CCTV Authority - CCTV Basics

6. Miscellaneous


DVR:   A computer based recording system that records multiple channels of video to a hard drive.  Usually has the ability to put on a network and accessed locally or remotely.

Cameras:    Camera utilizes a CCD imager to capture images to a microchip and convert the images into a standard data format that can be transmitted to a recording device to archive video.  There are a wide variety of cameras with different specifications that meet various applilcations and environments.

Medium:    Cabling in which power is sent to the camera and which the video signal is transmitted to the recording equipment.

          Coax:    Typical Cable in this industry is similar to cabling used in the Cable TV industry.  Typically has power cable attached to provide power to camera with same cable.

          UTP:      Unshielded Twisted Pair cabling is also known as Category 5 or Category 6 Cabling.  Known as network cabling.  Typically used in large implementations and harsh environments but very useful in small implementations where budgets allow.  Used with components called video baluns.

          Fiber Optics:    Optical cabling using lasers and fiber optic cabling to transmit video and commands to and from cameras.  Used typically for high end applications and installations where long distance of surges are possible.

Power Supply:    Low Voltage centralized power and troubleshooting source to provide power to installed locations.  Typical voltages of power supplies are 24V AC or 12V DC.

Monitor:    Most DVR's use a standard computer monitor that would be used on a home or office computer.  If a DVR system is going to be used daily for several hours at a time or a monitor needs to be on full time then a CCTV monitor is recommended.  The costs of these monitors is usually between 2 and 3 times the cost of a standard computer monitor.  Once setup and on a network a monitor is not necessary in a most cases.

Miscellaneous:    Installation brackets, conduit, housings, utp baluns and other items are used to professionally properly install a surveillance system.

Note:   More complex systems require additional hardware.