THOUGHT CENTER > Blog > Alarms
January 5, 2024
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Commercial properties are four times more likely than homes to be targeted by thieves. And that adds up to a huge burden for businesses. In fact, five million cases of larceny occurred in 2022 alone, according to the FBI.
Commercial properties clearly need well-considered CCTV. Security is about having the right equipment to cover your site and protect against security concerns, so today, we’re breaking down the CCTV camera equipment list.
Keep on reading to understand CCTV camera equipment and best practices.
The most visible part of your CCTV system is the security cameras.
There are several different types of security cameras, each with unique components to meet the full range of CCTV functionality requirements.
For example, dome cameras provide discreet indoor security, whereas turret cameras are less discreet but can be used indoors or out.
Other types regularly used in commercial-grade security camera installations are bullet cameras, license plate recognition cameras, box cameras, fisheye cameras, and multi-sensor cameras.
PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras offer users maximum control over the camera’s field of view because their mechanized parts and optical lenses can be remotely controlled.
Cameras, even IP cameras, can only store footage as good as their recording system will allow.
Recording, storage, and management solutions for IP cameras include NVRs (network video recorders), VMSes (video management systems), and certain cloud-based software and storage systems.
NVR are hardware devices that pair with IP cameras to receive large quantities of high-quality footage from multiple camera streams simultaneously.
Video data stored in NVRs can be remotely accessed and managed via mobile devices and desktop applications.
VMS are more advanced than NVRs. They use on-site software to store, manage, and analyze massive quantities of high-resolution video data from an unlimited number of cameras. VMSes offer the smartest video management filters, and tools can integrate feeds from different camera types and brands for access on a single VMS interface.
The cloud-based software as a service (SaaS) model offers video streaming, storage, and management tools through Internet-connected cloud services that are usually purchased as licenses.
Unlike NVR and VMS, which require physical hardware or on-site software, cloud-based SaaS solutions store video and other security data entirely off-site.
End users are then able to access live streams, stored video, and management tools via the Internet.
DVRs (digital recording devices) are still used for analog CCTV cameras, but they’re only suitable for low-intensity data transmission needs, such as those of small DIY home surveillance setups.
To view surveillance footage, you need monitors. Monitors range from simple screens to sophisticated multi-feed displays.
Now that you're familiar with the components of a CCTV system, let's talk setup. Here's where you can really make a difference:
It's not just about quantity; it's about location. Place cameras at entry points, sensitive areas, and spots with high foot traffic.
Cameras need good lighting to capture clear footage. Consider adding additional light sources if needed.
Like any technology, CCTV systems need TLC. Regular checks can prevent downtime and technical issues.
In today's fast-paced world, a basic CCTV system might not cut it. Here are some advanced features to consider:
Motion Sensors: These can trigger cameras to record when movement is detected, saving storage space and focusing on potential threats.
Remote Access: Many systems now allow you to view footage remotely via smartphones or computers.
Integration With Other Security Systems: Linking your CCTV with alarms or access control systems creates a unified security front.
You’re now armed with the knowledge to build a top-notch CCTV system. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the professionals at Mammoth Security.
Our team knows the ins and outs of CCTV equipment selection and installation, and we leverage that knowledge to protect Connecticut businesses and organizations like yours every day.
For a free, zero-obligation site survey and security consultation with a friendly expert from our team, click to contact us and fill out the simple form that appears.
NOT COMPLETELY SURE?
860-748-4292A CCTV camera system for businesses includes various cameras like dome, bullet, and PTZ cameras, recording devices such as NVRs, VMSes, and cloud-based software-as-a-service, along with monitors and control systems for comprehensive surveillance and security management.
Dome cameras, often used indoors due to their discreet design, blend well with office decor and are ideal for unobtrusive surveillance in business environments.
PTZ cameras in a CCTV system offer greater control, allowing users to pan, tilt, and zoom to focus on different areas as needed, enhancing the surveillance capabilities of the system.
NVRs in a CCTV camera system pair with IP cameras to handle large quantities of high-quality footage from multiple streams. NVRs store video data on a central hardware device and provide administrative users with remote access tools.
VMSes, more advanced than NVRs, use on-site software to store, manage, and analyze large volumes of high-resolution video data from numerous cameras, offering smarter video management tools and integrating various security system feeds for access on a single interface.
Cloud-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions for CCTV storage and management offer remote accessibility and scalability without the need for physical hardware or on-site software.
DVRs are less suitable for commercial CCTV systems as they are designed for low-intensity data requirements and analog cameras, unlike NVRs and VMSes, which effectively handle high-quality, large-scale digital video data.
CCTV monitors enable users to view footage and manage their entire setup. Surveillance monitors range from simple screens to sophisticated multi-feed displays, including comprehensive interfaces for integrated security systems and devices.
Best practices for setting up a successful CCTV system in a business environment include strategic camera placement at key locations, adequate lighting for clear footage, and regular maintenance.
Motion sensors in a CCTV system can trigger cameras to record upon detecting movement, saving storage space and focusing surveillance on potential security threats. They can also activate PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras to focus on areas in which motion has been detected.
Remote access in modern CCTV systems allows users to view and manage surveillance footage via smartphones or computers, offering flexibility and real-time monitoring capabilities.
Integrating a CCTV system with other security systems, like alarms or access control, creates a unified security front, enhancing overall protection and streamlined management for businesses.
Strategic camera placement in a CCTV system is crucial as it ensures cameras are positioned at entry points, sensitive areas, and high-traffic spots, maximizing surveillance effectiveness and security coverage.
Adequate lighting is essential in a CCTV system as it ensures cameras capture clear, discernible footage, especially in low-light conditions.
Regular maintenance is vital for a CCTV system's performance as it helps prevent downtime and technical issues.
When upgrading a CCTV system, be sure to select IP (Internet protocol) digital cameras for superior footage quality and a wide range of potential capabilities, including facial recognition, motion detection, remote access, security system integration, and AI-based video analytics.
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