When it comes to protecting your home or workplace, a CCTV - closed-circuit television system is one of the most important investments you can make. A closed-circuit camera system is a system where the camera is directly connected to a recording device and the footage is transmitted over a closed circuit. Since its development in 1942, CCTV has undergone significant changes. Once a technology used solely for live monitoring, it has evolved into a recording system that allows users to quickly view and store data.
What is a Closed-Circuit Camera System?
CCTV or closed-circuit camera system is a system that records to a specific device and does not use an open network that others can access. The system consists of at least one camera that transmits data to a monitor or video recorder. The transmitted data can be video and audio or just video. In everyday use, CCTV cameras are installed for surveillance purposes in buildings, entrances, and other structures. A closed-circuit camera system can be used, for example, to monitor a store in real-time or to review the footage later.
Components of a Closed-Circuit Camera System
A closed-circuit camera system consists of the following devices:
- Analog or digital security cameras
- RJ45 or RJ59 cables
- DVR or NVR video recording devices
- Storage unit, typically a hard disk
- Optional display unit, like a monitor
Principles of a Closed-Circuit Camera System
There are two types of closed-circuit security camera systems: analog and IP (network/digital).
Analog Security Systems
In analog security systems, a DVR captures video from the camera, compresses it, and then records it to a hard drive for either live monitoring or later viewing. This setup also allows for video to be transported over the internet for remote viewing. In an analog system, the DVR is responsible for compressing, converting, storing, and playing back the video. It also controls all the built-in features of the camera, including motion detection, notifications, alarm inputs, and more.
IP Security Systems
IP cameras are standalone devices with the ability to communicate directly over a network without the need for an intermediate system, as in analog systems connected to a DVR. An IP camera can record video on an internal memory card and can transmit images directly over a network or the internet to an NVR (Network Video Recorder). In IP systems, the camera takes on the responsibility of the DVR, including video compression, conversion, and streaming over the internet. This allows video to be transferred directly to a personal computer or an NVR (network video recording device).