A camera surveillance system is the first line of defense in the battle against break-ins, theft, property crime, vandalism, or any other unwanted behavior on your premises. Whether you need video protection for your business, home, or both, we offer a selection of turn-key surveillance systems that include everything needed to monitor your property. Surveillance cameras are video cameras used for the purpose of observing an area. They are often connected to a recording device or IP network, and may be watched by a security guard, law enforcement officer or yourself. Surveillance is used by governments for intelligence gathering, prevention of crime, the protection of a process, person, group or object, or the investigation of crime. It is also used by criminal organizations to plan and commit crimes, such as robbery and kidnapping, by businesses to gather intelligence, and by private investigators. Surveillance can be understood as a violation of privacy, and as such is often opposed by various civil liberties groups and activists.

Liberal democracies have laws which restrict domestic government and private use of surveillance, usually limiting it to circumstances where public safety is at risk. Authoritarian government seldom have any domestic restrictions, and international espionage is common among all types of countries. Surveillance systems, as the name suggests, are designed to keep an eye and cover blind spots in your house or workplace.

These systems primarily consist of security cameras that generally include the following components:

• Cameras – the surveillance unit

• Cables– wires to connect cameras with monitors and power adapters

• Power Distribution Block or Power Adapter–power supply unit

• Monitors– screens for surveillance

• Video recorder (DVR)–hard drive for storage

The cameras perform different functions depending on the type of surveillance system being used. Some provide real-time feed, some record and store all the footage while others provide a combination of both.

CCTV Camera or Close Circuit Television cameras are one of the most popular security systems that can be used in a variety of settings. Be it your home or office, this security system is designed to provide surveillance footage in the form of videos or still images.

These cameras are connected to a monitoring and recording system through a secure wireless connection. CCTV systems essentially work as your security guards keeping an eye on everything.

There may be different types of surveillance cameras for different requirements, but they all serve a single purpose; keeping an eye.

Some of the types are mentioned below:

• Brick/box Camera- For indoor use only, removable and replaceable lens makes it useful for multiple surveillance purposes.

• IR bullet cameras- use infrared (IR) LEDs which turn on automatically in low light. Can be used both indoors and outdoors.

• Spy Cameras- these are covert cameras that record images or footage without being visible.

• Vandal Resistant Dome Cameras- for both indoor and outdoor use. Come with a weatherproof casing.

• Wired and Wireless Wired and wireless home surveillance equipment both has advantages and disadvantages. The term “wireless” refers to the signal transmitted by the camera. Wireless cameras have more flexibility and are generally more discrete. Consumers have the freedom to install them wherever they are needed.

However, interruptions from the wireless Internet can affect the signal. You might lose a few minutes, hours, or even days of recording time if the wireless network isn’t properly working. Wired cameras can be harder to install and are often less discrete. The wires can be cumbersome and unattractive. However, wired cameras often offer users a clearer picture and more reliable service. Wired cameras are also good for new construction where the wires can be built into the walls.

They can be installed as part of a complete home security system or structured wiring network

As with any electronic device, a higher resolution equals increased image quality. A typical home surveillance camera has about 350 to 400 TV lines (TVL) of resolution. High-resolution cameras, with TVL of 480 to 800, offer crystal clear images and superior accuracy. However, most residential users won’t need a high-resolution camera.

The amount of area a camera lens can cover varies greatly. Some cameras only shoot directly in front of the lens. Wide-angle lenses cover a larger space, while pan-tilt-zoom cameras can videotape a 360-degree view. For outdoor cameras, choose an automatic iris, which automatically adjusts to different levels of light.

Consumers need a device to record and store their footage. Gone are the days of VHS tapes. Now, users can digitally record hours of high quality footage on a hard drive. While choosing a DVR recorder is going to be a straightforward decision, the biggest choice home video surveillance buyers will need to make is between an IP or analog camera.

A DVR recorder allows users to store a certain amount of footage on a hard drive. A 750 GB hard drive records for about 45-60 days. Larger storage amounts are available and the amount of storage you will need depends on the number of cameras you have and your camera type. The advantage of a DVR recorder is that you can immediately access any point within the video and monitor the footage remotely. Typically, a DVR offers higher quality video than VHS tapes. For multiple cameras, be certain you have enough DVR outputs.

IP and analog cameras offer two different types of access to the camera’s footage. An IP camera connects to the homeowners’ Internet system. You can access the camera via the camera’s URL address. While IP relies on your home’s Internet bandwidth, it also works well with wireless systems. Analog surveillance systems, also known as closed-circuit televisions, are less expensive and can record endless hours of footage. They convert the analog signal into digital before processing the footage. Analog systems are sometimes more appropriate for the home because they don’t take up Internet bandwidth. However, IP cameras are generally better for connecting multiple wireless cameras.

Although some surveillance systems are easy to install, it’s always wise to get help from a professional. Especially if it’s the first time. These professionals, also known as security consultants, should have example experience in setting up surveillance systems. Listening to their advice and taking advantage of their experience could make all the difference in the end.