What does a complete CCTV System consist of?

Most people believe that CCTV is simply a camera, or lots of cameras pointing in different directions looking for suspicious activity, but there’s much more to CCTV than the obvious.

There’s a few more elements that are required to ensure you have a fully working CCTV system.

Firstly, as we’ve already mentioned, the most obvious part of a CCTV system is the camera.

It’s the camera, or cameras job to monitor and capture the images, however, they do also act as a strong visual deterrent in the fight against crime.

There’s a wide range of cameras available on the market today, which are all suitable for surveillance but offer varying degrees of features etc.. something for every kind of monitoring need and budget.

The Cameras

Dome cameras – these are a popular choice today for indoor surveillance due to their small, neat size. They are easy to install and some of them have infrared capabilities and can be purchased to include vandal-proof features. Their distinctive shape makes it hard for onlookers to be able to tell which way the camera is pointing, so as a design they are very clever as they create an air of uncertainty which can help to deter criminals.

Bullet cameras – perfect for outdoor surveillance and shaped like a bullet, long and cylindrical. They are good for long distance viewing and feature a protective casing which protects them from the elements. They can be fitted with either fixed or varifocal lenses, depending on the customer’s intended use.

C-Mount cameras – their main advantage is the fact that the lenses can be detached to allow for different applications. Great for outdoor use in extreme weather conditions.

Day/night cameras – these are capable of monitoring in both normal daylight and poorly lit times of the day. They can capture clear images even in the dark of night.

PTZ cameras – PTZ stands for pan, tilt and zoom, which basically means that the camera can pan (move) left or right, tilt up and down and the lens can be zoomed in for closer viewing, or out for distance monitoring.

The Cables

The cables also play a vital role in a CCTV system, running from the cameras to the DVR. They not only provide the power, they ensure that live images can be transferred back to the DVR.

The DVR

Lastly but very importantly, the DVR (digital video recorder). This piece of equipment takes all of the images from the camera and sends them to the viewing screen, or monitor, storing the images/footage as well for viewing at a later date.

To find out more about CCTV systems and what the best set up will be for your home or business security requirements, please click here, or call and speak to one of our local CCTV installers in the Midlands on 0800 611 8230.

Alternatively, you can fill in our quick form below for a free no-obligation CCTV quote within the hour.