CCTV Security Camera Systems

About CCTV Camera Systems and New HD CCTV Systems:

CCTV systems are professional video security solutions based on the cameras providing a traditional analog signal to the recording unit over a coax cable or UTP (CAT5e/CAT6 using adapters) and that utilize the professional style BNC connector at both ends. As the most established form of video surveillance for many years, the modern CCTV system has in recent years experienced leaps and bounds in technology allowing the new breed of HD CCTV systems to rival IP camera systems as a viable choice for all sorts pro surveillance needs. Now achieving functions once only available on their network-based counterparts, HD CCTV security camera systems now provide many matching capabilities including stunning Ultra HD resolutions like 4K video while also having some significant advantages of their own.

Today, these designs include the same simplicity (if not more) as their legacy CCTV system types with all the primary parts for a working system simply including a digital video recorder (aka DVR or XVR) with storage drive(s), power supply, cabling, cameras and connectors. Certainly, there are lots of potential optional accessories and though not required one top example A2Z recommends is the inclusion of a UPS battery back-up. Integration options of today’s modern HD CCTV and even Hybrid digital video security systems do offer numerous potential expanded functions be that also simple or sophisticated. Systems commonly support all sorts of physical integration such as I/O Alarm/Relay support, Two Way Audio connections, PTZ Camera and Joystick Keyboard interface to aspects like HDMI and VGA monitor output or USB and eSATA connection storage and back-up functions and plenty more. Similarly modern HD CCTV can offer a wide range of video analytics and A.I. enhanced operations in many varying degrees, while even specialized units like those supporting advanced PoS (Point of Sale) integration or other special functions like Attendance statistics are also available. A2Z Security Cameras delivers a huge selection of security cameras and digital video recorders with experts available to assist you in designing the best security system package on any level.

Linux Digital Video Recorders:

The Linux Digital Video Recorders of today are now the dominant choice for any HD CCTV system. These purpose-built appliances are designed specifically for modern HD CCTV Camera Systems and can boast countless model specific functions and attributes. These DVRs or more often Hybrid DVRs (aka XVRs) have evolved dramatically in comparison even to the Analog CCTV DVRs of before thus requiring even more analysis to understand their differences. In nearly every aspect the modern HD CCTV System has made tremendous advances over traditional Analog CCTV. As example, these HD recorders now support a new format of digitized communication over the same coax cabling allowing superior HD and Ultra HD cameras resolutions like 4K (8MP), 3K (5MP), 2K (4MP) and 1080p (2MP). These new prominent CCTV formats known as CVI, TVI and AHD also provide other benefits as they not only can support video, but additionally they can support audio, DATA, control and on some system types even power via the PoC (Power over coax) method. Yet, noting their Hybrid capabilities is but another area to evaluate as the modern XVR or Hybrid DVR further allows support of traditional CCTV, new HD CCTV and even IP Cameras all on a single recording device, however still not all are equal.

As before, resolution, frame rate, storage capacity and compression are some major attributes to understand of any particular model. But today countless other attributes are commonly found from functions like unique on-board intelligence or even specialized integration options exist which can sometimes make comparison even more difficult. Such new features of importance may include specific video analytics or AI enhanced abilities while other unique functions like POS (point of sale) support to many other factors equates to not all systems are the same. Other aspects such as PC or MAC CMS Software or Mobile viewing with devices like iPhone, Android, or iPad can also vary in the granular details from system to system. Therefore, our experts are available to assist you in selecting the best choice should you have any questions.

Top Security Camera Selection:

Quality capture devices are a critical part of any video security system. The modern HD CCTV security camera is available in numerous form factors while certainly some have become more widely available or popular than others. The most common forms include box cameras, dome cameras, turret cameras or bullet cameras as well as PTZ security cameras in various shapes and sizes. There is also an entire array of covert, thermal, explosion proof, license plate capture, mobile rated or other specialized units that do exist. Likewise, camera technology is immensely diverse with almost endless combinations of attributes, even more so than ever before. Security Cameras including 4K (8MP), 3K (5MP), 2K (4MP) and other HD video resolutions are only the beginning of possible features. New types of Lighting such as White Light or Warm Light LEDs enabling 24/7 Color imaging is just one sample of the various new age functions available. However, a few determining factors still remain that can help guide you in your project needs like considering environmental protection, lighting capabilities, field of view and even appearance. Camera systems definitely benefit from choosing the right capture devices and so our experts are available to give you professional assistance.

More About CCTV Camera Systems Cabling, Connectors and Power:
CCTV Systems refer to systems that utilize a "closed loop" design, which in simple terms for the case of video security, indicates a solution in which cameras wire directly to the recording unit. CCTV which now has several prominent formats including Analog CCTV or CVBS (the original Standard definition) and the new HD CCTV formats like TVI, CVI and AHD all utilize this wiring structure. The primary cable type used for CCTV is referred to as coax (or coaxial) which is an unbalanced cable consisting of an inner conductor and outer conductor with the first typically being a solid conductor and the other being stranded cables sometimes referred to as a braided cable. In CCTV security camera systems, a specific cable type meeting 75ohm ratings and utilizing copper conductors is required, but otherwise such coax cables are similar in construction to other coaxial cables commonly used in other technologies. Specifically, RG59 95% copper braided coax cable is the preferred cable type and in regards to cabling, CCTV systems have one clear advantage of network systems in that when using the proper coax cabling CCTV and HD CCTV camera runs can achieve distances multiples times that of their network or IP based counterparts including distances of 1000ft or in some cases more. Coax however isn't the only choice as CCTV systems can also be run using the UTP method, which refers to the use of "twisted pair" cables like CAT5e or CAT6. When doing so systems much use specialized connectors and/or hubs designed for CCTV UTP transmission, such specialized adapters often referred to as baluns can vary in their performance but otherwise generally still provide twice possible cable lengths such as 700ft or more.

Connectors are a part that every CCTV system must have to complete an install. Cameras and recorders alike throughout the industry for CCTV video security use a connector called a BNC. The BNC connector is much like the F-connector used in other common CCTV systems such as your home cable or satellite systems, but instead of threads like a screw uses a twist lock function to connect and again include special ratings such as the 75-ohm rating aforementioned. BNC connectors can come in several forms including Twist on (which requires no special tool) to others like Crimp style and compression styles which require specialized tools to terminate. Alternatively, the previously mentioned UTP method, still feature a BNC male or female connector but have additional circuitry and connectors on the other side of the adapter including RJ45 female jacks, screw terminals or push terminals in order to connect twisted pair cables like CAT5e or CAT6.

Powering a CCTV Camera System is relatively simple. The majority of HD CCTV equipment today will use the same power types to power cameras as legacy systems which include either 12v DC or 24v AC. Installers and users should know it is still a need to provide adequate amperage per security camera based on the specific devices being used along with whatever cable types and cable distances the project requires which can sometimes effect power supply requirements. The professional preference on multi-camera systems is to use a central power box which are sold in multiple terminal sizes, often similar to DVR channel counts, such as 8ch, 16ch and so on. There is also the common practice of using plug-in style power adapters, however for systems with multiples of cameras most professionals and users rightfully dislike having to plug in numerous power adapters.

D-I-Y or DIY (Do it Yourself) Systems:
These days all sorts of agencies, industries, institutions, businesses, private owners and more are quite often utilizing their own staff or manpower to achieve professional grade video surveillance with the D-I-Y approach. Besides the obvious benefits of saving large sums of money paying for labor cost to outside companies, there can be numerous other benefits to achieving a D-I-Y security camera system. When working with A2Z Security Cameras you gain our Experts and the industry's leading manufacturer's experts behind them. Leveraging these professional networks DIY users can achieve superior results thanks to the deep knowledge and efficiency of our remote support channels. This Long-term support combined with user experience help DIY operators (or their staff) to acquire a deeper understanding of their solutions, ultimately often leading to better results. With A2Z you can get the friendly assistance to customize your system to any degree pre-sale and have the confidence of Expert remote support post-sale.