How Does CCTV Work?

What is a CCTV?

A CCTV system is essentially a network of cameras, monitors, and recording equipment that are directly linked, allowing you to monitor the happenings in and around your house and business premises.

Unlike broadcast television which emits a signal that can be picked up by any receiver, the CCTV network is isolated and operates independently. It's a private and secure way of monitoring a room, building or facility, and guarding against threats like break-ins or intruders.

Besides, installing a CCTV system at home, in the office or business premises is highly preferred as it offers a high level of security with a plethora of features such as audio, face detection, and infrared.

How does it work?

The workings of a CCTV system isn’t a complicated one but it can vary based on the type of system you install and the components used. Generally consisting of several components such as the camera, lens, monitor, and recorder, a CCTV system can be scaled up or down depending on the size of the surveillance area. 

For instance, if you’re installing it at home, you can have several cameras installed at different corners of your house to guard against theft and break-ins. These cameras then capture footages or images which are transmitted by cable or wirelessly to your recording equipment and then onto your display monitor in real-time.

Depending on the type of surveillance cameras used, you can zoom in and out and rotate 360 degrees. However, these features are usually found in high-end surveillance cameras.

Contrary to popular beliefs, a CCTV system doesn't have to be connected by wires for them to be a 'closed circuit'. If the application requires it, the cameras and monitors can be linked via infrared beams, wireless internet or microwaves.

Now that you've learned about a CCTV system and how it works, you may be planning to get one for your house or workplace. But, given the plethora of options and features that modern CCTV systems comes in, what type of CCTV should you buy? Read on to find out!

What type of CCTV suits my home?

Before you select the best CCTV camera system for your home, you need to consider the camera, lens, resolution, zoom function, and infrared night vision. These are the things that determine the usability of your CCTV footage in the event of a mishap.

Camera

There are three types of CCTV surveillance cameras – analogue, wired, and wireless. Analogue cameras are the most affordable option as they offer basic functions and can store footage onsite. Wired and wireless cameras, on the other hand, are at the top end of the surveillance market as they can provide high-resolution footages, which are ideal for identifying numbers, characters, and evidential recording for legal purposes.

Resolution

A CCTV system with high-resolution cameras usually results in high-quality images and footage. This determines how far a camera can see and monitor as well as retain high-quality images or footage when it's being zoomed in. Wireless IP (internet protocol) cameras usually have the highest resolution of about 8MP while mid to lower range cameras tend to have lower resolutions.

Infrared night vision

CCTV cameras that come with infrared night vision enable the system to capture images and footage at night. This is especially useful if you often experience thefts or break-ins at night. Some CCTV systems are even equipped with the ability to capture detailed images and footage in the dark. However, you will need to make sure not to install it behind a window or any type of glass as the infrared lights might cause a reflection or glare.

Zoom function

A CCTV camera with a zoom function allows you to zoom in and out of the system. There are two types – optical and digital. The digital zoom function allows you to zoom in or out on live or recorded footage but it's limited by the camera's resolution. Meanwhile, optical zoom is like a telescope, allowing you to see far with clearer images and footage using the camera's zoom lens.

With these, you should be able to find a CCTV camera system that suits your home. If you’re still pondering over whether you should get one, here are some of the benefits of having a CCTV camera system installed at home:

1. It helps to deter thieves and robbers
2. It allows you to record as evidence
3. You can monitor for suspicious activities

If you’re looking to install a CCTV camera system for your home, consider engaging The One Control for your security concerns. With more than 20 years of experience in the security industry, you can be assured of our team of professionals in both services and security products.