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Unisol International 8024 NW 90th St.
Miami, FL 33166, USA.
Tel. 1-305-885-2656 Fax. 1-305-489-2685

By Alberto Jessurun / April 26, 2023 / Blog

How Does CCTV Work? A Guide to Understanding the Basics Of CCTV Cameras

What is a CCTV camera, and how does it work? Though it is uncommon for an ordinary person to ask these questions, it usually means a lot more to mid-market companies. Understanding these concepts allows stakeholders to streamline and enhance security efforts within offices and business premises. Here is an expert answer to these queries.

Key Takeaways:

CCTV is a video system with strategically placed cameras on any premises that record and transmit footage.
CCTV cameras capture a constant sequence of images and then relay them to a display monitor(s) for real-time viewing and playback.
Some of the typical CCTV camera applications include crime management, medical monitoring and diagnosis, disaster management, and retail intelligence.
The benefits of CCTV cameras include reducing crime, reducing security costs, resolving work disputes, and providing visibility of the entire business premises.

When you walk into most buildings today, you are likely to come across a notice alerting you that the building is under CCTV camera surveillance. These devices play a crucial role in enhancing the security of offices, homes, public spaces, and even business premises.

But what are CCTV cameras, and how do they work? Read on to find out what CCTV cameras are, how they work, their applications, and why you may need them.

What are CCTV Cameras?

CCTV stands for Closed-Circuit Television. This means that CCTV cameras are video monitoring and surveillance systems allowing you to track activities remotely in your home or office. As the name suggests, CCTV cameras use a closed-loop system.

A closed-loop system means that video footage on the CCTV camera can never be broadcast publicly. Instead, the camera is only viewable through a private connection.

It transmits all footage and pictures to surveillance screens. Through these screens, you can see what that CCTV camera is monitoring.

How does CCTV work?

Now knowing what CCTV means, it is crucial to understand how it functions. The CCTV system has cameras and surveillance monitors that allow you to see live events in your home or business premises.

If you cannot view the events live, the CCTV system records them so you can view them later. These recordings are what is commonly known as CCTV footage. You may have heard this term in crime stories and news coverage. CCTV footage is vital, especially if you want to follow up on any events that happened when you were not around.

Analog and IP CCTV cameras are also commonly used to secure buildings. Analog CCTV cameras send signals using BNC cables to a DVR. On the other hand, IP CCTV cameras directly send signals to a network using an NVR.

Even though Analog CCTV cameras use traditional methods to transmit footage, they are reliable. Nonetheless, the efficiency of IP CCTV cameras puts them ahead of their counterparts.

There are other common questions regarding CCTV systems. One of them is what is camera resolution? Camera resolution is how clear the picture is, which affects the quality of the image. The higher the resolution, the better the quality picture that you get. When analyzing CCTV footage, camera resolution plays a key role.

What are CCTV cameras application?

CCTV cameras are used in many places today. Here are typical application examples.

-Crime management

Criminals can be deterred by CCTV surveillance cameras. Law enforcement officers can use CCTV footage to investigate criminal incidents. Any evidence obtained from these cameras can also be used in a court of law.

Modern-day technological advancements also make using thermal and audio sensors alongside CCTV easier to enhance security. These sensors alert officers of unusual events such as fires or gunshots.

-Business Surveillance

CCTV surveillance is common in the business sector, particularly in retail stores, banks, offices, museums, shopping malls, and other enterprises. Cameras are carefully placed on these business premises to secure them. Additionally, CCTV cameras can identify illegal activities like shoplifting, preventing them from happening in the first place.

-Home security

CCTV cameras are also used to enhance home security. Vandalism and burglary are less likely to occur when a home is secured with CCTV cameras. Research shows that homes with surveillance cameras are less likely to be broken into than those without CCTV cameras.

While these cameras cannot physically prevent crimes from happening, they help in investigations and can scare off potential criminals. However, cases of camera blocking affect CCTV efficiency. Knowing what camera blocking is will help you fix such setbacks.

-Disaster management

Rescue workers and emergency services providers can monitor real-time events using CCTV cameras in disaster management. This technology helps them rescue victims faster as they can pinpoint their locations within the disaster scene.

What are the benefits of using CCTV cameras?

There are many benefits of using CCTV cameras. Some of them include the following.

-They help prevent crime.

Even when you are away from your business premise, CCTV surveillance cameras will keep an eye on the events in the area. It will record everything and allow you to view the footage later. In case of unfortunate events, you can get all the evidence from the footage.

Generally, CCTV cameras help reduce criminal activities. Security experts note that buildings under CCTV surveillance have lower criminal activities than those without. This is a compelling reason why you should consider using CCTV cameras.

-They are cost-effective.

With a CCTV system installed around the building, there will be a reduced need for extra security personnel in your business premises. This helps reduce the cost of labor.

-They can collect evidence.

In case a crime incident occurs either at home or in your business, CCTV cameras are essential. They record the footage that helps you collect the evidence you need. Authorities can also use CCTV footage to identify suspects, providing air-tight evidence.

-They can help with decision-making.

When settling workplace disputes, CCTV cameras are helpful. The footage will give the actual version of events enhancing your decision-making. CCTV cameras can also help solve disputes at home.

Learn how CCTV cameras work with Unisol International

CCTV technology has revived the video surveillance sector, enhancing security for property owners, law enforcement officers, and business owners. It is vital to understand how CCTV camera works for a better experience. The good news is that Unisol International can help you learn how CCTV cameras work and how they may benefit you.

Besides offering quality CCTV cameras, part of our commitment is that we can conduct a site survey and advise you on the ideal device for your business, office, or home. We also offer high-resolution CCTV cameras that ensure your home or business is under surveillance 24/7. Get in touch with us to learn more about our products and services!

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