Archive for the ‘CCTV Articles’ Category

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CCTV Video Splitter

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011

CCTV video splitters come in many shapes, sizes, and varieties.  In this article we’ll take a look at some different types of CCTV video splitters and explore how they are used.

CCTV video splitters can actually perform several different tasks however their primary function is to split one outgoing video signal into two.  By using a CCTV video splitter you can take one outgoing video signal and hook it up to play on two different monitors at the same time.

Generally speaking, there are about three different categories of CCTV video splitters.  They may be in the form of a simple cable, balun, or even an amplifier.

A cable type of CCTV video splitter is basically nothing more than a cable that is made with one end of the cable splitting into two, similar to the letter “Y.” These may work well for short runs of cable; however by splitting one input into two outputs the video signal through each will be weakened without an amplifier or other device to maintain the original signal strength.

However, as mentioned above for short runs of output cable this is likely not to cause any signal degradation to each monitor.   Every situation is different and sometimes the only way to find out if a certain arrangement will work is by trial and error.

Another method of splitting the video signal is to use a balun designed for this purpose.  Although a balun is really a specific type of transformer that can convert electrical signals that are balance about ground (also known as differential) to signals that are unbalanced (single ended) and vice versa.  The name “Balun” comes from two words, BAL(ance) and UN(balance).

In theory, using a passive balun to change the cable type from RG59 to Cat5E may also provide a means of splitting the video signal.  Why would you want to do this?  Because using a passive video balun, the signal can be changed at the connection source from RG59 to CaT5E.  This is done because Cat5E is less expensive for one thing, secondly it’s easy to pull when installing it, it’s generally less expensive than RG59, and a passive video balun and Cat5E can carry a signal further than RG59 cable, usually about 1,000 to 1,200 feet.

Baluns can be passive (un-powered) or active (receive external power source to boost signal strength).  However, neither “Y” cables or baluns are as good at CCTV Video splitting as video amplifier/splitters.  These amplifier/splitters may also give the user the advantage of splitting the signal into more than just two output sources.  Some units can amplify and split one BNC input signal into as many as 8 or more output channels.  Although 8 is usually the maximum for this method, systems with over 8 cameras commonly use video multiplexers instead

Most of the amplifier/splitters perform the same task; however individual units may contain extra and different features that can prove to be useful such as gain control, white balance, etc.

There is another type of CCTV video splitter that we should mention as well.  In essence, this device works just the opposite of what we have previously described above; instead of taking one signal and splitting it into two signals that can be viewed on two separate monitors, it takes several camera inputs and outputs only one signal, but “splits” each camera to a designated amount of space on the monitor.

For example, a splitter of this type may accept 4 input cameras signals, each of course on their own channel.   These enter the splitter but the signal that exits the splitter is only for one monitor.  The splitter takes the incoming signals in this case and divides the monitor into fourths.  Each of the cameras have one fourth of the monitor screen and all four cameras can be outputting to the splitter at the same time.

What ever method you use, be sure to think it through before you design your system using splitters.   There may be better ways to achieve your desired results or the CCTV video splitter might be the very best solution.

If you need help with your CCTV video splitter or planning your system contact one of our security experts.  They can be reached by using our “Live Chat” feature or by calling us at 1-866-573-8878 Monday through Friday 9AM to 6PM EST.

 

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Security Camera Network

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

There are many ways to achieve a security camera network.  Thanks to the digital age and the advancements of computer and Internet technology the Internet can be used as a medium for networking, allowing the user to have global access.  This is just one of the functions of Internet Protocol or IP security camera software and in addition to an Internet based network, a local security camera network can be established as well.

IP security camera network software may come with a variety of different functions.  For example its primary purpose may be just to make the camera IP ready so that it can transmit its video images over the Internet to the user.   These cameras are often called IP ready security cameras and it allows the user to place a camera just about anywhere there is access to broadband Internet.  The camera then transmits its videos over a security camera network, in this case the Internet, to a personal computer that has the IP security camera software installed.

This software contains the programming needed to communicate with the IP digital camera.  It normally runs as an ActiveX function on Windows’ Internet Explorer and other browsers so the user can monitor his/her camera simply by using a compatible browser.  If the camera is a Pan-Tilt-Zoom or PTZ camera, the IP security camera software may even provide the necessary programming so that the user can operate the controls to the PTZ via the Browser

Another type of IP security camera software uses the Internet as the vehicle for a security camera network among IP cameras.   In other words, instead of the camera using RG-59 coaxial cable or other wiring to send its video images to the Digital Video Recorder or DVR, the camera simply plugs into a broadband Internet connection and once connected, uses the Internet to send its video image data to a Network Video Recorder or NVR.

The NVR acts pretty much like a typical DVR however it is specifically made for networking cameras and storing their video images via the Internet.  Some NVRs require that a certain type or brand of camera be used and some NVRs also restrict the use of the NVR and IP cameras to one physical location.  The NVR coordinates the IP system, including the cameras, file storage, and playback.

So why use IP cameras and a security camera network?  In this age of global communication, many workers perform a great deal of traveling.  Using and IP camera with IP security camera software, it’s possible to monitor your IP cameras in Maine while you are in Hawaii.  You can also often gain access to the cameras using smartphones and a special type of IP security camera software designed specifically for smartphones called an “application” or just simply put, “an app.”  Thanks to the Internet there really aren’t too many places that you can go and not monitor your cameras.

Another example for using IP camera systems is that you may have cameras located in totally different geographical areas.  However, you may want to record these cameras from a totally different location (a home office for example).  Perhaps you own 2 or 3 convenient stores in your area and want to be able to monitor them from your home office.  You simply connect the IP camera to the Internet, set up your NVR, and you can monitor all three locations at once from a totally different location than any of your cameras (home office for example).  In other words since the Internet is already readily available you have just established a security camera network for your system.

These are just some of the ways that an IP camera system can be used.  If you prefer to take advantage of professional full time monitoring of your cameras IP camera software can also make it possible for the monitoring company to see each of your cameras.

Usually, IP security camera software is provided by the camera manufacturer or the NVR manufacturer so you seldom ever need to purchase the software separately.  Security Camera King has another type of IP security camera software called a Mobile Video Server and in comes in 4, 8, and 16 channel capability.

This software allows the user to embed a live stream of one or more cameras on a web page.  This means that any Web browser that can play streaming video will be able to view the cameras.  Of course smartphones, PDA’s, and the like will be able to view them too.

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Home Security Fort Lauderdale

Friday, October 28th, 2011

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Closed Circuit TV Cameras

Wednesday, October 19th, 2011

Nothing can provide the power of security and surveillance better than Closed Circuit Tv Cameras and their CCTV digital system.  Analog digital security provides adequate security and surveillance, but with the advent of the CCTV digital system there are far more beneficial features and options available.  In fact there are Closed Circuit Tv Cameras for just about every security or surveillance situation.

A standard CCTV digital system is based on components.  That means that individual devices (in this case the individual components) can usually be mixed and matched to adapt to a variety of uses to create the ultimate CCTV digital system.  The three components, Closed Circuit Tv Cameras, Digital Video Recorders or DVRs, and monitors provide the flexibility of versatile applications while maintaining the power and integrity of a single, complete and easily controllable system.

Closed Circuit Tv Camera systems are expandable so they are great for both residential and commercial applications.  Security Camera King offers the “Complete 16 Channel (i.e. 16 camera inputs) DVR Ultimate Security Camera Package with Bulk Cable” and their brand new Hybrid HD DVR as their finest, top-of-line digital system.  Although the Ultimate package can handle sixteen channels, and the Hybrid DVR can handle 8, which is adequate for most security applications, if more cameras are required, additional cameras with an additional DVR can be added.

Closed Circuit Tv camera’s have a wealth of features and options to make them applicable to almost any need.  In addition to the standard box, bullet, or dome shaped cameras CCTV digital systems can easily employ the use of covert video surveillance cameras such as hidden or disguised cameras.  This is possible because the digital cameras can be manufactured in such incredibly small sizes.

In addition, the electronic sensor inside the camera that converts the light energy emitted by the objects in the camera’s field of view can also inherently detect near infrared radiation.  In fact, most non-infrared cameras have an infrared filter over the sensor to block out the near infrared light.  This inherent ability to detect infrared radiation makes the camera an excellent choice for night time or total darkness video monitoring applications.  The camera’s sensor can detect the infrared light but it is invisible to the human eye.

Other optional features of Closed Circuit TV Cameras include using the Internet for networking cameras or DVR’s and for providing access to Closed Circuit TV Camera systems anywhere in the world that there is broadband Internet access and a suitable device (computer or smartphone).

Closed Circuit TV Camera systems can also have object tracking or following as part of the software that is supplied with either the DVR or Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras.  Object tracking makes CCTV digital systems an excellent choice for commercial parking lots or for following individuals in open spaces.

Digital Video Recorders, like their analog ancestors the VHS or Beta video recorder, can store digital video files for later use or archiving, or can render them in real-time for live viewing.  Security Camera King’s featured DVR’s even have the ability to stream the digital images from our Closed Circuit Tv Camera digital systems over the Internet.  Unlike analog recording mediums, long-term digital storage media (CDs and DVDs for example) don’t allow the quality of the video image to degrade over time.

The third component of the Closed Circuit TV camera digital system, the digital monitor, has also offered vast improvements over its analog ancestor the CRT monitor.  Digital monitors can provide High Definition (HD) images or several camera images on just one monitor.  In addition, these monitors are much lighter so they can easily be wall or ceiling mounted.  Furthermore, they use a lot less power to produce their pictures than their older counterparts.

Finally, since every component of a CCTV digital system now operates based on digital data, many of the individual electronic parts of the system are the same parts used in the personal computer world.  Closed Circuit TV Cameras are similar to webcams; DVR’s are similar to computer hard disk drives; and security monitors are similar to computer monitors.

This provides for an enormous advantage over older analog systems.  Much of the equipment used in CCTV digital systems takes advantage of the vast technological advances that are made in the personal computing world.  Not only do the systems reap the benefit of technological advances, but the systems themselves are much more versatile in use and are lower in price.

 

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Surveillance Camera CCTV

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

Today’s surveillance camera CCTV systems have made “leaps and bounds” in technological improvements compared to the systems from just 10 to 15 years ago.  Not only that, but the camera’s prices have steadily decreased with the increase in technology.  All of this has lead to video surveillance cameras becoming a “household word” for family protection and safety as well as business protection and workplace documentation.

Original surveillance camera CCTVs were based on analog signals.  These systems and components of the systems were often referred to as CCTV or Closed Circuit TeleVision.  CCTV was so named because although it closely resembled a typical television studio system, there was one major important difference.

Studio television cameras’ video signals were boosted by the broadcast station and sent via radio frequency via a large antenna.  Once the signal left the broadcast antenna, anyone with a receiver could pick up the signal.  Video surveillance cameras however, sent their signal along a cable, directly to a specific monitor and recording device.  In this respect, the system was a “Closed Circuit TeleVision” system.  In fact, any system used for monitoring, surveillance, or security in this manner was referred to as a CCTV system.

Today, video surveillance cameras still operate on a CCTV based system, but to be accurate, we must redefine CCTV to make it somewhat looser in application.  Although modern digital video surveillance cameras also transmit their video signals via a cable to a Digital Video Recorder or DVR and one or more monitors, they also employ additional methods for transmitting their signals that must be taken into consideration of the definition of CCTV as well.

These cameras may also transmit their video data wirelessly via an on-board camera transmitter and antenna.  These cameras use modern day wireless technology often used in land-line based telephones such as 2.4 or 5.8 GHz technology or 900Mhz technology for broadcasting their signal.  These systems are designed to transmit their signal to a nearby receiver, which is usually plugged in by cable, to a DVR and/or monitor.

Another method that is employed today is the use of the Internet as a vehicle for networking and transmitting.  Video surveillance camera CCTV and their DVRs have the capability for connecting to the Internet.  When they do possess this feature they are often referred to as Internet Protocol or IP ready, because they deliver their transmission using IP format technology.

Although it is true that individuals other than who the video images are intended for can gain access surreptitiously, the intent of these wireless broadcasts and Internet transmissions are directed to a limited number of very specific viewers.  Thus, although our definition for CCTV as now become a bit broader in scope, it is easy to see why even today, these units are often called surveillance camera CCTV systems.

While we are on the subject of CCTV versus new video surveillance cameras, it would be prudent to mention that there is some carry over from the “analog days” of CCTV to the current “digital era” which can make the comparison of components or the selection of a system somewhat confusing.  This primarily involves the use of reference to the detail or resolution of the video image created by the camera and displayed by the monitor.

Electronic video images may show a varying degree of detail.  That is evidenced by the contrast between standard television broadcasts and those called High Definition (HD).  Television was originally displayed on a Cathode Ray Tube or CRT (also called the “picture tube”).  The CRT reproduced the image on its screen by shooting an electron beam horizontally at the rate of about 60 times per second.  To a large degree, the number of horizontal lines determined how detailed the video appeared.  In this situation, the more lines, the smaller the lines, the greater the detail of the picture.

Today, however, most televisions are like computer monitors; they are Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD), plasma, or Light Emitting Diode (LED) displays.  These monitors display tiny dots called pixels instead of horizontal lines; therefore, they can display a much higher detail picture.  Yet, many video surveillance cameras still specify their picture quality in terms of the older, horizontal line method.  It’s important to know that the lower end of resolution or detail is from about 300 up to 650 TVL (TeleVision Lines).  Video surveillance cameras CCTV with 650 TVL displays can produce very high definition video images.

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