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How do I Choose the Best CCTV Security Equipment?

T. L. Childree
T. L. Childree

When deciding on the best CCTV security equipment, your first consideration should be the quality of the images that your system will be able to provide in the event of a break-in or robbery. In some cases, very small details contained in surveillance footage can make it possible for authorities to apprehend the person responsible for the crime. Having good quality images captured before, during, and after a crime may also prove beneficial when filing insurance claims to cover your losses. Other issues that should be considered when choosing CCTV security equipment are connectivity, video management, and storage devices.

In order to capture the best possible images, you will need to choose a good quality CCTV camera. Digital-type Internet protocol (IP) video cameras typically provide much more detailed images than standard-definition analog models are capable of offering. An IP video camera also has the ability to stream live digital images over an IP network and archive them in a digital format. The ability to receive high-quality live streaming images is especially important if you intend to monitor the images before they are stored.

DVRs can be used to store video gathered by a security system.
DVRs can be used to store video gathered by a security system.

Once you have chosen the right camera, you will need to decide how you are going to connect it to your recording equipment. You may choose either a hard-wired connection using cables, or a wireless connection using antennas. Cables are the most frequently used method, but wireless connections are often necessary when the camera is in a remote location. Using a wireless connection may also reduce the overall cost of your CCTV security equipment, making it possible to purchase a more expensive, higher quality, camera.

CCTV systems may be used by retailers to catch shoplifters in the act.
CCTV systems may be used by retailers to catch shoplifters in the act.

The next piece of CCTV security equipment to be considered is a video management system. These systems receive, store, and manage the distribution of video from CCTV security cameras. The two basic types of video management systems available for use are digital video recorders (DVR), and network video recorders (NVR). These recorders are designed to combine hardware, software, and video storage all in one location. The only disadvantage to DVRs is that they will not accept signals from IP cameras. If you intend to use the higher quality IP camera, you will need to use an NVR to record the video that is received from it.

CCTV footage can help catch home burglars.
CCTV footage can help catch home burglars.

Since most surveillance video is stored for viewing at a later time, you will also need to decide which type of storage equipment is best for your particular system. In order to make this decision, determine how many cameras you intend to use. The most commonly used storage methods are internal storage, and storage clusters. Internal storage makes use of a video recorder’s built-in hard drive and is generally sufficient when only a few surveillance cameras are being used. Storage clusters are usually required when a larger number of cameras are in use.

Discussion Comments

anon148948

DVR's will accept IP signals. HDVR (hybrid) are available with on board analog and IP ports.

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    • DVRs can be used to store video gathered by a security system.
      By: Yoanna Boyadzhieva
      DVRs can be used to store video gathered by a security system.
    • CCTV systems may be used by retailers to catch shoplifters in the act.
      By: Steve Lovegrove
      CCTV systems may be used by retailers to catch shoplifters in the act.
    • CCTV footage can help catch home burglars.
      By: dmitrimaruta
      CCTV footage can help catch home burglars.
    • Video from CCTV equipment might be streamed directly onto a computer for viewing while away from home.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Video from CCTV equipment might be streamed directly onto a computer for viewing while away from home.
    • CCTV cameras may have different means for saving recorded footage.
      By: Volodymyr Shevchuk
      CCTV cameras may have different means for saving recorded footage.