CCTV for home security systems

admin — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:17:38 +0000

A Closed Circuit TeleVision (CCTV) is a video magnification system consisting of a monitor interfaced with a video camera. Video magnification is achieved in two ways – the electronic conversion from the small camera imager to the larger display screen and the optical effect of the cameras zoom lens. The CCTV system provides high contrast, inverse video display, gray scale, false colors, natural colors, and/or control of contrast level and brightness.

A CCTV system allows you to monitor the interior and exterior of your house anytime of the day and you may want to consider it as a supplement to your home security system. Such a system includes a surveillance camera or cameras, lenses specially selected to watch particular areas of the home, and a recorder that records what the camera or cameras see. It comes in hardwired or wireless form.

A home CCTV system can be used in many ways. Depending on the size of your home, you may need as little as 1 camera for your system. You can install just one in front of your front door if you just want to see who is at your front door. It can be recorded while you are away and you can check the recorded video to see who dropped by and identifying burglars before they strike. While you are at home, you can use it to watch over your child’s playtime while you are doing your chores. The use of a CCTV system is limitless but before getting one, follows these steps:

	1. What to monitor. Exterior cameras are used to monitor areas such as the garage, backyard, or outside a gate or fence. Interior cameras can be used to monitor your kids while you are away. This will determine the number of cameras you need.
	2. Field of view of the CCTV systems. This will determine the size and type of lens. There are four types of lenses for CCTV use: fixed aperture, manual iris, auto iris and zoom. A zoom lens enables you to perform close-ups and get a better view of object.
	3. The number of cameras used will determine whether you need a switcher, a multiplexer or multiple monitors.
	4. If you plan to record more than 4 to 6 hours, you will need a commercial grade recorder. Otherwise, you can use a standard VCR. If you want full screen recording of multiple cameras, you will need to include a multiplexer.

CCTV security systems are not expensive by itself. The common thinking is that CCTV security systems are for the rich and most commonly installed in big houses. That is where you are wrong. With the number of manufacturers increasing, the price of CCTV security systems has dropped drastically over the years. A package that includes a monitor and 4 black and white cameras can be bought at less than $500.

Automated CCTV Security system
An automated CCTV security system does not require human intervention. Not so long ago, this type of security system is normally associated with the hiring of security guards to constantly monitor the monitors for intruders. Now, CCTV systems can be fully automated and is capable of detecting intruders on its own. All it needs is to be connected to sensors such as motion sensors. If the motion sensor is triggered, the alarm will sound and the CCTV recorder will start recording video.

Modern CCTV security system even has remote surveillance capability.
Using the internet, it allows the owner to view the video stream from remote location such as the work place.
An example of how this type of system operates:

	1. The sensor is triggered.
	2. The alarm starts giving off loud siren.
	3. The CCTV recorder starts recording.
	4. The owner is notified through phone.
	5. The owner will connect back to the home CCTV system using the internet.
	6. The owner can decide through the live stream video whether it’s a false alarm or a real situation.
	7. He or she can immediately call the police or remotely switch off the alarm.

With advancement in image processing, intelligent software connected to the CCTV cameras is able to tell whether the image obtained by the cameras show an intruder. It is an alternative to using the sensors.

Automated CCTV security system will significantly reduce the cost of a security system by eliminating the need to hire security guards. It also offers peace of mind because you don’t have to monitor the cameras all the time or worry whether your guard is sleeping on the job.

An
axiom in CCTV security applications is:
The better the light, the better the picture

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CCTV for home security systems