Introduction to CCTV (Video Surveillance)

Introduction to CCTV

This is intended for people who have no idea about what CCTV. The information presented here could be basic for anyone in the physical security industry, but it is a great resource for those seeking to get an overview of what CCTV is. If you are a homeowner or a small busines owner looking for a video surveillance system, then this is a good read for you. In this short article I will answer the following questions:
• What is CCTV?
• Why do you need it?
• How does it work?
• What are your options?
CCTV stands for closed-circuit television, also known as video surveillance. It is a set of cameras that transmit the footage only to private authorised monitors. Usually, a CCTV system will also have a video recorder that stores the footage for future reference. This is CCTV in short.
If you ask yourself why you need it, you will find out that investing in a CCTV system could come with more benefits than what you expect. Here are some of the benefits of installing a video surveillance system:
• Deter criminal activity
• Monitor your property and the activity around it
• Collect evidence in case of crimes
• Analyze data for better decision making
• Oversee your cash registers and employees
• Monitor movement in a particularly high-risk area
• Prevent shoplifting
• Keep an eye on unwanted visitors
• Feel safe
Moreover, your insurance rate may improve giving you a fiscal return on your investment.
CCTV systems have advanced a lot with the advancement of technology and the introduction of machine learning and artificial intelligence. However, the basic structure and operation of the system remains somehow constant. In the video, you can see the basic components of the system. The cameras are placed at the location you want to monitor.
They are connected to the monitoring station and the storage through a network. The network could be dedicated or shared with other services, but the access to the camera feed should always be controlled.
The first CCTV system goes back to 1927; however, commercial systems were only introduced by the end of the 1940s. Early systems provided only real time monitoring as recording technology was not available. Recently, with the technology enhancement, there is a shift towards Internet-based products and systems, making use of machine learning and artificial intelligence for advanced video analytics.
The options of available CCTV systems and components today may seem overwhelming. The first choice you must make is between analog or IP system. Analog system may seem simpler and cheaper to implement, but IP systems are way more flexible and intelligent. Choosing between analog and IP will affect all the components of the system from the cables to the cameras and the storage.
Cameras are available in numerous options. There are many variants that can change in a camera, from the type of camera and its mounting, to the connectivity, sensitivity, and resolution.

Today CCTV systems are available in preconfigured kits that you can easily put together. However, professional systems need to be designed and tailored to meet the needs of every facility.

[gabrielvasconcellos]

Very helpful great information. Thank you

[vee]

Thank you for a great introduction video. Could you do a video, that explains bandwidth in a simply way using examples. That would be much appreciated. Thank you.