Security is one of the most vital precautions we all need; whether we’re protecting our homes and families, or our workplace and livelihood. For businesses, security cameras are often one of the necessary requirements for work place protection from thieves, vandals, and more. These cameras are a part of a grouping known as closed-circuit televisions (CCTV), and are one of the most commonly used devices to monitor activity, as well as deter offenders. However, closed-circuit television is a very broad category, spanning many areas. Hopefully after reading this article, you’ll gain a better comprehension of closed-circuit televisions, and a better knowledge of what you need to protect your business or home.

There are two types of generic closed-circuit television systems, wired and wireless systems. There are pros and cons for each of these, as a wired security system must be installed by a professional, though wireless ones can be set up on your own, requiring only a small level of skill. Wireless close circuit systems are a great and inexpensive way to protect your home. These can be installed on your own, and come with sensors and a remote access that can connect with your computer and be viewed wherever you want.

These are the eyes of your security system. Without them, you’re really got nothing. Unfortunately, there are many different types of cameras you can buy, all with various traits. Wired and wireless are common cameras, and as their names say, one’s wired while the other is wireless, meaning, the wired one sends the information directly to you, without any internet use, while the wireless cameras send the information to you with the use of the internet, allowing you to access the feed wherever you want.

Other camera types include PZT cameras, which stands for panning, zoom, and tilting. These security cameras have functions that are stated in their name. These are great, as they can span a wide area, go in-depth for greater detail and can be better manipulated for greater shots. However, the downside to these cameras is the simple fact that someone must sit at the controls for these, as they cannot properly function without a guiding hand.

Another camera type includes dome cameras, which are optimal for parking lots, as they’re mounted on tall steel beams and have an excellent panoramic view. However, these cameras need to be aimed as well, (though one benefit is the fact that intruders cannot tell where the camera is pointing, giving you a better vicarious protection).

Color cameras are also available, and as their name suggests, they capture everything in color, though this is often seen as a waste, as they cost much more, and are often viewed as useless unless used to better identify a criminal, (though in a security sense, these are not always practical).

And finally, a camera type that isn’t really a camera per se, but more of a sentinel. Fake cameras are never an ideal form of security, though they often cannot be sifted out from real cameras at a glance. However, as these have no other function than being mere gargoyles, it’s never wise to plan on these being a line of defense, as, over time, it could be discovered that the cameras are indeed fake, and that leaves your home or business completely vulnerable to any and all attacks.

Current day cameras use the advantages of modern day data developments, rather than the now archaic method of tapes. The video feeds are often saved to a large database using Digital Video Recorders (DVRs). As these recordings are digital, it allows for additional features, such as zoom and a much higher resolution within the frames. One of the benefits of current day data storage is the amount of information that can be compressed and the vast quantities that can be stored. Another great advantage of network storage is the ability to retrieve and view recorded feed anywhere in the world through the internet.

Thanks to the miraculous innovations in the field of data storage, we are no longer obligated to store vast amounts of data on video tapes. Common Digital Video Recorders include simple hard drives, similar to those found in everyday computers. These hard drives can store massive amounts of data, and usually have USB extensions which allow for even more storage space that only needs to be connected to the main recorder. Other mediums include networks used to store the feeds by the use of Ethernet to a computer. This data can then be accessed wherever you go, enabling you to keep a close watch on things from afar, or even while on vacation.

Hopefully, by reading this article, you’ve come to gain a basic understanding of the world of closed-circuit television security and the great deal of its need and purpose in our daily lives. With this knowledge, you’ll be capable of choosing whatever system you believe is best for you and whatever you need to protect.