A video surveillance system / CCTV is composed of a system of cameras, monitors/display units, and recorders. Cameras may be either analog or digital with a host of possible design features which will be discussed momentarily.

These systems can be applied to both interior and exterior areas of a building or property. They can operate 24/7, can be designed to only record in response to movement, or set to record during specific times of the day.

The cameras may be conspicuous and out in the open to deter crime, or they can be more hidden and discreet to record evidence with fewer chances of being tampered with. However, it is essential to note that laws regulate the placement of security cameras within the workplace. These laws vary from state to state, so be sure to contact your state’s labor agency to learn what your restrictions are.

Footage can be monitored live by a security guard, monitored remotely if using an IP camera and system (more on that in a moment) by a monitoring company, or can simply be recorded and stored by a DVR (digital video recorder) or NVR (network video recorder) for review later should the need arise.

Finally, video surveillance systems are closed – this means its signals are not broadcast so that others could intercept and view the content. Only authorized users can access the recorded material.

What Types of Cameras Can Make up a Video Surveillance System?

There is an overwhelming variety of cameras that can be used for video surveillance systems. All of your camera options will, however, fall into either the analog or IP (internet protocol)/digital category:

Analog :analog cameras are traditional cameras that usually only offer lower resolution and require coaxial cable hook-ups for each camera to the DVR and separate wired connections for power. Additionally, to ensure better quality footage, the cameras must be located near the DVR. Their range of vision is typically smaller than IP/digital cameras, meaning more cameras may be needed to cover the same amount of space than one IP camera can cover. Finally, the recorded footage will further distort if an attempt is made to enlarge an image.

However, these cameras are cheaper, and they do have a wide variety of design options to ensure that you can find what you need at a reasonable price. Additionally, they won’t take up any of your network’s bandwidth, unlike IP/Digital cameras.

IP/Digital: Internet Protocol cameras are digital cameras that possess much higher resolution and clearer images than analog cameras do. They connect to an NVR through a power over ethernet (PoE) switch and only use one cable to connect to both the NVR and the power source.

IP cameras do not need to be near the NVR to produce quality images, and their pictures can be digitally enlarged without severely degrading the quality of the image. Finally, IP cameras have a broader range of vision and many additional special features such as motion-triggered auto-recording, object recognition, and smart-technology options.