Tips on fitting CCTV to a house.

The prospect of drilling holes through the external walls of your home to run the power and video cable for a camera may at first seems only feasible for the most accomplished DIYer.
With a little forethought it can be remarkably simple.

Positioning of cameras
Most people want to make the camera position as discreet as possible. The modern bullet-type camera is no bigger than your small finger in length and can easily be located under or on the fascia/soffit boards where the roof line meets the wall. This location also provides good shelter from wind and rain and can be shaded from excessive sunlight. The height of the camera position will give a good area of view and minimise the risk of vandalism.
However, another advantage of this location is cabling. It is usually easy to run the cables into the loft from this position. Many houses have a small ventilation gap between the roof tiles and the external wall, or a small hole may be drilled in the fascia board to gain access to the loft.

Cabling
It is usually easy to pick up mains power in the loft or at least if additional cabling is required it is now internal. Wireless transmission can be used for the video signal with the receiver being placed next to the monitor or recorder (TV, VCR, PC etc.). That's it, installation complete.
A hard-wired system can almost be as easy to install. Locate the TV aerial down-lead that may be in the loft or run down the outside of the house. It is usually possible to run the CCTV camera video cable alongside the aerial cable, which will lead directly to the TV.
A neat method of connection is to use an RF modulator. This little box changes the camera's video output to an RF output. This means you can pipe the CCTV images down the existing TV aerial down-lead and view on the TV/VCR as if it were another channel. If the house is fitted with a TV aerial distribution system, this method of connection allows the camera pictures to be viewed on all TV sets.

Addition of Switchers etc.
Consider placing switchers, mutiplexers or DVRs in the loft. This contains all the camera cabling in the loft with just one output cable to a monitor. It also hides away the recording device.

Other ideas
Consider positioning the cameras indoors. Point each camera at the exterior doors. Use a motion detector or PC-based system to activate the camera when a door is opened.
The advantage of this type of system is that you do not need a traditional burglar alarm and sensors. The output of the system can be connected to an alarm or, better still, the more sophisticated methods of dialing/SMS to your mobile phone.
This method avoids activation of the motion detector by sudden changes in light levels. Set the activation area just above the level of the cat flap to allow freedom of passage for your pets.

CCTV Monitors or TVs

The signal from a cctv camera is classed as analogue, 1 volt peak to peak into 75 Ohms. A compatible display device must be used to view the images.

The simplest method of displaying the images from the camera is by connecting to the AV input or SCART input on a television set. Most modern TVs now have these type of inputs. The AV input is usually a RCA/Phono type of connector. A simple BNC to Phono converter is all that is required to connect cameras fitted with a BNC type of connector. Most of our camera kits are supplied with BNC and Phono connectors. Alternatively, a BNC to SCART connector can be purchased as an optional extra.
Switchers, multiplexers and digital recorders generally have BNC input connectors.

If you have an older type television that does not have an AV or SCART connector it is possible to convert the camera signal to the broadcast frequency and connect through the aerial input. A small device called an RF Modulator or Wide Band Modulator provides this function.

Alternatively, for more complex or dedicated cctv system a specialist cctv monitor can be used. The tubes or screen (referred to as the CRT)used in cctv monitors are of a much higher resolution than standard TVs. The resolution is measured in TV lines and on monochrome monitors this can be up to 1000TV lines. A good quality TV will be classed at 450 TV lines. These figures are measured at the centre of the tube and will be less at the edges.
Monitors are also designed for continuous running and will contain a high-reliability long-life power supply.
If you are fitting high definition cameras with over 500 TV Lines resolution then a suitable cctv monitor is needed.

LCD screens are now available for cctv applications. The advantages of LCD monitors are:
They are smaller and lighter than CRT monitors
Offer the possibility of 12 volt operation
Offer high resolution that is uniform across the screen
The resolution does not decrease with the age of the monitor as is the case CRTs.
The disadvantage is the cost although this is reducing rapidly.

An LCD monitor designed for connection to a PC does not usually have the required analogue inputs so check carefully before choosing this type of display

Getting the picture signal from the camera to the monitor, recorder or TV.

The most common method used on professional installations is RG59 Coaxial cable. The centre core is the signal conductor while the outer shield protects the signal from electro-magnetic interference. It is a low-loss cable which will allow cable runs of up to 250 metres. Longer cable runs can be achieved with the use of a video amplifier.
BNC connectors are the preferred type of connector in professional CCTV installations and are recommended by 2seetv for all DIY CCTV applications. The connectors twist and lock together giving secure connection.
Professional switchers, multiplexers, monitors etc. will all use BNC connectors. If you are connecting to a domestic TV or VCR you will need to convert to phono or SCART connectors. Simple adapters are available and are supplied with many of our kits.

Increasingly popular for CCTV installations is the use of RJ45 composite cables. These look similar to a telephone extension cable but are terminated in a RJ45 connector. A simple adaptor is used to provide a BNC, Phono and a 2.1mm DC power plug connector. This means that one cable can be used to carry the video signal, audio and DC power.
This type of cable is more flexible than RG59 cable and its small size makes it suitable for running along the top of a skirting board or around a door frame.

Many DIY CCTV products do not use coax cable and BNC connectors. The cable is more expensive and the connectors are difficult to fit. We can supply a range of ready-made coax/BNC cables that price match most RCA/Phono type cables.
It is advisable to keep cable runs as short as possible. Most of our camera kits offer a choice of cable length at no additional cost. Unless you are experienced in refitting a crimped BNC connector we do not recommend you cut the cable. Before ordering a camera kit measure the required cable run. Select the required cable length from the drop-down box. BNC cables can easily be joined together with a coupler such as CCA-005.

High-quality cameras with anti-mist coating, CCD lenses will give clear, crisp, noise-free pictures. It is essential to use good quality cable if these images are not to deteriorate. For CMOS cameras the quality of cable is less important.

Increasingly popular is wireless transmission. Government regulations now allow licence-exempt systems that can typically transmit signals up to 100 metres in line of sight. This reduces to approximately 30 metres when used indoors. Simple wireless cameras will only work on one frequency so you cannot use 2 such products within 100 metres of each other. Cameras and receivers are available with 4 selectable channels making multi-camera systems feasible.
Even the small covert type of camera can be supplied with its own built-in transmitter. Alternatively, any camera can be connected to a stand-alone transmitter.

Remember that CCTV cameras require power to operate. The voltage is usually in the range 9-12V DC and this is typically derived from a small power supply plugged into the mains supply. So "wireless" does not mean totally "wire-free". Battery operation will be measured in hours, so is not suitable for permanent installations. However, it is often easy to pick up the power for the camera in some areas such as the loft of the house. Wireless systems are great where it would be difficult to run the video cable back to VCR or monitor.
Wireless transmission is also useful for temporary monitoring of an office or reception area. The miniature wireless cameras with battery power can be fitted to model aircraft or model trains. The receiver can be connected to a domestic camcorder to recorder the "ride-on" experience.

Motion Detectors

Even with the long-recording facilities of DVRs and digital systems it is seldom desirable to continuously record. The most common method is to fit a PIR (Passive Infra Red) detector in the area to be monitored. Most people will be familiar with this concept as applied to security lighting.
The output of the PIR can be fed to a Video Remote Control module, hence the video recorder will only turn on when motion is detected. As a basic system it works well and wireless models are available that remove the need for additional cabling. As they are low-voltage devices battery life can be up to three years.

A VMD (video motion detector) is the modern alternative to the PIR. It works by analysing the video signal from the camera. When it detects changes in the signal it recognises this as movement within the camera's picture the output being used to switch on the recording device. The sensitivity can be adjusted which will overcome the problem of bright lights being turned on causing the VMD to activate.
The more sophisticated units feature an on-screen marker or rectangle. Only movement in the rectangle will trigger the output. By resizing and repositioning the rectangles it is possible to allow for pet activity within the observation area. In the example the blue car turning into the drive will activate the recorder but the grey car passing on the road will not. It is difficult to achieve this degree of accuracy with PIRs.

Most digital and PC-based systems have VMD built in to them. This can make multi-camera digital systems very cost effective as it alleviates the need to buy motion detectors for each camera or observation area

PC-based Systems, Digital CCTV Systems

If you already have a PC then with the addition of a video-capture card and surveillance software you have a powerful digital system. Some professionals are critical of such systems as it is difficult to guarantee the compatibility of the card and software to the PC. Conflicts may occur with other programmes. If you are buying a PC purely for camera monitoring and recording then you are probably better off choosing a dedicated digital recorder.
However, the purchase of a video capture card and software is a very cost effective method of providing a high specification system.

Advantages - easy to expand 2 ports to 4, 8, or 16 ports. Simply buy another card
- software allows many configurations for monitoring e.g. quad display
- records in real time, simultaneously from all cameras
- time and date stamping with motion detect
- alert wizard, send email with photo or video clip,
- mobile phone alert with voice,
- SMS alert
- audio alert
- MMS alert
- guard alert - sends live video to a remote recorder or security monitoring company.
- connect to Alarm panel
- low- cost all-in-one solution does away with the need for separate motion detect, splitters, quads or multiplexers.

Disadvantage - PC hard drive must have enough free space to record the camera pictures.

It is easy to see the benefits of the PC-based system providing you satisfy the following criteria:
Competent in installing additional hardware and software programmes
Have good housekeeping to ensure adequate free disk space
Do not intend to use the PC for any other video capture or editing
Do not wish to mix colour and monochrome cameras

How to choose a DVR for CCTV applications

1. Number of Channels. Most DVRs are classified by the number of channels or cameras that can be connected. Typical configurations are 1, 4, 9 or 16 channels. Consider carefully how many cameras are required, both now and in the future. It is sensible to pay a little more now and have room for expansion at a later date.
2. Method of Channel Display. This is similar to the functions carried out by Switchers, Quads and Multiplexers. A single channel recorder will probably not have any of these functions so will need the additional purchase of this type of unit.The better DVRs have full multiplexer functions built into them. This is the desired type of product. A 4 channel DVR will split the screen into 4 and display one camera in each window. Similarly a 9 channel DVR will give a 3 by 3 matrix to display all channels. All other functions of multiplexers like alarms, time and date stamping should be available.
3. Duration of Recording Time. This will depend on the capacity of the hard drive. The more sophisticated units allow a number of user-definable options. Typical settings allow the DVR to automatically start again at the beginning and record over the oldest data or the unit can indicate that it is full and the hard disk should be changed. It is essential that the disks are mounted in slide out drawers to aid replacement.By using video compression techniques it is possible to greatly extend the amount of data that can be stored on a hard drive. Similarly, by reducing the number of images per second that are recorded the capacity is increased. The Concept DMR4 product has a recording capacity of up to 4218 hours. The 16 channel version fitted with 2 x 250GB hard drives has over 8000 hours of recording time.
4. Maximum Frame Rate. This is maximum number of frames or images that can be recorded in a second. Traditional cctv VCRs used low frame rates to achieve reasonable recording times from VHS tape. This resulted in jerky images. DVRs give the user the flexibility to choose the desired resolution. If your application is simply to observe a person or vehicle entering an area then a frame rate as low as 1 per second is all that is required. To observe fine detail of somebody taking an item and putting it in their pocket then higher frame rates are needed.The most common DVR specification is 18 frames per second. DVRs with higher rates, 25 frames per second are only specified for very high end system specifications.Check the quoted frame refers to the British PAL system. Some products quote 25fps for NTSC and 18fps for PAL.
5. Motion Detection. Depending on the application, it is not necessary to set the DVR to continually record. The better DVRs have a built-in motion detection system. This function is performed by electronically noting when the composition of the image changes and consequently setting the DVR to record mode. To ensure the required accuracy it should be possible to select the sensitivity of detection, typically at 256 levelsIf this function is not included then it will be necessary to use traditional PIR sensors. Fitting PIRs means a lot of cabling and extra expense so it is often more cost effective to choose a DVR with motion detection.
6. Remote set-up and viewing. The provision of an RS232 or RS485 interface allows the DVR to be connected to a PC and setup by the use of the keyboard. To connect to a LAN or the Internet a web server is required. This can either be an optional extra or is already built-in.
7. Transferring recorded images. Choose from a number of options.
   

• Remove hard disk and send to the police or reviewer.
• Copy from the DVR onto a conventional VCR tape.
• Send across the LAN or Internet
• Use a network connection to a PC with a DVD burner
  

Our Recommendations

The latest addition of the DVR4/120 makes digital recorders very affordable. It offers 4 channels and multiplexer functions. It is now priced to be cheaper than some time-lapsed VCRs and as such should be considered a modern replacement for a VCR. It has a selectable choice of frame rates to allow for long recording times. The built-in multiplexer functions include picture-in-picture and adjustable dwell times between channels.
It can be triggered to record manually by an alarm from a PIR or on timer. It does not have built-in motion detection.
It has RS232 and RS485 interfaces or with the addition of the web interface (called the DMRNET) it can be connected to a LAN or the Internet allowing remote setup and reviewing of images.

The Concept DMR range, as its name suggests, is a digital multiplexer and recorder. 4, 9 and 16 channel versions are available with removable hard disks up to 240 GB. The 16 channel version can be fitted with 2 hard disks. The frame rate of 18 fps (PAL) and a choice of 4 levels of quality recording (Best, High, Normal, Basic) makes it a very versatile machine.
Fast forward viewing of up to 32 times and slow motion of 1/32 times makes it easy to review long recordings.
Its main advantage over the DVR4 is the built-in motion detection.
It has 256 levels of motion detection or can be set to record continuously, rewriting when the disk is full.
It has RS232 and RS485 interfaces or with the addition of the web interface (called the DMRNET) it can be connected to a LAN or the Internet allowing remote setup and reviewing of images.
This product is ideal for home, school, shop or business surveillance.

The Concept Pro Series, DVRM9 offers further sophistication. As standard it has LAN and Internet connectivity and comes with additional Internet software to allow the setup of user accounts. The motion detection levels can be individually set on each camera. The storage capacity is up to 320GB with the ability to archive an additional 40GB of data. It has 25 fps (PAL) performance and a rotating jog and shuttle control to allow speedy reviewing of recorded images.
This product is most suited to applications that require extensive reviewing of recorded images.

Recording CCTV Images

Domestic VCR
The simplest low-cost solution is to use a domestic VCR. These will typically give 8 hours recording time and can be used in conjunction with Video Remote Control module to provide event-only recording.

Advantages - very low cost. Worth considering purchase of a dedicated VCR for camera recording. The dedicated VCR can be hidden in the attic or a cupboard making it less likely to stolen by an intruder.
Disadvantages - most domestic recorders have a slow "take-up" time. (the time taken to start recording)
- cannot use the VCR to record TV channel whilst camera input is selected.


Time-lapse VCR
Similar to a domestic VCR but with a slower-moving tape that records the camera pictures as snapshots at split second intervals. The time-lapse can be set to give 24, 240 or 960 hours of recording on standard VCR tapes.
Advantages - very long recording time, cost-effective. Added features like alarms, auto tape-rewind.
Disadvantages - the longer the recording time the longer the period of time between the snapshots.



DVR
A digital video recorder will take analogue images from a cctv camera, digitise them and store them electronically. The most common media for storage is a hard disk drive as used in most personal computers.

Most DVRs now come combined with multiplexer and motion detect functions and are generally considered the future of cctv recording.
DVRs can generally be split into two groups - standalone black box and PC-based solutions. PC-based solutions are discussed in their own section.

Advantages
All-in-one box for recording, multiplexing, alarms and motion detection, making the installation of a cctv system much simpler.
Higher resolution than S-VHS VCR is possible
Near instant access to recording from known time and date
No loss of quality when copies taken
Large storage capacity eliminates the need to frequently change tapes
Can record events in real-time before an alarm actually occurs with "Pre-event trigger"
Enhanced playback function, forward and reverse frame by frame playback
Easy to connect to networks/internet for remote viewing and playback.

Disadvantages
At first glance the cost seems high but taking into consideration the cost of separate units of recorder, multiplexer, alarms and motion detect the all-in-one box now proves to be a viable solution.

How to display the picture from more than one camera

Most CCTV systems deploy several cameras so a method is required to view and record the images. Simple, says the professional, use a video switcher, a quad or a multiplexer. The good professional will survey your property and advise accordingly. Here are the simple benefits of each system.


Switcher
A CCTV switcher is a unit that changes between camera pictures one at a time, the output being viewed on a monitor or passed to the recording device. As switchers can use any VCR to record in true real-time, the pictures which are captured can be of a very high quality. Many professionals under-rate switchers. The fact that they provide true real-time recording unlike a snapshot from a multiplexer means they provide a superior picture quality. This can sometimes outweigh the disadvantages that switchers can only record one picture at a time.

When to use a switcher
Use for low cost systems

Advantages - Simple, low cost, good quality real-time pictures.
Disadvantage - Can only record one camera at a time.



Quadsplitters
Quad units enable 4 camera pictures to be displayed on a screen simultaneously.

When to use a quadsplitter
They are useful where it is necessary to monitor several areas at the same time. As with a switcher, what is seen on the monitor is the picture that is recorded on the VCR.

Advantages - Simple to use - shows multiple displays
Disadvantage - Records only 1 camera at a time or 4 at a quarter of the screen size


Multiplexers
A multiplexer allows simultaneous recording of multiple full-sized camera pictures on to one VCR tape providing more comprehensive recorded surveillance than with a switcher or a quadsplitter. Most have variable display options such as quad and picture in a picture allowing flexible surveillance of more than one camera at once.

When to use a multiplexer
Generally use when a high degree of surveillance is required and it is necessary to record full-size pictures from a number of cameras at the same time.

Advantages - Records all camera pictures full size on one tape - gives better monitoring of areas simultaneously - enables large areas to be monitored without losing surveillance due to camera switching time.

Disadvantages - Does not record in real time - Raises the overall cost of the system.

More on Multiplexers

Video multiplexers overcome the problems of both switchers and screen splitters. The pictures from the cameras arrive at the multiplexer unsynchronised. i.e. they all start and end their picture at different times.

These signals cannot be recorded directly because a VCR needs to be synchronised to the incoming video signal. If the incoming video signal is constantly changing then the VCR would be permanently re-synchronising to the new video signal. This can take up to 1 second to achieve.

Multiplexers digitally grab pictures from each camera in turn and feed them out to a video recorder at exactly the correct rate for them to be recorded reliably. Hence, up to 50 different pictures can be recorded every second and from any of the cameras connected to the multiplexer.

Functions of Video Multiplexers

There are three main functions a video multiplexer can perform:
Encoding - taking a single picture from each camera in turn and feeding it out to a video recorder in rapid succession.

Decoding - playing back previously encoded recordings showing only the selected camera for display

Multi-screen - showing live pictures in many different formats including PIP (picture in a picture) and split screen up to 16 ways.

Types of Video Multiplexers

Simplex - capable of performing any one of the above functions at any one time.

Duplex - capable of performing any two of the above functions at any one time (normally encoding of cameras and generating a live multi-screen picture).
Duplex multiplexers can simultaneously record and play back but this will require two video recorders.

Triplex - capable of performing all three functions at the same time (simultaneous recording and playback of cameras and a multi-screen display with both live and playback images). This allows the operator to keep monitoring the site whilst reviewing previously recorded tapes.


Added Functions of Multiplexers
Since the images are digitised it is easy to add the function of motion detect. Most multiplexers also offer alarm input and output modes.

Guide to Cameras 2

Choosing a Camera Specification

The main criteria of a camera's performance are its sensitivity and resolution. Secondary considerations are colour or monochrome and indoor or outdoor suitability.

Sensitivity is the camera's ability to respond to light levels. Resolution defines the amount of picture detail in the image produced by the camera.

Camera resolution

This is expressed as the number of television lines that the camera is capable of producing. For example the KT&C monochrome bullet camera is classed as 420 lines or usually 420 TVL. The comparable colour model is 380 TVL
These are typical figures for CCD cameras, CMOS cameras are usually lower.
Higher resolution cameras of over 500 TVL are available for select applications. For example, trying to read the number plate of a fast moving car would need the best resolution affordable. You should be able to read a stationary number with a resolution of 380 TVL. Below 300TVL and using CMOS cameras even facial features will be difficult to distinguish. These are very broad guidelines and also depend on the light levels and shadow conditions.

Indoor/Outdoor Cameras

If a camera is to be sited outside and is not going to be mounted in an enclosure it must be classed as weather resistant.
The cable entry points are sealed and most bullet cameras come with trailing leads that allows the connections to be made inside the building. Typically 18ins (45cm) should be sufficient. One bullet camera under review had only a few centimetres of cable. This means the connection would be exposed to the rigours of the weather. Needless to say this model did not meet the selection criteria of 2seetv.

The strength and durability of the casing is difficult to quantify but we have rejected cameras with flimsy plastic enclosures, particularly wireless cameras where the antenna dish looks like it could be easily damaged. The range of KT&C bullet cameras have strong aluminium bodies and sealed cable entry points and were selected for these features.

Light Levels

Choosing the correct camera to operate in the ambient light conditions is possibly the most important although most tricky specification to understand.

Light levels are usually measured in Lux. This is a measure of the light energy arriving on an area 1m2 of surface per second.

Typical light levels are:
Full Summer Sunlight: 50,000 Lux
Dull Daylight: 10,000 Lux
Shop/Office environment: 500 Lux
Dawn/Dusk: 1 - 10 Lux
Main Street Lighting: 30 Lux
Side Street Lighting: 0.5 - 3 Lux

The golden rule when deciding which camera to use for a given lighting condition is not to choose one that will only just give a picture. Try to give the camera approximately 10 times its quoted minimum scene illumination. Most cameras will be able to cope with excess light. The major problem is when they do not have enough light to produce a picture.

The sensitivity of covert cameras with pin-hole lenses are often quoted as 0.1Lux @f1.4. This seems to indicate that the camera will work in ¼ moonlight. Actually the pin-hole lens will have an aperture ratio of something like f4 and so the camera will need approximately 1 Lux to produce a picture.
Unless your house is directly under main-street lighting the light level is probably less than 1 Lux at the front and even lower at the back. Bright security flood lights in theory help but often produce dark shadows a short distance from the house.
A monochrome camera rated at 0.05 Lux will produce reasonable results. Colour needs a little more. However, colour cameras achieve good night-time vision by switching to a monochrome mode. You will never get good night-time colour pictures without huge amounts of additional lighting. So think carefully about the added cost of colour over monochrome cameras. As most people are used to colour television it sets a standard so it is very common to still select a colour camera knowing it will switch to monochrome mode at night.
Monochrome cameras respond well to additional IR (infra red) lighting. With this in mind true night-vision cameras include a ring of IR LEDs. Colour cameras also offer IR illumination but as stated previously will switch to monochrome at night even with the IR LEDs turned on. These are true night-vision cameras and are rate at 0 Lux.

Guide to Cameras 1

The traditional CCTV camera has a very industrial style and, therefore, many people would not find this suitable for fitting to their homes or shops.
This traditional style is actually a housing that is designed to keep the camera dry and within the recommended operating temperature. Thermostatic heating elements within the casing also reduce condensation and misting.
These types of top-end cameras are usually specified without a lens, this being chosen to give the required focal length and field of view. Motorised pan and zoom lenses allow an observer to follow or move in closer to the person or object in view.
We can supply these types of cameras to those of you who do not find the price prohibitive. Please contact us with your requirements.
Fortunately, for those of us with more down-to-earth budgets modern technologies now allow the production of cameras with excellent performance. There are two common types of CCTV cameras, CMOS and CCD (see glossary of terms). CMOS based cameras are generally cheaper but do not produce as clear or sharp images as CCD cameras. There is little point installing a CCTV camera if it is incapable of allowing you to easily identify who or what is being captured and recorded. CCD cameras provide pin-point clarity and should be specified wherever possible.
The KT&C, Everfocus and Concept camera range, in general use the Sony CCD chipset. Beware of competing products that do not state whose chipset is used.

Integrated cameras and lenses often referred to as "bullet cameras" are sealed to prevent ingress of moisture. The sealing is so good that they can be permanently immersed to some considerable depth in water if required.
Bullet cameras do not need a heater and their small size makes them highly suitable for fitting to domestic and commercial properties. It is not possible to make adjustment to these cameras because they are permanently sealed. Most of the bullet cameras in the 2seetv store are fitted with a 3.6mm lens which gives a 72 deg angle of view which is suitable for most domestic and small commercial properties. Please contact us if you require alternatives.

Guide to CCTV - Introduction

There are a vast range of CCTV products and prices to choose from in the marketplace but little information to help discriminate between them. Here are some examples.

A camera described as good in low-level light will often not produce images at night unless there is additional lighting. There may be no explanation or qualification of the term low-level light.

Wireless cameras can be fitted in minutes as there are no cables to run back to your TV or monitor. However, the cameras still require a power source and while battery power is convenient the consumption is great giving a working time of less than 24 hours (as low as 2 on some products tested).
Wireless connectivity is nevertheless very useful for some applications as described later.

There are plenty of professional CCTV installers who will give you a site survey and recommend appropriate products but, of course, you pay for this service. Modern technology has now made CCTV products much more affordable and they can be very easy to fit for the average DIY person. This guide will help you choose the correct products and show some simple methods of fitting complete systems to domestic and commercial properties.

Is Public CCTV Effective?

While we continue to spend more on public CCTV systems, the debate on CCTV effectiveness has reached a polarizing and inconclusive standoff. On the one side, you have a number of studies and leading thinkers who clearly contend that CCTV systems are ineffective. On the other, you have numerous municipalities who are weekly green-lighting new CCTV projects.

This report offers key findings from the 20 top studies/articles in the field and offers practical recommendations on how to optimize the use of public CCTV systems.

A directory of the 20 top papers in the field are included at the end of this document. This report is based on those papers.

Key Findings Summary

• The expectation that CCTV systems should be deployed to reduce crime rather than solve crime has created huge problems.
• While the studies show serious doubt on CCTV's ability to reduce crime generally, a strong consensus exists in CCTV's ability to reduce premeditation/property crime
• CCTV is consistently treated as a singular, stable technology, obscuring radical technological changes that have occurred in the last 10 years
• Differences in per camera costs are largely ignored, preventing policy makers from finding ways to reduce costs
• Routine comparison of police vs cameras is counterproductive

Practical Recommendations Summary

• Stop claiming that CCTV can generally reduce crime
• Optimize future public CCTV projects around crime solving rather than crime reduction
• Optimize future public CCTV projects around material and premeditation crimes
• Target technologies that support crime solving and material/premeditation crimes
• Focus on minimizing cost per camera

Finding: Crime Reduction vs Crime Solving

The overwhelming majority of studies focus on analyzing CCTV's ability to reduce crime. The general approach is to take current crime statistics for a region and compare those statistics to the period after installation of CCTV. A number of techniques are used to adjust to control for general changes in crime and to track displacement or diffusion of benefits to other areas. Nevertheless, the focus of all quantitative analysis has been on reducing crime.

This is the mirror opposite of the private sector. In the private sector, the overwhelming majority of CCTV systems are justified by their use in solving crime. It is investigations where most private businesses find value and return in their CCTV systems. For businesses, only a very small percentage of CCTV cameras are ever even watched. The systems pay for themselves by periodically being able to identify or prove a criminal activity.

This indicates a failure of expectations for public CCTV systems. In the private sector, when CCTV effectiveness is discussion, the assumption is usually that CCTV is used for investigations. By contrast, the focus on public CCTV effectiveness being determined on reducing crime sets a dangerous expectation that is difficult to achieve and likely to create dissatisfaction within the community.

The problem seems to be the fault of the original advocates of these systems, rather than a deficiency of the testers. The academics and researchers performing these tests were reacting to the expectations that the proponents of these systems made originally.

In the recommendations section, I will examine how we can move beyond this unproductive and problematic situation.

Finding: Reducing Crime Generally vs Premeditative/Property Crime

The media's main focus has been on whether or not CCTV reduces crime as a whole. This often has turned the issue into an all or nothing debate. The testing has also focused on the general impact on crime reduction but notable attention has been paid to different types of crime.

Widespread consensus exists that CCTV is effective in reducing premeditation/property crime. All the studies acknowledge this, which otherwise is extremely negative towards CCTV. The most frequently cited example is the ability to reduce thefts in parking lots.

By contrast, the same studies widely agreed that CCTV demonstrated little or no affect on reducing crimes of passion. Incidents like public drunkenness or acts of rage generally did not seem to be affected by the presence of CCTV cameras.

This fits a broadly accepted rational actor model and the effect that CCTV cameras has on rational actors. Since CCTV cameras increases the risk that a criminal will be prosecuted for a crime, the criminal will respond accordingly. The cameras will affect the perceived risk/reward calculation. Common sense indicates that this impact is much more likely for property/premediated crimes than it would be for crimes of passionate, where by definition, people are not calculating the consequences.

Rather than engage in political debates over the issue in general, we should use this more nuanced knowledge to optimize our use of CCTV.

Finding: CCTV as Singular, Stable Technology

The studies overwhelming treated CCTV as a singular, stable technology. The rest of the studies do not even discuss differences in technology available. I do not fault them as the evidence available is limited to even conduct such a test. Nevertheless, differences in technology can make an extreme difference.

The studies cover a very broad time period. The oldest study I found was from 1994 with most of the studies available being performed in the period from 2000 – 2004.

The problem is that CCTV technology has experienced a dramatic transformation in that time period. This is somewhat similar to the type of change experienced with mobile phones going from big, bulky, limited and expensive to slim, powerful and ubiquitous. It is quite unfair to assess the question is CCTV effective, in any form, without factoring in the differences in the type of technology used.

The examples found in the studies were fairly shocking compared to today's mainstream CCTV systems. The clear majority of systems employed in the studies used VCRs. Even when systems used DVRs, most were recording under 2 frames per second. All of the systems used standard definition cameras. While none of the reports discussed the type of transmission systems, given that almost all the tests were from 2004 or earlier, it is extremely likely none of them were using IP networks for transmission.

While none of this is the researcher's fault, not factoring changes in technology obscures crucial differences. In the recommendations section, I explore what types of technologies and how they can impact system effectiveness.

In my experience deploying similar systems, the main driver of costs from this era is the transmission systems. Because these cameras are generally outdoors and distributed throughout a city, transmission systems need to be built to send the video from the camera to the monitoring center. The solution of choice in this time frame was proprietary analog fiber transmission systems. Such systems required expensive transmission equipment and almost always laying of new fiber. This routinely generated costs of thousands to tens of thousands.

By contrast, today, the solution of choice for transmission is IP networks. IP networks dramatically reduce the cost of transmission. IP networks replace proprietary analog fiber systems with low cost commodity IP equipment. IP Networks often can share existing fiber networks or connect to a telecommunication carriers system to greatly reduce or eliminate the need for new fiber or construction.

Finding: Cops vs Cameras Comparison Counterproductive

A frequent sentiment expressed by interviewees in both articles and studies is the preference for police officers versus cameras. While this is obviously understandable and I expect most every reasonable person would agree that police officers are preferable to cameras, this omits a crucial element.

Even if all funding on CCTV was transferred to hire new police officers, it would only increase funding by a very small percent. And, of course, a small percent increase in police officers would not be expected to dramatically decrease crime either.

This is an area where CCTV proponents have created unrealistic expectations that actually undermine their own cause.

Now, let's examine some recommendations:

Recommendation: Abandon emphasis on general crime reduction

Proponents of public CCTV systems should abandon the emphasis and claim that CCTV systems can reduce crime generally. Even if proponents ignore the fact that studies demonstrate this, clinging to this claim only creates greater debate and dissension.

By abandoning this claim, it will heal some of the major discord and allow all parties to focus on better uses of CCTV. Given the vastly improved quality of today's CCTV systems at greatly reduced prices, this should be reasonable to accomplish.

Recommendation: Focus Projects on Crime Solving

Just like the private sector has broadly adopted CCTV by focusing on solving crimes, the public sector should too. This would save communities money as certain features or cameras could be eliminated and designs could be focused on areas and technologies that help solve crimes.

This would simultaneously ease the impact on privacy as less attention and resources would be placed on trying to monitor systems live and thereby the risk of monitoring the innocent public.

Recommendation: Focus Projects on Material/Premeditation Crimes

To the extent that CCTV is used to support crime reduction, such efforts should focus on material/premeditation crimes.

Limiting the locations covered and monitored live to those areas with high rates of these types of crimes will maximize the probability those systems will be effective.

Recommendation: Target Technologies that Support Crime Solving

Though historically the camera of choice has been a PTZ, systems should emphasis the use of megapixel fixed cameras.

A PTZ, or Pan/Tilt/Zoom camera, can be controlled by an operator to look in many different directions and areas. PTZ cameras are favored by security operators as it allows them to control the camera in live monitoring. Two significant downsides exist for PTZs: One, they require a dedicated operator to use the cameras, incurring significant operation cost. Two, PTZs are generally bad for producing evidence because they miss everything expect for the area where the camera is momentarily positioned.

Megapixel cameras are far better fit for public places and crime solving. The cameras being used in the study are standard definition units with very limited abilities to view details. Much like the transition from film cameras to today's digital super high resolution cameras, CCTV systems now routinely employ megapixel cameras that provide dramatically greater detail. Such detail is key for public places that usually cover large outdoor areas. In this scenario, megapixel cameras give you the benefits of PTZ cameras because the detail allows zooming with the benefits of a fixed cameras' ability to always capture video of a set area. This is critical to crime solving because the camera needs to have an image if we are to use the evidence to identify or prosecute a crime.

Recommendation: Minimize Cost Per Camera

Given what we have learned from first generation systems and the advances in technology available today, we should be vigilant about tracking and minimizing the cost per camera. We now have a good sense of what works and does not work. We should optimize around that and ensure that we can keep costs per camera low.

The two key elements in minimizing costs is (1) ensuring that IP networks are leveraged and that (2) unnecessary funding is not spent for needless bells and whistles. By doing this, municipalities should easily be able to deploy systems for between 2,000 and 4,000 pounds per camera. This would drop the cost by 60% or more relative to historical standards.

Conclusion

With our extensive experience and knowledge, we must re-position goals, modify designs and economize our efforts:

• Set the goals appropriately on tasks that can succeed: Crime Solving and Property Crime Reduction
• Select technologies such as IP and megapixel cameras that improve performance
• Ensure spending per camera is controlled and benefits from new technologies

With these practices, we can ensure both effective CCTV systems and a positive economic contribution to society.

What are some other common uses of CCTV?

CCTV has many industrial and scientific applications outside of the world of surveillance. Electron microscopy, medical imaging and robotics are all common uses of CCTV, however, the term CCTV Closed Circuit TV does in fact most often refer to security and surveillance camera systems. Other common forms of CCTV include live on-site video displays for special events such as various conventions, arena sports and concerts as well as pay-per-view telecasts of sporting events such as boxing and pro wrestling. Also a common user of CCTV is "in-house" television channels that broadcast to very small and specific receivers such as in hospitals, airports, racetracks, schools, malls, grocery stores, and municipal buildings.

What is CCTV’s primary function?

What is CCTV’s primary function?

CCTV is most commonly used for surveillance.Security Cameras are now universally featured in many public and private institutions, from a correctional facility to the convenience store. In prisons, reduce the costs of staffing and operating observation towers and make it possible to maintain a constant watch on all areas of the facility. CCTV has become so much less expensive over the years that both large and small stores are able to install cameras as a deterrent against theft and robbery, a practice, which municipal authorities have adopted as a way of curtailing crime in public housing and even on city streets. In many areas of the country as well as in Europe, Security Cameras have been placed in highly crowded public areas as a security measure against terrorism.

What is Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)?

What is Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)?

CCTV or Closed Circuit Television refers to a visible or covert video system intended for only a limited number of viewers. In Closed Circuit TV(CCTV), the picture is viewed or recorded, but not broadcast. It was initially developed as a means of security for banks and casinos; however, today it has been developed to the point where it is simple and inexpensive enough to be used with Home Security Systems, and for everyday surveillance.

More specifically,CCTV is a television transmission system in which live or prerecorded signals are sent over a closed loop to a finite and predetermined group of receivers, usually as scrambled radio waves that are unscrambled at the point of reception.CCTV takes numerous forms and performs a wide range of functions ranging from image enhancement for the partially sighted to the transmission of pay-per-view broadcasts. Although cable television is technically a form of Closed Circuit TV, the term is generally used to describe systems with more specialized applications than a standard broadcast or cable television. Such specialized systems are not subject to regulation by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC); however,Security Cameras using scrambled radio waves are in fact subject to common carrier tariffs and FCC conditions of service.

What is CCTV?

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is the use of video camera to transmit a signal to a specific place, on a limited set of monitors.

It differs from broadcast television in that the signal is not openly transmitted, though it may employ point to point wireless links. CCTV is often used for surveillance in areas that may need monitoring such as banks, casinos, airports, military installations, and convenience stores.

In industrial plants, CCTV equipment may be used to observe parts of a process from a central control room; when, for example, 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).

Surveillance of the public using CCTV is particularly common in the UK, where there are reportedly more cameras per person than in any other country in the world. There and elsewhere, its increasing use has triggered a debate about security versus privacy.

Specification IR Camera 2

1/3” Interline CCD

• 420TV Lines / 480TV Lines

• 23pcs IR LED with CDS sensor

• Day & Night function by Color Kill

• IR Effective Distance : 20m (6mm Lens) upon object of reflection

• Lens Options : 3.6 / 6 / 8 / 12mm Lens

• High quality Anodized Aluminum Casing for vandal & corrosion resistant

• Weatherproof IP66 casing with Sunshield

• Wall/Ceiling mount bracket included

( MADE IN KOREA)

Specification IR Camera 1

1/3" Sony Super HAD CCD with high performance image
•	Horizontal Resolution of 420TV Lines
•	Auto white balance
•	With AGC, BLC and aperture correction
•	With 42 units high intensity infra-red lens
•	Built-in 6mm (standard), 8mm, 12mm lens (option)
•	IP66 rating to protect against ingress of dusts and strong water j

Dome Camera

1/3"Sony CCD

•420 or 480 TV Lines respectively

•Minimum Illumination : 0.5 Lux

•Wide voltage range

•Optional Indoor Plastic Wall Mount bracket : WM10

•Build-in standard 3.7mm Lens, Optional 2.9/6/8/12mm Lens

Panacom Dvr

4ch network DVR allow remote viewing via IE, 2.5/3G phone and even BlackBerry

Remotely control, monitor, and playback via internet

Scheduled and motion triggered recording

Multi-layer authentication for maximum security

Triplex operation with MJEPG/MPEG4 compression

Front panel options for OEM/ODM

Multiple and flexible operation control

Supports SATA interface hard drive

Multi-lingual OSD supports

What is Alarm System?

Why should I have a security alarm system?

Having a security alarm system may decreases the chances of a burglary. Even if the alarm system does not keep a burglar from breaking in, it may cause the burglar to stay a shorter amount of time.

What Should a Security Alarm System Include?

Most systems rely on a combination of contacts placed at doors and windows and motion sensors.

It is best that all exterior potential points of entry have contacts that sense when they are open. Glass break sensors are also available and recommended.

Motion sensors should not be used as the primary means of detection because they do not detect someone until they are already in the house.

The basic elements of a standard home security system include:

• Control panel: This is where the system wiring terminates, the backup battery is located and where it is connected to the phone lines if it is a monitored system.

• Keypad: This is where the system is armed and disarmed.

• Siren

• Inside motion detector: These sense changes in a room caused by human presence. Special motion detectors are available for people who have pets.

• Door and window contacts:; This sounds the alarm when the door or window is opened (and the system is on).

• A central monitoring station (Company): If the system is monitored, and the alarm is set off, the control panel sends a message to a central monitoring station, which is manned 24 hours a day.
  
  After attempting to contact the homeowner, the central monitoring station will contact the police, fire department, or medics.
  
  There is usually a monthly fee for this service.

Additional items that can be added to the basic system are:

• Smoke detectors

• Glass break detectors

• Panic buttons

• Pressure mats for under rugs

• Closed circuit TV to allow monitoring and/or recording inside or outside a home.

• Alarm screens for windows.

Costs

Costs of systems vary. Many security companies offer the systems for free - in exchange for long-term monitoring contracts.

Monitored System or Unmonitored System?

Monitored systems typically work as follows:

1. The security system senses something.
2. The security system waits 30 to 45 seconds to give the homeowner a chance to deactivate the system to prevent false alarms.
3. If the alarm is not deactivated the security system sends a message to the monitoring company over telephone lines.
4. The monitoring company receives the message and verifies the alarm, generally by placing a phone call to the home. If they do not receive the proper password or do not receive an answer, they call the police.
5. The police respond.

Unmonitored systems typically have on-site alarms and/or flashing lights. It relies on neighbors to call police.

Neighbors or passersby should never investigate an alarm themselves.

With an unmonitored system, it is best to have a combination of strobe lights and alarms. They should be located on the street side of the house and in an inaccessible spot as possible. It is best to discuss the installation with your neighbors and to place the siren and flashing light on the house where it can be easily seen.

What is DVR?

Recording is essential to the effectiveness of any video security system. Without recording, you need to have an employee watching a monitor at all times – hardly a cost-effective solution. And even if you spot suspicious activity, without a recording, you have nothing to use in court.

DVRs offer so many advantages over VCRs that they have rapidly taken over as the CCTV recording solution of choice:

• Ease of locating events- Instead of fast-forwarding through hours of tape, DVRs can instantly retrieve images from any specific time or date, or automatically skip to the point on a recording when something changed.
• Storage quality- Like all tapes, video cassettes start deteriorating almost immediately once you record on them – and the problem gets worse every time you reuse them. DVR recordings have no degradation at all since they are stored onto a hard drive.

• Multitasking- While analog VCRs can either record or play, most DVRs can do both at the same time, letting you review images while still recording.
• Smart monitoring- The DVR can be set to take one picture per second or less – just enough to create a running record. However when it detects motion, it can automatically bump the recording speed up to full (30 frames per second), getting every detail of the unauthorized activity.

For businesses that do not want to constantly change tapes, DVRs are definitely the way to go. While security VCRs usually offer a time-lapse mode that lets them record for long periods of time, the resulting images are not a good record of events – they record only one snapshot every eight seconds. To get higher quality, you need to change tapes every day or more often. DVRs, on the other hand, can record for weeks or even months.