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There are normally six things to look at before Selecting a CCTV security systems;

1. Camera Selection

2. Recording Options

3. Detection

4. Time and Date Stamping

5. Cable and Connectors

6. Camera Protection

1.0 Camera Selection

1.1 Location

Is the camera to be located indoors or outdoors? If outdoors then you need to ensure that it is appropriate for the environmental conditions that are likely to be encountered such as rain, snow, sun-glare, low light etc. Outdoor CCTV camera security systems Outdoor cameras should either be classed as weather resistant or mounted in a special enclosure to provide protection. All CCTV outdoor cameras provided by Voltek are weather resistant and the cable entry points are sealed. The leads are of sufficient length to enable connections to be made inside the building.

1.2 Light Levels

Choosing the right camera based on the amount of available light is very important for an effective security system. An ordinary colour or even monochrome camera will not give very good pictures in low light conditions although the monochrome will perform better than an equivalent colour one. Solutions available for low light conditions can include:

* B&W cameras with built in IR illumination

* Colour Day / Night cameras

* Use of additional security lighting

* Use of a separate IR illuminator in conjunction with a monochrome camera. When using IR illumination ensure that the range of the illuminators is adequate for your needs.

Light levels are usually measured in lux and although full daylight can be around 10,000 lux, dusk can be as low as 1-10 lux, complete darkness is 0 lux and side street lighting can also be less than 1 lux in some cases. The closer a camera is rated to 0 lux the better its performance in low light levels.

1.3 Colour, Black and White or Day Night Cameras

B&W cameras generally provide better image quality than colour ones at lower light levels. They are also usually cheaper than colour ones of equivalent specification. Colour cameras require the availability of good lighting and will generally provide better recognition capability. Day Night cameras provide the best of both worlds in an external environment. They operate as colour cameras during the day (or in good light conditions) and automatically change to B&W when the light levels drop. All Voltek Day Night cameras are supplied with built-in Infra-red illuminators which enable the cameras to see in darkness.

1.4 Wired or Wireless

Wireless CCTV cameras are easier to install. There is no cabling to run from the camera to the receiver and they are ideal for temporary applications, rapid deployment or where running cable is not desirable. TheDay Night wireless Security CCTV cameras cameras do however require a power source and whilst most will have the capability to be powered by batteries these do not have a very long life – a matter of hours in some cases. Wherever possible the cameras should be powered by the mains. Typical range for wireless camera systems is 100m free-space but this can reduce significantly to around 20 meters in a typical household environment. In some cases there is also the potential for interference when using wireless systems.

1.5 Visible Deterrence or Covert / Discreet Monitoring

For visible deterrence the use of larger cameras housed in traditional enclosures are ideal. For covert or discreet applications Voltek supplies Discreet or Covert CCTV security cameras that are:

* Very small and can be installed in covert locations, or

* In enclosures designed to disguise the presence of a camera.

Many of the cameras manufactured by Voltek are both stylish and discreet in the design of their enclosures and this makes them very suitable for domestic applications.

1.6 Audio

If the ability to monitor or record sound is important then the camera needs to have a built-in microphone. This enables one-way audio monitoring. Some cameras such as the SuperCam2 from Voltek have a 2-way speech facility that enables you to speak with your visitor without answering the door.

1.7 Camera Viewing Quality

The resolution, size and type of camera sensor will influence the quality of the viewable image.

Resolution – This is expressed as the number of television lines (TVL) that the camera is capable of producing. The higher the TVL value the greater the resolution and hence the quality of the images. A typical entry-level camera will be around 300 TVL with higher resolution cameras having a value of 400+ TVL.

Size – A larger image sensor will give a better image definition than a smaller sensor. For example, a 1/3” image sensor will produce a better image than a 1/4 ” sensor.

Type – There are 2 types of image sensor. CMOS sensors are mass-produced and used in entry-level cameras to provide cost savings. CCD sensors are used in professional CCTV cameras and provide a higher quality image.

It is important to remember that the quality of the recorder also influences the quality of the CCTV footage. For example, if you use a high-resolution camera but a low-resolution recorder then the CCTV footage that is captured will still be of low resolution.

1.8 Single Camera or Multiple Camera Systems

Do you need to protect and view a single area or multiple areas? If you are likely to require protection of additional areas at a future date then consider buying a system that can be expanded as and when required. Voltek has a range of products that will allow you to connect and use up to 4, 8 or even 16 cameras. These include:

Switchers – These are units that enable a multi-camera system to switch between the various cameras. The switching can be done in a number of ways:

* Manually by the user

* Automatic sequential switching between cameras

* Upon detection of movement by a PIR camera.

Multiple Security CCTV cameras with Switchers The cameras are connected to the switcher and the output from the switcher can be viewed on a TV or it can be connected directly to the recording device such as the VCR or DVD recorder. CCTV switchers can typically allow connection of upto 4 or 8 cameras. The Spectrum control units from Voltek also have additional built-in functionality such as automatic video activation and time and date stamp. It is important to remember however that using a switcher will only allow you to view and record one camera at a time.

Standalone DVRs – Use of digital video recorders allows single or multi-camera systems to be viewed and / or recorded simultaneously.

Voltek supplies a range of 4, 8 and 16 channel DVRs allowing you to install a very comprehensive cctv system.

PC-Based Security Systems – These make use of a PCI card that is fitted inside your computer. They will allow connection of upto 4, 8 or 16 cameras and help turn your existing PC into a sophisticated cctv system.

2.0 Recording Options

If you want to be able to record your CCTV footage then the following factors need to be taken into account:

* Maximum length of recording time required

* Quality of recording

* Method of recording:

o Continuous

o Manual

o Event Led – i.e. when your system detects motion

* Recording Equipment

o Analogue

o Digital

* Capability for storage, retrieval and transfer of cctv footage

2.1 Domestic VCR

This is a simple and low cost option that can provide good quality footage recorded in real time. VCRs can be used to provide continuous recording of up-to 8 hours or event led recording when used in conjunction with a PIR camera and a VCR activator. When using PIR cameras to carry out event led recordings you need to consider the start-up time for the VCR. For example, if the recorder takes a few seconds to actually begin recording each time it receives the signal from the camera then the event may have elapsed before it is recorded (a person walking across the camera range may have passed the field of view before the image is captured on tape). In these situations a separate PIR detector could be used to trigger the recording and overcome this problem. The other thing to bear in mind is that you cannot set the VCR to record a TV channel whilst the camera input is selected.

2.2 Domestic DVD Recorder

These operate on a similar principle to the domestic VCR but offer the additional benefits of:

* Higher quality digital recording

* Increased storage capacity

* Improved search and retrieval capability

However, for disk only recorders the start-up time before recording actually commences is generally longer than a VCR. To overcome this it is recommended that recorders with a built-in hard drive are used

2.3 Standalone Digital Video Recorders

These are rapidly becoming the most popular method of recording CCTV footage. Essentially a DVR is a standalone piece of hardware that is designed exclusively for recording CCTV footage. It has a number ofDigital Security camera recorders clear advantages over the traditional analogue systems and these include:

* Storage Capacity – Days, weeks and even months of high resolution recording is possible through use of large capacity hard drives

* Consistent Quality Recording – No deterioration of image quality no matter how many you overwrite onto the recording device or how long you store the images for

* Viewing and Retrieval – Quick and easy access of footage due to digital format

* Transfer and Storage – The digital format allows ease of transfer and storage of footage. Transfer and storage capability is further enhanced by DVRs with built-in CD writers and USB ports.

* Remote Access – Many DVRs have the capability for remote access from anywhere in the world through use of a remote PC

* Multiplexed Recording – Capability to view and record multiple cameras simultaneously.

2.4 PCI Cards

These are digital video capture cards that can be fitted inside your existing PC to allow the connection of multiple CCTV cameras. The functionality and benefits of PCI cards is very similar to that of DVRs.

3.0 Detection

Even with systems that have a very long recording capacity, it is not always desirable to record continuously. Event-led recording is a more efficient means of capturing relevant footage and can be achieved by:

3.1 PIR Movement Detectors

Some cameras have PIR detectors built-in and for those that don’t it is possible to install a separate PIR as part of the overall system. In multiple camera systems with PIRs the footage that is being displayed on screen will automatically change to the area that has detected movement.

3.2 Video Motion Detection

This is used in digital CCTV systems and works by analysing the video signal from a camera. Changes in signal are recognised as movement and subsequently used to trigger recording if required. All Voltek digital systems allow users to mark one or more rectangular areas within the display screen and only when motion is detected within these areas will the system begin recording. Where possible, use of PIR movement detection is preferable rather than video motion detection, as it more reliable particularly for external use.

4.0 Time and Date Stamping

This feature superimposes the time and date onto your CCTV footage. Having this feature can be really useful to identify when an event occurred and was recorded, particularly if the footage is to be used for evidence purposes. For domestic systems Voltek offers a separate time and date generator that can be added to your system. The Spectrum control CCTV securyty cameras has this facility already built-in. The facility is also integral to all the Voltek range of digital CCTV systems.

5.0 Cable and Connectors

Security camera wires connectors Cameras can be connected in a variety of ways. All our domestic cameras are supplied with 20m of cable and scart and / or phono plugs to connect directly into your TV, VCR or DVD recorder. All our professional cameras are supplied with 20m of cable and BNC connectors that will plug into our range of digital recorders. The Voltek camera leads can be extended upto 100m in total by the use of appropriate extension leads. Co-axial cable with a local power supply to the camera can enable the camera to be sited upto 250m away from the monitor or recording device. Detailed information on connectors and cable for each of the Voltek cameras is available on the relevant product page on the website.

6.0 Camera Protection

If your camera is likely to be a target for vandals then consider protecting it with one of Voltel wire cages is a Security camera wire cages

must. This not only saves your Security cameras from Vandalas but protects any evidences collected during the vandal acts.

We at For your Home along with Voltek really hope the following guide will help you in selecting the perfect security cameras for Your Homes and Gardens

Not sure what kind of hidden camera that you need? Hopefully this article will help.

Monitoring a room using video capturing equipment is fairly easy. There is a wide variety of equipment on the market to accomplish this. Listed below are some of the different types of equipment used to covertly capture video.

Miniature Wireless cameras

Hidden wireless cameras

Hidden IP cameras

Miniature Hard wired cameras

Hidden hard wired cameras

Motion activated all-in-one recording systems

Motion activated still shot cameras

Miniature Wireless cameras

Miniature Wireless cameras can be a suitable choice given the right situation. A mini wireless camera will need power to operate the camera, whether it is battery or plugged directly into the wall. Most mini wireless cameras will run on a standard 9 volt battery. The battery will last between 4 and 8 hours depending both on the battery that you choose and the camera specifications. I generally recommend plugging it into the wall when possible.

Some other considerations are where to conceal the camera and where/ what to record on or view the camera on. The camera could be easily hidden in a plant or you could build something to conceal the camera. Most mini wireless cameras have a pin hole lens so you can easily hide them in a box or possibly in a book or anything else that you can think of. You could even set the camera inside of an air vent looking out. Recording is probably the biggest obstacle. The receiver can be plugged into a TV for viewing live. However, If you cannot sit and watch all the time there is a good chance that you will miss all the action. You could also plug the receiver into a VCR to record onto a VHS tape. The problem there is that you have to find a place to hide the VCR and you can only record as long as the VHS tape will allow. For example, you start recording at eight o’clock in the morning when you leave for work. Your partner is due home at Two o’clock. If your tape will only hold six hours you are going to miss what you were trying get catch on tape. You could also you a digital video recorder with motion activation. This is probably a better choice, but still has problems. A Motion activated recorder works great with a hard wired camera, but has problems when it comes to wireless cameras. The way a motion activated DVR works is that it can sense the pixelation change coming through the camera when something moves and knows to record. All wireless cameras have interference. There is nothing you can do about it. It’s just the nature of the beast. When the DVR senses the change in pixels caused by interference it thinks it is motion and ends up recording almost all of the time.

There are better options that I will cover in the paragraphs to follow.

Hidden wireless cameras

Hidden wireless cameras, also know as a nanny cam, makes things a little easier because the camera comes pre hidden. You can get wireless cameras built into just about any thing you can imagine from televisions to air fresheners. While these cameras do make it easier you will still have the same concerns with recording as you would with a standard wireless camera.

Hard wired miniature cameras

Hard wired miniature cameras are definitely more reliable than wireless but still pose some problems. As with the wireless camera you still have to hide the camera and find a way to record or view the camera. The main problem with the hard wired camera is that you have to run a cable from the camera to the recording device. In some situations this may not be a problem, but in most situations it is not practical.

Recording is easier with a hard wired camera because you can use a motion activated DVR effectively. For instance in the example given for wireless cameras you could start recording when you leave for work and the motion activated DVR would not record anything until it saw movement in the cameras range. Most motion activated DVRs can be adjusted to record for a very long time. Pre hidden hard wired cameras can also be purchased.

Hidden IP cameras

Hidden IP cameras are similar to a hidden wireless camera in that they come pre concealed inside of many everyday items and they are also wireless. That is where the similarity ends. With an IP camera the video signal is sent through the electrical system of the house. The receiver is then plugged into a wall outlet near your computer and connected to a USB port on your computer. Using the software that comes with the system you can then view and record the images on your computer. An IP camera will also enable you to view your camera from anywhere in the world with internet access as long as the computer with camera connected to it is also connected to the computer.

The one drawback to an IP camera is that the software is not hidden on the computer. So, if your partner sees the software on the computer you may have some explaining to do.

Hidden still shot cameras

Hidden still shot cameras may be a good option depending on the circumstances. One of the best brands that I have found is the Home Guard. It is motion activated and records pictures at an adjustable frame rate when it senses motion. You can adjust the frame rate from one picture every second when motion is detected to ten pictures every second. I normally suggest setting it to take one picture every second.

There are no wires or cables, it records onto an internal chip and saves the images for future viewing. The Home Guard looks like an air freshener so it will “fit in” in any environment. Most of my clients that use the home Guard will take a sticker off of another air freshener product such as Glade or Air Fresh and place it on the home guard to make it more believable.

Motion activated all-in-one hidden camera

Motion activated all-in-one hidden camera/recording systems are my hidden camera of choice. They come in a very large selection of products making it easy to select one that will work in almost any situation.

These devices are totally self contained. They can be easily deployed and take away all of the worries that you may have with other choices that you may be considering to capture video.

The all-in-one units are motion activated and require no cables, receivers or external recording devices. Simply place the device where you want it and let it go to work. You can then view the video that it recorded right off of the unit itself or remove the SD card and view the video on a computer.

This is by far the easiest and most reliable of the options available to secretly capture video.

Although the application of CCTV security have not changed very much over the past years, the tools and equipment have significantly. Cameras became smaller, cheaper and better, but the major breakthrough happened in recording equipment.

Therefore many customers shopping for complete CCTV monitoring and recording systems are confused by such a verity of available products. Goal of this article is to guide buyers toward best possible and most economical type of CCTV equipment, based on intended implementation and requirements.

Selecting the right cameras.It is virtually impossible to describe all types of available ones in this short article. We will focus our attention on most popular and widely used camera types instead.

CCTV produce images using CMOS or CCD (Charge Couple Device) chips. Tiny, very low price CCTV cameras usually use CMOS technology, produce poor quality images and have very poor light sensitivity. Decent quality CCTV cameras use CCD technology. The size of the CCD chip is normally 1/4″, 1/3″ or 1/2″. As a rule of thumb, the larger the size, the higher the quality of the image produced and the higher the price. However, higher density 1/4″ and 1/3″ CCD chips can now produce as good an image as many 1/3″ or 1/2″ chips.

The number of TV lines in the security camera image is a measure of picture resolution (sharpness). The larger the number of TV lines, the better the resolution and hence, overall picture quality. Standard resolution camera may have 350-380 lines, over 400 TV Lines is generally considered good resolution while over 500 TV lines is considered high resolution. B/W chip cameras produce greater resolution and better light sensitivity, therefore suitable for use in dark areas where light conditions are poor most of the time.

On the other hand color cameras offer more realistic and natural picture. CCTV cameras

Professional grade cameras.

Have box type body with the ability to use different types and size of lenses. Exchangeable lenses enable this camera, to monitor objects from virtually any distance. Although for indoor use, they can be used for outdoor when combined with weatherproof housing. They are considered to be the most flexible and widely used by professionals for commercial installations.

Bullet cameras.

Bullet cameras are, as the name suggest contained inside bullet shaped housing.

Most bullet cameras are weatherproof and sealed without the ability to use different lenses. Great advantage of bullet camera is the small size and integrated design, some bullet cameras will even have infrared LED future built-in. simply LED light in infrared spectrum (not visible to human eye). This light will illuminate viewing area, making possible monitoring in complete darkness. This is great future, but it only works up to certain distance (usually between 10 and 50 ft. depending on model) Vary simple to install and estheticly designed, bullet cameras are great choice for residential and do-it-yourself installations where monitoring objects are within about 25ft from the camera location (with standard 3.6mm lens).

Board Cameras.

Board Cameras are basically fixed lens mounted on a circuit board. These cameras may be packaged in a small case (Mini Cameras) or dome (Mini Dome) or simply sold unpackaged, for mounting by the purchaser. Lenses in these are either of a normal industry aperture or a “pinhole” lens of very small aperture. Pinhole lens cameras are often called “spy” cameras and may be mounted in a concealed way for covert surveillance purposes. The most popular examples of covert board ones are smoke detector and motion detector cameras.

Since the lenses in board cameras are pre-mounted, have a fixed iris and are usually of a short focal length (i.e. wide angle), their flexibility of usefulness is limited. However, this type of camera can provide a low cost solution in the right situation, particularly in a home environment. We have shortly described most popular types of cameras, lets now discus, how and where they mite be used.

Professional types with C/CS mount lens attachment generally offer best performance and many important futures, like lens control output, Back Light Compensation and many more…

Distance from monitoring object to the camera is not an issue, that is why ability to select different lenses, based on location is so important. Installation is bit complicated and professional installation strongly recommended. We recommend this type of security cameras for commercial installations.

Most Bullet cameras in comparison, do not offer high resolution and lens selection flexibility, but are likely to be weatherproof, some will have infrared light built-in and most of all they are relatively easy to implement. They usually come with 3.6mm lens witch are considered to be suitable for most standard installations (good for covering small to medium size room or equivalent).

For larger rooms or longer distances, cameras with 6mm or higher lens may be required. They are great choice for any do-it-yourself installation.

Board cameras in contrast are widely used in covert camera installations, sometimes called Spy Cameras. Many are basically board ones with built-in transmitter. We are not going to go into wireless cameras right now, as this would be enough material for completely new article.

Board cameras are sold as plain circuit board, for integrating into hidden camera devices. They are also available in dome housing, as vary popular Dome Camera or integrated with Smoke Detector, Motion Detector, Exit Sign and so on. Most also come with 3.6mm lens although some will allow lens to be replaced.

Over the time, most practical design has been Dome Camera with its aesthetic appearance it blends into surroundings, especially with drop down sealing, great for use in stores, lobbies, gas stations and other public places. Practical solution for covert installation are also, Motion and Smoke Detector cameras, they are absolutely not substitute for your security alarm or fire protection. They should always be selected based on the location of the camera (inside/outside), distance from the monitoring object, light condition and budget.

When shopping for security cameras, customers are faced with the fact that they will need to select one or another recording device.

The days of well-known CCTV time-lapse recorder are almost over.

Although some customers still prefer this old fashioned recording solution, it is well worth to invest some extra money to purchase a good quality digital video recorder (DVR). Digital recorder transfers analog camera video feed into format, and stores it on hard drive. There are two major types of digital recorders on the market right now.

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