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CCTV stands for Closed Circuit Television. It is a video system that consists of strategically placed video cameras around an area that records footage, and is then transmitted to a display monitor(s) for real-time viewing as well as footage playback.
A CCTV system therefore refers to all aspects and components that make up the system, such as the camera, wiring, video footage storage (via the cloud or digital video recorder), monitors, access control and general system management.
You would want to use a CCTV system to increase the security of your business premises and have surveillance on key areas at any one time. This would be particularly useful for large premises or one that holds valuable equipment, products or information.
As well as recording video footage, a CCTV system can also notify you if there is activity or movement on a certain camera at a set time. For instance, in the dead of night whilst the business premises in closed and employees have gone home. This notification could indicate that someone may be about or looking to break-in to your site.
Although a CCTV system can be used for the surveillance of on-site activity, during and out of working hours, it can also be used to help identify wanted criminals, as well as act as a deterrent to potential intruders.
Want to know the ins and outs of how a CCTV system works? It’s not complicated, but it does vary depending on the type of system you install and the components used. However, the overall process is the same.
Consisting of at least one camera, lens, monitor and recorder, a CCTV system can be scaled up or down depending on the size of area wanting surveillance. CCTV works by the camera or cameras taking a constant sequence of images that are then transmitted by cable or wirelessly (depending on the chosen system type) to the recording device and then on to the display monitor, which enables an individual to see the sequence of images as video footage. Depending on the type of cameras used, they may also have the ability to zoom in and out and rotate 360 degrees.
As mentioned previously, there are many types of CCTV systems with various cameras that have a number of uses, such as night vision, thermal imaging and number plate recognition.
The two main types of system are:
Wired: Cameras and the rest of the system is hard wired.
Wireless: No wires are needed as the system works via an internet connection.
Overview 
A dome CCTV camera gets its name from the dome-shaped casing that the camera sits in. Whilst these are relatively discreet CCTV cameras in appearance, this doesn’t stop them from deterring criminals. This is because the dome casing makes it really difficult for people to see which direction the camera is pointing. This creates an air of uncertainty for potential thieves or vandals approaching from all directions.
Main benefits
Ideal uses
This is the best type of CCTV camera for shops, restaurants, casinos, hotels and other hospitality businesses because the design allows you to monitor a wider angle at your premises. Many also consider this option to be the best indoor CCTV camera as it can be placed on a strategic point of the ceiling to cover all angles of the room without being intrusive in design.
Overview
Bullet CCTV cameras have an iconic design that is highly visible. They are cylindrical in shape and are capable of observing long distances. Bullet cameras are most commonly placed outdoors so their casings are made resistant to water, dust and dirt.
Main benefits
Ideal uses
Bullet cameras can be used to good effect in a range of industries such as manufacturing, property management and farming. They not only record good quality pictures but also send out a message to passers-by that your premises is under surveillance. That’s why they have traditionally offered the best CCTV for outside operation.
Overview
C-Mount CCTV cameras are the ideal option for those who may wish to adapt the field of vision. They are equipped with detachable lenses that can be switched around to monitor varying distances. C-Mount cameras are typically bulky so, like bullet cameras, act as a visible deterrent to criminal activity.
Main benefits
Ideal uses
This is the ideal camera for observing a stretch of road on the approach to your premises. It is therefore popular in the utilities and logistics industries. Those operating in the food and manufacturing industries may also elect for this option, due to the camera’s reliability in extreme temperatures.
Overview
With a PTZ (Pan Tilt & Zoom) camera, your security team can have complete control over what is recorded. At the touch of a button, the camera lens can pan left and right, tilt up and down or zoom in and out. It’s the ideal choice if you have a security guard who is monitoring a live video feed on site.
Main benefits
Ideal uses
This is the best CCTV camera for remote viewing. It is really popular in large retail environments and is regarded as the best CCTV for business premises that have a specific valuable object to protect. For example, a museum could program the camera to pan to a particular entry or exit point when it detects movement. So even when it is not being controlled remotely, the camera can cover a much larger area and do the same job of several static cameras.
Overview
These cameras have been built specifically to operate effectively, regardless of how well lit their environment is. During both daytime and night-time, they will record clear video images that will not be obscured by differing light conditions. This is achieved through their extra sensitive imaging chips.
Main benefits
Ideal uses
There are various CCTV camera types suited to outside use but the extra sensitive imaging of both day and night imaging modes makes this one camera type unique. It is therefore the ideal CCTV system for business premises that require around the clock CCTV monitoring in an outdoor environment with varying light conditions.
Overview
As the name suggests, these cameras are designed to operate optimally in pitch black conditions. They achieve this by using infrared technology. Infrared models are more expensive than day/night cameras and those opting for this option usually do so because night recording is vital to the security of their business.
Main benefits
Ideal uses
This is the best CCTV camera for night vision functionality. It’s therefore the ideal choice for those who need ultra-reliable recording in complete darkness. For example, banks, farms and manufacturing plants.
Overview
These cameras share live footage across the internet so images can be easily accessed from anywhere on the globe. The bandwidth of the video is compressed, in order to make the
online feed reliable. Archive footage is stored on network video recorders (NVRs) or on secure software for later access.
Main benefits
Ideal uses
A network or IP CCTV camera is the ideal choice for business owners who are often away from site and on the move. Footage can be viewed from anywhere in the world, via a smart device such as a PC, laptop or mobile phone.
Overview
Wireless CCTV cameras were created to minimise installation time. They also make the appearance of the camera much tidier, which may be an important factor for locations such as churches, museums or stately homes.
Main benefits
Ideal uses
If a spotless presentation is important in your industry, wireless CCTV cameras are a great security option. Their discreet appearance helps them to blend into the interior. What’s more, there is less set up and camera maintenance required, and footage is transferred via the internet for convenient access.
Overview
HD CCTV cameras offer an unrivalled picture quality that delivers high clarity images. Depending on your budget, they can deliver resolutions of 720p, all the way up to 4K. Therefore, there’s no danger that the subject of recordings will ever appear grainy or distorted.
Main benefits
Ideal uses
High definition cameras are particularly useful for use in environments where there is a high risk of theft. Businesses such as banks and casinos should opt for HD cameras, in order to ensure that visitors to their premises are captured in perfect clarity. The footage recorded will be able to provide undeniable identification in the event of a crime being committed.