Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
Closed-circuit television (CCTV), also known as video surveillance, is the use of video cameras to transmit a signal to a specific place, on a limited set of monitors.
It differs from normal household television in that the signal is not openly transmitted, though it may employ point-to-point wireless links.
Although almost all video cameras fit this definition, the term is most often applied to those used for surveillance in areas that require monitoring such as bars, banks, casinos, schools, hotels, airports, hospitals, restaurants, military installations, convenience stores and other areas where security is a requirement.
In industrial plants, CCTV equipment may be used to observe parts of a process from a central control room, for example when the environment is not suitable for humans. CCTV systems may operate continuously or only as required to monitor a particular event.
A more advanced form of CCTV, utilizing digital video recorders (DVRs), provides recording for possibly many years, with a variety of quality and performance options and extra features (such as motion detection and email alerts).
More recently, decentralized IP cameras, some equipped with megapixel sensors, support recording directly to network-attached storage devices, or internal flash for completely stand-alone operation.
There are about 350 million surveillance cameras worldwide as of 2016. About 65% of these cameras are installed in Asia.
CCTV use is widespread in the UK. According to newspaper reports (Telegraph, Guardian), there is a surveillance camera for every 11 people.
Cameras are widely and overtly deployed every day, they are sited within both over-ground and underground train carriages, above supermarket checkout points almost any place you can think of.
Whatever our personal views, the irrefutable benefit of CCTV systems is their crime prevention and detection capabilities.
Like it or not, monitored camera surveillance is essential in many businesses, not just for the safety of staff and customers, but also for the security of the premises, property & cash.
System Technologies
When investing in a CCTV solution you are presented with an almost overwhelming number of choices. However, the real consideration will be whether to invest in Analogue (HD) or IP CCTV cameras.
Recording & Monitoring
CCTV recording cameras are linked to recording devices (DVRs / NVRs) either locally or onto an internet network.
Recorded images can then be monitored efficiently and safely from a remote point, and password login can give access even to hand-held devices such as tablets or mobile phones connected to the internet.
Technology has evolved a long way forward since its first use by Siemens back in the 1940s.
Analogue Camera Overview
An Analogue surveillance camera is fitted with a CCD (charge-coupled device) sensor that digitises the light that falls on its surface capturing the image for processing.
Before transmission of the video, the image has to be converted back to an analogue signal so that it can be viewed on a video monitor or recorder.
Analogue cameras must be NTSC/PAL compliant and are limited to a maximum resolution that is equivalent to 0.3 megapixels.
Analogue CCTV systems transmit video over coax or UTP (unshielded twisted pair) cabling to a digital video recorder (DVR).
At this point, the video is digitised and stored.
Most modern DVRs have network capabilities giving the user the option to access the feed remotely from a local area network and with the proper configuration, from across a wide area network or over the internet.
The benefit of a local area network set-up is that there are no videotapes to change; instead, the video is stored on hard drives or a networked drive typically on a FIFO (first-in, first-off) basis so that there is always a rolling video archive over a user-defined number of days/months.
Analogue HD
We are currently upgrading existing CCTV systems which are cabled with coaxial cable (traditional analogue wiring) with HD cameras as a good upgrade solution which removes the added cost of re-cabling.
Our CCTV supplier has a large range of high-quality HD-SDI cameras, recorders and accessories available. HD-SDI (High Definition Serial Digital Interface) unites the high-quality images of IP with the point-to-point configuration of analogue systems.
This technology is a great way to upgrade an existing analogue system to digital. (*Subject to cable quality)
• Unlike IP, HD-SDI operates over the familiar closed circuit system which eliminates any security threats that could compromise the system and also the need for IT expertise to
support and manage it.
Similar to your HD TV at home HD-SDI can offer impeccable picture quality for your CCTV system giving 720p and 1080p resolution in real time (25fps). This broadcast quality does not have bandwidth issues since it is connected directly to the DVR from point to point.
• HD-SDI Digital Video Recorders generally allow remote access via a web browser or mobile phone device to enable the system to be monitored and controlled remotely if required.
IP Camera Overview
“IP” stands for Internet Protocol which is the low-level programming language used to transmit data between computers in your home and the Internet.
This means that an IP camera is like a little computer that you connect to, to access your video and as such you do not require a direct connection to a PC to operate meaning they can be placed anywhere within a network and accessed remotely at any time.
Consequently, they do not require a DVR; instead, they operate with an NVR (network video recorder), which in most cases is just software that runs on a computer or server as it doesn't need to convert analogue video to digital.
The video footage can then be stored on new or existing network RAID (redundant array of independent disks) drives as directed by the NVR software.
In contrast to an Analogue camera, an IP camera excels in capturing high definition, megapixel images as captured data is digitized directly from the sensor, and because of their increased computing power, they can perform more advanced functions such as detecting motion to trigger recording or tampering and act on it by emailing, uploading or recording images or video to an internal storage card external storage device.
Why Analogue and IP Each Have Their Place
With the addition of any new technology, there is always a period of adoption and adaptation.
Gemini Security Solutions will still supply & Install Analogue cameras if we feel that they will meet the client’s security requirements.
For an impartial look at IP Cameras v Analogue Cameras, we have detailed below a list to compare the attributes and limitations of both technologies:
Compatibility
Analogue: Analogue video has been a universal standard for several decades. Virtually any analogue CCTV camera can be plugged into any DVR, regardless of brand.
IP: Each time you add an IP camera, you have to make sure that the NVR supports that particular model. However many IP camera producers now support a large variety of communication protocols.
Cost
Analogue: Analogue cameras and peripheral equipment are significantly lower in price than their IP counterparts but in the long term can be more expensive due to limits on the number of fixed cameras per DVR.
IP: Whilst the actual purchase cost for an IP camera is more expensive, in many scenarios it is more cost-effective in the long term. A single IP camera can do the job of several analogue and it is easier to expand in the future.
Quality
Analogue: Analogue CCD cameras perform well across a variety of lighting conditions and manage motion well.
Analogue cameras transmit the video image to the DVR uncompressed where it can be viewed live with no latency pre-compression.
IP: IP cameras excel in capturing high definition, with the ability to zoom in. However, some IP cameras can introduce latency, which becomes an issue when an operator needs to track something live. For this reason Gemini Security Solutions a very careful in choosing the manufacturers we use.
CCTV Maintenance
Analogue: Analogue cameras are unmanaged devices as they are pretty simple in comparison.
However, at Gemini Security Solutions we would still recommend an annual maintenance contract to ensure the available images are always the best possible.
IP: An IP camera is a network appliance and requires specialist maintenance – this is something that can be covered by an annual support/maintenance contract, which may add to the overall system cost.
Expansion & Storage
Analogue: DVR costs are fairly simple to understand. A DVR is a single unit and has a single cost. However, have a fixed number of inputs that cannot be expanded upon.
IP: NVR software is typically licensed on a per-camera basis and must be installed on a networked computer. The storage requirements for megapixel cameras are significant and may require additional network storage.
What are some of the benefits of having CCTV?
Cost being a main concern when making purchases it is often this factor that turns people away. Seeing the benefits of what you are going to buy can make or break the deal. Allow Gemini Security Solutions to show you some of the whys, when it comes to CCTV you can be assured that we have your back.
Crime prevention:
One of the primary benefits of CCTV is its deterrent effect on criminal activity. The presence of visible cameras can discourage potential criminals from committing unlawful acts, such as theft, vandalism, or burglary.
Enhanced security:
CCTV provides real-time monitoring and recording of activities, enabling security personnel to quickly respond to any suspicious behaviour or security breaches, thus improving overall safety and security.
Evidence collection:
CCTV footage can serve as valuable evidence in investigations and legal proceedings. It can help identify suspects, clarify events, and support law enforcement or security personnel in resolving incidents.
Employee safety:
In workplaces, CCTV can contribute to employee safety by monitoring hazardous areas, detecting safety violations, and ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
Remote monitoring:
With modern CCTV systems, you can access live feeds and recorded footage remotely through internet-enabled devices, allowing you to monitor your property or business even when you are away.
Prevent false claims:
In various scenarios, CCTV can protect against false claims, such as in accidents or conflicts, by providing an unbiased record of events.
Improve productivity:
In a business setting, CCTV can encourage employees to stay focused on their tasks, reducing time-wasting activities and enhancing overall productivity.
Health and safety compliance:
CCTV can assist organizations in maintaining compliance with health and safety regulations by monitoring adherence to safety protocols and identifying potential hazards.
Traffic management:
CCTV is valuable for traffic control and management, helping authorities monitor road conditions, and traffic flow, and identify traffic violations.
Customer confidence:
In public spaces like shopping malls or entertainment venues, CCTV instils a sense of security among visitors, increasing their confidence and satisfaction with the establishment.
Asset Protection:
CCTV safeguards valuable assets, equipment, and inventory from theft or damage, ensuring business continuity and reduced financial losses.
Operational Insights:
CCTV data can be analyzed to gain valuable insights into customer behaviour, foot traffic patterns, and operational inefficiencies, helping businesses optimize processes and enhance customer experiences.
Preemptive Security Measures:
CCTV enables proactive security measures, allowing businesses and individuals to identify vulnerabilities and potential threats before they escalate.
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems have become an integral part of modern security and surveillance strategies across various environments. These systems offer a multitude of benefits that contribute to enhanced safety, security, and operational efficiency. Here's an overview of the many advantages that having CCTV offers.
While CCTV systems offer numerous benefits, it is essential to implement them responsibly, considering privacy concerns and adhering to relevant regulations and guidelines. By striking a balance between security and privacy, CCTV proves to be a valuable tool in creating safer and more secure environments across various sectors and communities.
