CCTV Systems in Kent: How CCTV Works

You may think that there’s nothing more to a CCTV system than a couple of cameras, a monitor and a video recorder, but even the most basic of systems requires detailed planning before installation can take place.

At Nightforce Security, we will always visit your site and discuss your needs in detail before we recommend a system to you. The type and complexity of the system is dictated by the reasons you want to install it in the first place, what you are hoping to achieve and the budget you have available. We will be able to show you different types of cameras, lenses, switches, monitors and recorders so that, with our advice, you can decide on the best system for you.

As you will know, CCTV stands for Closed Circuit Television. This means that the images that are captured by the cameras are fed on a closed circuit directly to your monitor or recoding equipment. Unlike broadcast television, no-one else can pick up a signal from your system and see the pictures you are recording. Although CCTV is mainly used for crime prevention and detection purposes, its applications are extremely varied and systems are used for research and entertainment purposes as well.

The cameras are usually the starting point for your system; how many you need and where you want them to be positioned. The majority of CCTV cameras come without lenses, so you will also need to choose a lens that is appropriate to your needs. Basic systems cannot adjust the angle of shot or focus, so you must be sure that you choose your lens carefully.

Line-powered cameras are connected directly to the monitor by a coaxial cable. If you have more than one camera, they can all be connected to the monitor, switching between pictures at regular intervals. The length of the interval can be adjusted by the operator, or a switch can be fitted to allow the operator to switch between cameras whenever necessary. A video recorder can be added to the system so that the pictures can be recorded and logged on a daily basis.

If you find that fixed cameras are not giving you enough coverage or flexibility, then you should consider scannable or pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) cameras. These allow the cameras to move according to a programmed time, or to be remotely controlled by the operator.

For news on CCTV abroad see http://www.dailyjournal.net/view/story/37e67eaa1be0434898cf6b272d13ae7d/AS--China-CCTV-Building/