cctv4u Blog

The essential functionality of CCTV systems has remained practically the same since they were first invented, i.e. transmitting footage to wired recorders. In recent years however, there has been a definite sea change, and digital systems have begun the benchmark for effective security cameras, benefiting from wireless technology and digital CCTV recorders that can store reams of high clarity footage.

The linchpin of this evolution in CCTV systems is surely software, and with the development of intelligent systems, security cameras have become more versatile than ever, able to perform in a wide variety of contexts and with astounding efficiency; what then is intelligent CCTV – and what makes it so effective?

Briefly intelligent CCTV is a software based solution to surveillance that often usurps the need for a human interpreter of the images; i.e. an intelligent system will be able to identity any potential security issues, for example an abandoned package near a railway line, the implications of this kind of performance should be obvious, and needless to say an intelligent system could make the difference between life or death.

In fact the potential for intelligent sytems knows no bounds, and it is only a matter of time before highly attuned software based systems become the order of the day. Already we are seeing intelligent systems come into their own; in the home security market, for example, IP cameras have become a great alternative to traditional systems, able to transmit to a webpage and therefore avoiding the need for expensive CCTV recorders.

CCTV has long been an effective security solution, and has become instrumental in the efficiency of policing in the UK, taking advantage of developments in technology such as wireless security cameras. This is just the tip of the ice-berg, however, and it is a testament to the medium of closed circuit television that its uses are profound.

Crime Prevention and Prosecution

As already alluded to, CCTV remains perhaps the single most effective and ubiquitous crime prevention and prosecution technology, in many circumstances leading to a tangible drop in crime. Its effectiveness isn’t just restricted to the street however, and its use as evidence in has seen a marked increase in guilty verdicts.

Safety Applications

Security does not just imply crime prevention, however, and CCTV has proven itself as a ideal tool for certain safety applications. It is perfect, for example, for monitoring petrol station forecourts or for ensuring that everyone is strapped in on roller coasters – the list is endless!

Traffic Monitoring

Closed circuit TV also comes into its own when monitoring a traffic situation. This obviously has implications in regards to crime and road safety, but it also has some other practical functions. For example, security camera systems can be used to monitor congestion, sending information wirelessly to a central location that can then divert or inform traffic.

Creative Uses

CCTV isn’t just a tool for the establishment, and its use in creative fields has been a revelation. For example, it has been the chosen medium for a whole raft of high profile works of art and it is perfect as a tool for wildlife documentary making and even movie making.

The use of CCTV in the modern world is so ubiquitous that it is possible that only today you were caught on camera a couple of hundred times. Don’t worry though, as there are stringent legal buffers in place ensuring that your privacy remains protected. Considering therefore that the use of CCTV is so widespread and touches all of our lives on a regular basis, isn’t it only right that we have idea of how security camera systems actually work?

Well it’s pretty simple actually, and it is in part due to the simplicity of the technology why CCTV has become so effective and so ubiquitous as a surveillance method. Basically the closed circuit TV, as its name suggests, works on the same principle as TV broadcasting, except rather than beaming the images into the homes of the British public, the security camera images are sent to a single location. This relatively simple technology has means that closed circuit TV is an affordable security solution.

Of course a closed circuit television system is useless without CCTV recorders, and this is where the modern security camera industry has really begun to evolve. For example, IP cameras have become a great home security solution, and are able to upload camera footage onto an off site website, or DVRs are able to store large amounts of high clarity digital video.

At CCTV4U we recognise that like all technology CCTV can be daunting for the uninitiated, and that is why whatever your concern we are always happy to help.

CCTV is a relatively simple idea, and is so effective because it fits perfectly into its specific niche. Like with all good technology, however, CCTV has undergone some significant advances in recent years and whilst its overall purpose remains the same as it was at its conception 1942, thanks to recent developments it is now able to perform with maximum efficiency.

It was way back in 1968 when CCTV began to be used for its most familiar purpose, i.e. crime prevention, and surprisingly the Olean New York security cameras where not a million miles from what we would recognise today. Only in recent years, however, has there begun to be a dramatic sea change in surveillance technologies, putting CCTV at the forefront of the modern world.

Wireless CCTV

The world is gradually becoming wireless, and in terms of security this is not different. In regards to security systems this has some obvious advantages, as CCTV security cameras can be quickly and easily set up – ideal for use on the move, or for temporary usage e.g. at art exhibitions or festivals.

IP Cameras

Perhaps the most ingenious development in security camera systems, since their conception, is the use of IP cameras. Basically, cameras can now be accessed via an off site website, which has some obvious advantages in terms of security. For example, as the camera footage is sent “off site” it is 100% safe and immune from theft.

CCTV cameras remain a controversial use of government money, with many seeing them as an invasion of privacy. The statistic “the average UK citizen is likely to be caught by CCTV cameras 300 times a day” is often used as a negative point, and implies that the ubiquitous use of cameras represents a direct threat to our civil liberties. There is, however, on obvious contradiction at work here, What innocent person has ever been harmed by public CCTV products, and do we even notice CCTV cameras anymore? Isn’t it just the criminal that should be afraid of being caught on camera?

The fact remains that public CCTV equipment represents an ultra-modern crime prevention solution and to say that they affect our civil liberties represents a misconception of their usage. It is fair to say that their use is inevitable, and good technologies will always end up at the centre of our civilizations despite their negatives. The motor-car is a good example of this: a highly effective technology that also has its downsides. It is, however, a technology that we can’t help but embrace.

To say that closed circuit cameras are a good idea simply because they are a good technology is perhaps a little disingenuous, but we need only look at some crime statistics to appreciate their effectiveness. For example, the use of CCTV as evidence has led to a clear increase in guilty verdicts, and therefore you might say that our civil liberties in the end might well be saved by a camera.

In the world of CCTV surveillance, there is a new type of security camera system which is rapidly replacing old, traditional analogue camera systems. Internet CCTV cameras, also known as Digital CCTV cameras, IP cameras or Network cameras are the latest innovation in CCTV systems and are an increasingly popular security option. The main reason for the popularity of these new cameras is their ability to be remotely viewed and operated over the internet.

Internet CCTV security cameras are very different to web cams. Web cams plug into the PC and actually need the computer to be running in order to work. Internet CCTV security cameras work independently, are not plugged into a computer and do not need a computer in order to operate.

To communicate over the internet these cameras just need to be connected to a computer network (a standard home router qualifies as a ‘network’). This is the great advantage over traditional CCTV, as once connected, you can then see live CCTV video feed, view recorded images and even switch motion detection on and off from anywhere in the world using a standard PC or mobile phone. Internet CCTV cameras do not need separate motion sensors as they are able to detect movement by themselves, and send you an email or immediate SMS text message to alert you to a potential incident. You can then log on to the internet to see exactly what is happening and take appropriate action, all within a few minutes.

So, you are thinking of installing CCTV security cameras at your home. There are generally two types of cameras you can get which work well in a residence; standard cameras and spy cameras. You may find that there are some variations of cameras which overlap the two categories, typically when cost is not an issue. The expense of the CCTV is relative to the technology, so smaller, more discreet cameras will cost much more than large, obvious cameras that are clearly visible.

Standard cameras come in a range of shapes and sizes and can be used indoors as well as outdoors. These cameras are placed in highly visible places to act as a deterrent to those who may want to break into or damage your residence. Sometimes, standard CCTV cameras can also be used to watch potentially dangerous areas to supervise vulnerable family members, such as children as they play in a swimming pool.

Spy cameras are very versatile and are designed to be inconspicuous and not draw attention to their presence. Home spy cameras are typically modified common household objects such as a soft toys, ornaments or clocks. People may purchase spy cameras as a back up for their standard CCTV systems, to capture the burglar who thought he had evaded the more obvious standard CCTV security cameras. Spy cameras are also more frequently being used to provide peace of mind for everyday situations faced by absent homeowners, such as ensuring responsible party guests and ethical babysitters.

CCTV security cameras are a proven deterrent and are a useful tool to combat crime. CCTV cameras ensure peace of mind as they are ever vigilant, and work equally well with, or without, human assistance. There are different types of surveillance cameras now available which can be confusing for potential buyers. Here is a brief overview of some of the options available:

Wireless CCTV equipment is easy to install and can be accessed remotely. However, some wireless systems have had their feed accessed by hackers with a laptop from as far away as 100 metres. If you plan on using a camera in the same place for more than a year, it may be better to install a wired one.

Fake security cameras are cheap and can act as a deterrent, but they cannot record anything and experienced burglars will probably ascertain their authenticity without too much difficulty.

Panning, zooming and tilting security cameras can be useful, although installing more static cameras that view the whole area continuously may be a better option. Thieves can work in pairs to beat PZT cameras; one thief gets the PZT cameras attention, leaving the other thief unobserved and free to go about his ‘business’.

Colour security cameras are more expensive but can make identification of criminals easier. Night vision cameras are highly recommended as property crimes normally happen at night. Even in complete darkness, night vision security cameras will provide a clear image.

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) has been around for some time now; as surveillance in airports, municipal buildings, hospitals, and residences. It is also used to observe processes in places like industrial or manufacturing plants, where the environment may not be suitable for people. In fact, everywhere that security and safety may be considered an issue, security camera systems will likely be found. Unlike human beings, CCTV cameras need no sleep and are ever-vigilant, making them a reassuring presence as well as an effective deterrent.

The increasing use of CCTV, especially in the UK, has triggered many debates about the need for security versus peoples’ right to privacy. While many feel that CCTV effectively deters crime and encourages a safer environment, others believe that private citizens being observed without their consent is an invasion of their right to privacy.

Times have changed considerably over the last 50 years, and attitudes have had to change with them. Today, British society is faced with many potential hazards, and it is natural to want to prevent them. This has given rise to an increase of surveillance in all areas, be it private property, city streets or work premises. Installing CCTV security cameras at a residence or business premises is now common practice. We work hard all our lives to create a safe, family home or build a successful business, so we want to safeguard our loved ones and belongings in the best way possible. Security camera systems are an ideal solution for dealing with such problems.