Useful Home Security CCTV Tips & Info

CCTV
Closed Circuit Television has become a popular choice for security monitoring. Individual home owners can watch several areas outside or inside the home. Warehouses, gas stations and retail stores can monitor employees, customers & parking lots at the same time. Churches use them for security. Police use Closed Circuit Television to monitor crowds and problem areas, and the lists goes on.....

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) is basically your own television broadcasting system with a "closed loop" meaning it can only be viewed by a limited set of people. It differs from broadcast television which is available to anyone with a receiving monitor. Closed Circuit Television can only be viewed by those directly linked to your closed loop.

Today the different Closed Circuit Television surveillance systems available are wired, wireless, analog and digital. They each are made up of a camera or cameras, a monitor or monitors, and cables if the system is wired. Recording systems can also be added to record the video footage.

How Does CCTV Work?
Cameras (either wired or wireless) are strategically placed to view the area you would like monitored. If it is an analog or wired system, each camera sends a signal through a coaxial cable to the receiving monitor, which is usually a television set. Digital or wireless systems do not use cables but sends the signal straight from the camera to the receiving monitor, which is usually a PC or laptop. For recording purposes a VCR for analog systems, or a DVR (digital video recorder) for digital systems can be added to the monitor. Many DVRs are stand-alone units which means that they can view, record, and store the video footage. Wireless systems are portable and only require an electrical outlet and some software. Wired systems are not portable since they require cables that are routed through walls.

Closed Circuit Television has become easier than ever to use and more affordable to purchase and have installed or to install yourself. More on Do it Yourself Home Security.

DIY CCTV - Installing a Closed Circuit Television System Yourself



Installing a CCTV system is a lot easier than most people think today a larger percentage of Closed Circuit Television systems are self-installed. Most systems are sold as kits and include everything you need to install the system yourself.    CCTV installation involves: mounting the cameras, running cables from the cameras to the DVR, establishing electrical and video connections, aiming, focusing and adjusting all the cameras and connecting internet access to your DVR for remote viewing. Keep in mind that installation time and effort may vary depending on the system and whether it is wired or wireless. Most systems come complete and ready to install, but be aware that some may not include items like cables, stands & brackets, power splitters & adapters, etc. It may be a good idea to purchase a kit that includes everything you'll need including manuals & installation instructions.

There are many good quality DIY systems available today. Any amount of time and money you spend investing in the security of your home, family and business and will be well worth it.

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