Surveillance 101: How Do CCTV Cameras Work?

The most common type of crime in the U.S. is, by far, property crime, including theft. 

There is a way to deter would-be criminals from committing a crime at your home or business—add CCTV cameras. Cameras systems are easy to install and easy to use. 

CCTV cameras can protect sites, monitor activities, and keep track of what goes on. More and more people are turning to security camera systems. But what are they exactly, and what do they consist of?

Keep reading to find out what CCTV cameras are and how they work. 

What Is CCTV?

CCTV stands for Closed Circuit Television. It consists of one or multiple video cameras that are strategically placed in the targeted area. The camera records the footage, which is then displayed on a monitor or multiple monitors for real-time viewing or to play back footage. 

A CCTV system includes all elements that make up the system, including the camera, video footage storage, monitors, wiring, and access controls. 

When Is CCTV Used?

CCTV systems increase the security of your home or business, allowing for the surveillance of determined areas. Made for the prevention and detection of crimes, it also serves as a protective set of eyes. 

There are many advantages to having a CCTV security camera system installed. 

• It deters crime
• It keeps track of what is happening on the premises
• It's useful to provide evidence in the case of a crime
• It provides records of people who come and go
• It can help settle any disputes that happen on camera 

How Does CCTV Work ?

A CCTV system is installed according to the needs of the clients. It covers a small, specific area or uses many cameras to cover larger areas. 

Once the installation of the camera, lens, monitor, and recorder is complete, it will take continuous images, which are then transmitted as video footage. Depending on the system, this can be either wireless or by cable.

The images are sent to the recording device and to the display monitor, where an individual can see the video. Some systems allow the individual the ability to zoom in and out and even rotate the camera 360 degrees if needed. There are also playback features used to look at past videos. 

Wired CCTV

Wired CCTV transmits audio and video through an installed wire to the central hub. It is recorded onto the hub for later viewing if needed or sent to another chosen feed. 

It does require a long installation, but a wired CCTV system is reliable and provides constant power to the system. 

Wireless CCTV

Wireless CCTV means that the security system will run on the home's WIFI and is completely wireless. The wireless system recordings are then sent to a cloud server, where they are viewable in real-time or stored for later viewing.

Wireless camera footage transfers wirelessly to the central hub, but they still receive power through wires. Wire-free cameras are battery-powered and usually conserve power by recording only when needed. 

CCTV Cameras: Your Security Solution

CCTV cameras are proven to add an important level of security to your home and business. It provides valuable footage for you and stops criminals in their tracks. 

Are you ready for a CCTV security camera system? Contact our professional team at Secure it Securities Corp for the best CCTV security cameras and all of your security needs. We bring our technical savvy to you so you can reap the benefits of your own security system.