What Are CCTV Cameras & How Do They Work?

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    CCTV, also known as closed-circuit television, is a security monitor system that enables you to always keep a watchful eye around or in your business. CCTV security systems contain monitors and cameras that allow you to view live events, as well as recorders that archive footage for later use. These types of security systems, using CCTV cameras, differ from standard television sets, for they do not receive public broadcast footage. They only receive footage from security cameras installed on or around the local premises.

    There have been substantial technological advancements for CCTV security systems in recent years. These advancements have made security systems more effective at catching criminals during a crime. Not to mention, they are an effective measure to have in place to protect your business’s assets. Both of these reasons, and many more, are why CCTV security systems have become increasingly popular for business owners. Continue reading to learn more about the different types of CCTV cameras, how they work, their various parts, and why you can trust Mobile Video Guard for all your CCTV installation and service needs.

    Different CCTV Security Camera Options

    The purpose of all CCTV security systems is to capture footage. These cameras are especially important when your business location is in a high-crime area or has any vulnerabilities around your building that people could exploit. However, in industrial settings, CCTV cameras are also commonly used to monitor environments that are not suitable for humans, ensuring smooth operations. At Mobile Video Guard, we specialize in video surveillance for residential construction sites, scrap yards, and recycling yards, among many other industrial sites and applications, with the option of providing 24-hour coverage. Here are the different basic types of security cameras commonly used:

    • Wired Security Cameras are powered by a series of cables that conduct footage and transmit that footage to a monitor system. Transmission may become weak when the transmission range is over 300 meters. However, using necessary signal boosters, switches, and networking cables helps alleviate the long-range transmission issue. Multiple cameras generally interconnect to a monitor system located in a security room.
    • Analog Security Cameras are among the oldest and most common types of CCTV security cameras. They store video onsite and have basic security functionality. They can also display security video on a standard TV, without the need for a DVR. However, they also work with DVRs if that is your personal preference. 
    • IP (Internet Protocol) Cameras have the same functionality as analog security cameras. However, IP cameras have vastly superior capabilities. For instance, these security cameras boast higher and sharper resolution images as well as more flexible features, such as repositioning and remote zoom. You also have the option to view security footage on a web browser. Being able to connect your security camera to a web browser enables you to receive real-time notifications of anything peculiar captured on-site. If your IP security camera records movement in your business at 2:00, you can view it live via your smartphone or computer device. However, one major drawback to IP cameras is the high price tag.

    Video Recorders for Security Systems

    Recorders are an essential part of CCTV security systems. Every time a CCTV security camera captures something of interest, a recorder archives the footage, allowing you to view it after the fact. There are two primary forms of video recording options. These are:

    CCTV Cameras
    • DVRs, also known as digital video recorders, are the modern recorder replacement for analog recorders, which relied on the use of videotapes. DVRs convert analog camera footage into a digital format at the desired frames per second and resolution. When the hard disk’s storage becomes full, the new images record over the original images, making it essential to check your recorder as soon as an incident occurs.
    • NVRs, also known as network video recorders, are similar to DVRs. However, they are compatible with IP cameras. You connect your NVR and security cameras via a network router or switch. Likewise, you can simply view your NVR footage through a mobile app or web browser.

    One additional note for hard drives: you must pick surveillance-grade hard disks for your NVR or DVR. Surveillance-grade hard disks contain more durable components than traditional computer hard drives, which allows them to operate 24/7 if required.

    Display Unit

    A TV or monitor connected to your NVR or DVR is required to view recorded or live footage from your security cameras. Your CCTV system’s display unit can range from anything between a simple monochrome screen to an HD color monitor. Not to mention, if your business has IP cameras, viewing footage remotely from a computer or smartphone is also available.

    CCTV Security Footage Storage Options

    CCTV security cameras can record everything they capture. However, you will find that archiving everything fills up internal storage space rather quickly. Storage space can become rather costly. For this reason, you could consider programming your security camera to only record footage during a particular time of day, or when movement is detected. Doing so will save you the hassle of constantly buying more storage space to archive the constant stream of footage.

    CCTV Surveillance Systems at Movile Video Guard

    CCTV video surveillance helps protect against vandalism and theft and provides a safer work environment for you and your staff. Regardless of your reason for installing a CCTV surveillance system for your business, Mobile Video Guard has you covered. Founded in 2016, our company strives to provide the latest in security technology for your business and ensures first-class installation and service from our team of experts. Along with industrial sites, we also provide security systems for trade shows and exhibits, as well as fire detection systems.

    If you think Mobile Video Guard is right for your business, you can request a quote to get an idea of our pricing. And if you would like to learn more about our business and why we are the right CCTV surveillance company for you, feel free to contact us today, and someone from our passionate team of experts will gladly assist with any questions or concerns!

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