Security Camera with Remote Access

Security Camera with Remote Access

Hello Ruth,

• I’ve read your confusion regarding how to go about purchasing and installing a CCTV setup in your workplace. To give you a crash course on the basics of CCTV here please read on.
• Deciding what type of CCTV (Closed Circuit TV) camera setup you need can be difficult although by knowing a few basics regarding how they operate, you may be able to decide which works best for you. The most common type of basic CCTV camera is the daylight fixed/static type which has some limitations. It only works during daytime, and is just mounted on a fixed base. The type usually comes in a pair, meaning you have 2 cameras to monitor your front entrance and back exit using a single B/W or colored monitor. The single monitor can be split into several divisions depending on the number of cameras you have installed in different locations.
• For all day and night monitoring there is the IR (infrared) CCTV fixed/static mount which gives you 24 hours of coverage, giving you more security. The infrared lens activates at night time, allowing the user to view specific locations in the dark.
• CCTV cameras with PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom) features allow the user to view programmed specific areas to be monitored using panning and tilt (via servo motors that move the lens), and choose the option to zoom images as well. Some prefer this approach, since it requires just a single camera to view more areas compared to fixed ones that are confined to static positions.
• CCTV cameras with PTZ and IR Night Vision are the perfect solution for those needing the best security they can have. An automatic or pre-programmed camera that has day and night (IR) coverage and can pan and zoom anywhere you want it to go.
• Despite being well received by users, the IR infrared analog design can be useless for law enforcement types which recommend the use of DSS (Digital Slow Shuttering) Night Vision cameras for improved image quality and clarity.
• For those wishing to use their computers as part of the monitoring setup, the use of “IP Cameras” can be a good idea. It can send and receive data via the internet and is similar in principle to the popular “webcam” device we use on instant messengers.

When considering CCTV cameras, the following parameters should be taken into consideration:

1. When the camera needs zooming capabilities, or when a high deterrent effect is desired, “Housed” CCTV cameras in weather-proof housings should be used.
2. Static “Dome” Cameras look nicer and can be made to hide unobtrusively. Professional Dome Cameras have the same image quality and specs as “Housed” CCTV Cameras, but are generally easier to mount and cheaper in price. They mostly incorporate a 3-axis gimbal, which allows the camera to be mounted in any position and be adjustable at any desired angle.
3. IR (Infrared) devices, despite its well-known features have several distinct disadvantages. It can be too strong on close-up, meaning faces may be over illuminated, causing loss of facial marks leading to blur. Daytime colored images turn into monochrome during IR operation making it difficult to identify intruders.
4. The use of DSS (Digital Slow Shuttering) is encouraged, provided there is enough light within range to achieve crisp images otherwise hampered by using analog IR during night time.
5. For those who intend to have a record of all monitoring activities, a digital video recorder can be purchased as part of the setup. A time lapse analog video recorder is a cheaper alternative.

There are several options regarding CCTV purchase packages, namely the barebones package which just contains the camera, audio/video cables, mounting set, and power supply. A more complete package involves the camera set, TV monitor, and DVR (digital video recorder). IP camera setups include the CAT5 cables, camera interface device and software bundle.