cctv4u Blog

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 represents the ultimate in a home security solution, acting not only as a deterrent for any potential burglar or vandal, but also as an important source of evidence should the worst happen. CCTV remains a controversial security measure, however, and its improper usage could do more than just annoy the neighbours, and could potentially put you on the wrong side of the law. So, what exactly are the legal requirements for CCTV systems?

In line with the Data Protection Act of 1998 if you’re using CCTV on behalf of an organisation, you will need to register with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner. If on the other hand you are using CCTV for home security then you will most likely be exempt from the registration process, specifically the Data Protection Act states “personal data processed by an individual only for the purposes of that individual’s personal, family or household affairs (including recreational purposes) are exempt from the data protection principles and the provisions of Parts II and III.”

This apparent leniency in the law for home CCTV users is should be taken with a pinch of salt however, and you should still be conscientious when positioning your CCTV systems. Basically, you should keep the field of view to within your property, as indirectly or directly filming your neighbours by be seen as an infringement of their human rights, ironically maybe even landing you in court.

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.

There have been many debates recently as to the legality of having CCTV security cameras in public areas or workplaces. Opponents of CCTV systems are most concerned about the loss of civil liberties as well as the negative impacts of surveillance of peoples’ privacy. Opponents of CCTV have also claimed that, rather than lessening crime, CCTV just displaces crime by encouraging criminal behaviour to move to locations out of its observational reach.

The development of using security camera systems on housing estates has also raised some serious issues. Civil Liberties groups and concerned citizens are questioning the extent to which CCTV is being used more as a tool for social control instead of an effective deterrent to crime.

Many authorities, local businesses and private citizens believe that CCTV is an indispensible tool which is essential for safeguarding the general public. Supporters justify CCTV by stating “if you’re doing nothing wrong then you’ve nothing to fear”. If you have a business establishment in a local shopping precinct and have doubts or concerns regarding security, then CCTV will mean more to your peace of mind than the civil liberties of the vandals who keep damaging your shop premises.

Similarly, an estate resident who is concerned about the safety of their home and family will be more interested in using CCTV to stamp out anti-social behaviour and less interested about any lack of privacy which may result from its use.

CCTV, whether you agree with it or not, will be watching you some time to come.

Wireless CCTV is a relatively recent innovation which has many benefits, including easy-to-fit cameras and remote viewing of camera feed over the internet. However, this kind of CCTV system is not just limited to security cameras, as the technology of wireless CCTV systems can be applied also to some of the functions of the traditional burglar alarm system. This is an exciting application and is worth considering when choosing CCTV equipment to protect your home or business.

Traditional alarm systems have always used sensors such as simple magnetic door contacts that create a change in circuit voltage when the sensor is “tripped”, i.e. when the door is opened and the contacts are separated. These sensors are wired to an alarm system control panel and the change in voltage causes the alarm to sound. The same sensors that are used in these alarm systems can be connected to the digital input ports of wireless CCTV cameras. The real innovation though, is that the camera is connected to a web application which can take more intelligent action than simply sounding an alarm.

For example, if a door or window sensor in your house was tripped in your absence, the security camera could send an instant SMS text message to your mobile phone. You could then log in to see the recording of that door or window being opened, and more importantly, who opened it, all just seconds after the incident happened; enabling you to decide whether the alarm needed to be raised or not.

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.

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.

Privacy intrusion has been a major concern since the introduction of CCTV surveillance early in the 1970s. The major reason for resistance by people regarding security surveillance is the feeling of being watched constantly. However, since the security surveillance follows strict privacy guidelines and makes sure that privacy is not invaded, CCTV cameras have increased in number to the present 4.5 million across the UK.

The Government has issued strict legal guidelines and privacy policies regarding security surveillance from the streets and public places to workplaces and offices. Privacy encroachment is especially an issue in offices, where employers use covert security cameras for monitoring work progress and tape conversations amongst their employees. This is a major violation of privacy and can even lead to litigation if the employee chooses.

It is important that employers understand the fine line between monitoring and intruding and maintain a balance so as not to make the employees feel spied upon. Where the right kind of monitoring can increase productivity and make employees feel safer, intrusive monitoring can lead to just lead to the opposite. So it is essential that employers notify the employees in advance that they will be monitored and inform them where the security cameras are operating.

By implementing a surveillance system ethically, it can bring about the desired results not just as increased safety at the workplace but also as increased productivity and a better working environment. To know more about CCTV systems and surveillance, don’t hesitate to contact us at CCTV4U.

From bus stops to school premises and even school buses, security cameras have become a part of the security measures taken by the school authorities to ensure the safety of the students that thousands of parents entrust them with. Now that activities of violence and crime are not restricted to any particular kind of surroundings alone, school authorities and parents are equally at peace when such security measures are taken.

Most school buses uses multi-channel DVRs that record various views from different security cameras installed inside and outside the bus entrances. These cameras are generally equipped with audio and GPS functions as well. However, recording audio is not usually permitted as it is illegal in most countries. There are instances where school authorities have been sued for recording audio, as it is a breach of privacy and can be mistaken as a wrong disciplinary measure taken by the school.

Also the security cameras in school buses are not meant to be kept covert and the students are to be aware that the cameras are in action. However, even though the cameras are not used as a measure to induce discipline, many school authorities claim the awareness about the security cameras has helped in bringing about discipline without making the students self-conscious or uncomfortable. If implemented in the right way, security cameras in school buses can be a very successful security measure for schools.

We at CCTV4U have a wide range of security cameras and equipment fit for all kinds of surveillance.

With terrorism threats from various quarters, authorities are always on the alert to spring to action without leaving any breaches in security measures. With about 4.5 million security cameras deployed across the UK, technology has enabled the authorities to fine comb billions of video footages every day for any suspicious activity. However as it is practically impossible to manually spot any particular faces in the random images from the security camera footages, biometric technology has come as a boon for such purposes.

The ‘fish-eyed’ biometric cameras with 360-spherical lenses are capable of identifying particular faces stored in a database and following their movements. Biometric details such as face, iris, voice, fingerprints and hand geometry of people who have been entered into the database are verified against the images appearing on the camera, and authorities are alerted immediately upon finding a high-degree of match.

Some biometric cameras are even capable of emitting infra red light that is not visible to the human eye, on to people’s faces to trace the contours of their features to verify if it matches with that in the database. There are also biometric surveillance systems which use a number of security cameras to generate three dimensional images of the faces captured, and produces extremely high level of accuracy by combining two dimensional, three dimensional and fingerprint biometrics.

This technology has proved its worth as crucial sources of evidence and weapon for thwarting crime and is increasingly being employed by authorities across the world. For more information regarding the latest in CCTV systems and technology, we at CCTV4U can help.