CCTV
The world has become a dangerous place and the need to protect valuable possessions, assets, and infrastructure has become more and more important. While it is always an option to hire security guards and other people to be a physical presence, the eyes and ears of these individuals are imperfect. Using CCTV products and services, across the UK can feel a greater sense of security knowing there is a watchful eye on duty around the clock.
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems typically consist of one or more visible or covert cameras and recording and viewing stations. The images recorded on a CCTV system are not publicly broadcast, but instead are streamed to a private area where the images are viewed in real-time or recorded, or both. CCTV was initially developed for security and surveillance in casinos and banks, but has increased in popularity among businesses. With all that said, what exactly does a CCTV system consist of?
No two CCTV systems are necessarily going to be similar. The beauty of CCTV systems is their flexibility to cater to the needs of each different client. There are only three basic components that every system will have in common and these include at least one camera, a screen to view images on, and a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) to store surveillance imagery.
Beyond these basic components, CCTV systems are tailored by Nexus to ensure that a system is put in place to meet the needs of the client. The most important component is the camera itself and customers have a variety of options available for this key component of a CCTV system. Examples of CCTV cameras include:
- Traditional Box Cameras: Everyone has likely seen one of these cameras at local retailers, banks, and football grounds. Box cameras are typically installed for customers with special lens needs and/or those with the need for higher quality image capture. Ideal for indoors but can also be used outdoors when mounted in weather proof housing.
- Dome Cameras: Dome cameras are a popular choice for indoor security settings. The lens and camera are housed inside a dome making it difficult for potential threats to identify where the lens is aimed, and many offer 90 degree or 360 degree views. Infrared dome options make it possible for clear images during daylight and nightlight scenarios.
- Hidden Camera: As the name suggests, hidden cameras are designed to be hidden from public view while maintaining a vigilant eye on a target area. Cameras can be designed to mimic smoke detectors, mirrors, or PIR detectors in many cases.
Additional hardware and software exists that allow clients to further customise their CCTV systems. Monitors and software can be installed to view images captured by camera systems, with clients free to choose between one monitor with multiple feeds or have multiple monitors. DVR systems can be used to allow clients to not only view real-time feeds but also record imagery for later viewing.
With appropriate software installed on-site, it is now also possible for clients to connect to and view their CCTV system on the go with their smartphone. By simply downloading the appropriate app for Android, iOS, or Windows Mobile devices, clients can view their CCTV system wherever they are.