What is a CCTV system?
A CCTV system is a type of surveillance system used to monitor and record activity in a specific area for security and safety purposes. Unlike broadcast television, CCTV systems transmit signals to a limited set of monitors and recording devices, making it a “closed circuit.”
How do CCTV systems work?
A CCTV system works by capturing video footage through cameras, transmitting that footage to a recording device, and displaying it on monitors for viewing. Below is a step-by-step explanation of how the system operates:
- Video Capture: CCTV cameras are the starting point. They capture video footage in real-time.
- Signal Transmission: The video signal is sent from the cameras to a recording device or a monitoring system. The systems used for this can either be analog or digital/IP based.
- Processing and Recording: There are many recording devices available as part of a CCTV system including DVR (Digital Video Recorder) and NVR (Network Video Recorder). The storage of the footage can be saved on internal/external hard drives, cloud storage, or memory cards where older footage can be overwritten if storage space is limited.
- Monitoring: The video feed is displayed in real-time or as recorded footage on monitors. Monitoring can either be handled locally or remotely using a smartphone, computer, or tablet to access the feed through the internet (for IP-enabled systems).
- Alerts and Automation (Optional): Modern systems include motion detection, intrusion alerts, or integration with alarms. Smart systems can send notifications to users when unusual activity is detected.
- Power Supply: Cameras and other components are powered via electrical outlets, batteries, or Power over Ethernet (PoE) in IP systems. Backup systems like UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) ensure continuous operation during power outages.
- Playback and Retrieval: Users can review footage from the recording device or cloud storage. Recorded video is timestamped and can often be searched by date, time, or event.
What are the different types of CCTV system?
CCTV systems come in various types, each suited to specific applications and environments. The choice depends on factors like the area to be monitored, budget, and the level of detail or control required. Below are the main types of CCTV systems:
- Analog CCTV Systems
- IP (Internet Protocol) CCTV Systems
- Wireless CCTV Systems
- PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) CCTV Systems
- HD CCTV Systems
- Thermal Imaging CCTV Systems
- Day/Night CCTV Systems
- Bullet CCTV Systems
- Dome CCTV Systems
- Hybrid CCTV Systems
- Smart CCTV Systems
