audio Capture Devices

 Advantages easy to expand 2 ports to 4, 8, or 16 ports. Simply buy another card remote viewing software allows for many configurations for monitoring e.g. quad display records in real time, simultaneously from all cameras time and date stamping with motion detect alert wizard, send email with photo or video clip, SMS alert audio alert motion detection recording featuring different sensitivity settings and masking feature. Only movement in the masked rectangle trigger a response. By careful positioning of the rectangles you can allow for pet movement within the observation area. a low-cost, all-in-one solution that does away with the need for separate motion detect, splitters, quads or multiplexers.  See our Video Capture Devices product range.

8.2   Wireless Receiver with USB 2.0

These are relatively new in the market and they basically have a built in video and audio capture device that converts the signals so that you can connect the receiver directly to your PC via USB without the need for additional audio/video capture devices.  They normally offer a host of other functions e.g. motion detection, ability to record images once detecting moving objects, remote monitoring etc.  See our Wireless Receiver with USB 2.0  product range.

9.0 NETWORK / IP - Based SYSTEMS

These types of  cameras have a built-in web server for remote monitoring of live video images over a local area network or via the internet without a PC.  You can get Wired and Wireless versions.  Among some of it's standard capabilities include motion detection, image recording, event logging, account & password settings, emailing events, and etc..  Some models come with a SD card slot to facilitate local image storage which can be used for e.g. recording detected motion.  Some models also provide remote Pan/Tilt capability i.e. you can remotely pan and tilt the camera from anywhere in the world while receiving live images.  See our Network / IP Based System  product range.

10.0   TIPS ON FITTING TO YOUR HOUSE

The prospect of drilling a hole through the outside wall of your house to run the power and video cable for a camera may seem a big job. With a little forethought it can be quite simple.

10.1   Positioning of cameras

Most people want to hide the camera as much as possible. The modern 'bullet-type' camera is no bigger than your small finger and can easily be located under or on the fascia/soffit boards where the roof meets the wall. When located here it is sheltered from wind and rain and can be shaded from most sunlight. The height of the camera gives a good area of view and minimises the risk of vandalism.

Another advantage of this location is cabling. It is pretty easy to run the cables into the loft from this position. Many houses have a small ventilation gap between the roof tiles and the external wall, or a small hole may be drilled in the fascia board to gain access to the loft.

10.2   Cabling

It is usually quite easy to pick up mains power in the loft or, if additional cabling is required it is now internal. Wireless transmission can be used for the video signal with the receiver being placed next to the monitor or recorder (TV, VCR, PC etc.). That's it, job done.

A 'hard-wired' system is almost as easy to install. Locate the TV aerial down-lead that may be in the loft or run down the outside of the house, then run the CCTV camera video cable alongside the aerial cable, which will lead directly to the TV.

A good method of connection is an RF modulator. This changes the camera's video output to an RF output. You can pipe the CCTV images down the existing TV aerial down-lead and view on the TV/VCR as if it were another channel. If your house is fitted with a TV distribution system, this method will allow the pictures to be seenon all the TV sets.

10.3   Addition of Switchers etc.

Consider placing switchers, mutiplexers or DVRs in the loft. This keeps all the cabling in the loft with just one output cable to your monitor. It also hides your recording device. If you dont understand any of the terms used, please see our CCTV Glossary.

11.  POSSIBLE SETUP OPTIONS

In this section we will illustrate the different ways you can setup a complete CCTV system.  They are actual working examples but the aim is to provide you an idea of how different components can be arranged to provide a complete solution.  Additional accessories or products may be required.

11.1   Setup 1:CCTV monitoring and recording system using TV and VCR

The most basic setup is to use your existing TV for monitoring and VCR for recording (if required) as shown below.  If you require a system which supports multi-cameras and you would still like to use this setup, consider a wireless kit with multiple cameras e.g. 4 Outdoor Day/Night 5.8GHz Wireless Camera Kit+Remote

Key Features:

• Simple to install
• No additional accessories required, apart from your existing TV and VCR (if recording is required)

11.2   Setup 2: CCTV monitoring and recording system using DVR

A more sophisticated setup is to use a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) as a standalone device to continuously record surveillance video.  As the DVR has a built in multiplexer, it allows images from multiple cameras to be viewed at the same time on one screen.  The diagram shows a 4-Channel DVR where you can connect up to 4 cameras (either through a wired or wireless CCTV system) to the DVR.  The DVR has a LAN port which you can use to connect to your router/modem which is connected to the internet.   With this setup, you can remotely access and control your DVR via the internet and view live or playback recorded images.

Key Features:

• Standalone recording and remote access solution without the need for a PC
• Recording can continue while playing back or reviewing images (possible with DVR with triplex function)
• Remote Viewing - ability to view live and recorded video over the internet from anywhere in the world
• Remote Alarm Notification
• Motion Detection

11.3   Setup 3: CCTV monitoring and recording system using Video Capture Device and PC

If you have a PC and either a USB Video Capture device or PCI 4-Channel capture card, you can turn your PC into a powerful DVR with sophisticated remote access features. You can record the CCTV footage on your PC harddisk and configure it so that it will send video and alarm information (while you are at that different location), if an alarm is received/triggered. You can also remotely access and view live video from your CCTV camera connected to your pc via the internet anywhere in the world.  All of these can be achieved using software normally included with your video capture device or a free software called Active Webcam. 

Key Features:

• Performs Live Recording that allows rewind and playback captured content at any time
• Records video when a motion is detected
• Sends e-mail and SMS when motion detected
• Remote Viewing - ability to view live and recorded video over the internet from anywhere in the world

NOTE

Disclaimer. 'Technofield' accept no responsibility for any damage or injury caused to or by any person or persons, building, structure etc., howsoever caused by anyone following or attempting to follow, any of the 'tips' shown. All such occurrences shall be the sole responsibility of the person or persons involved.