How CCTV Camera works:
CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) cameras work by capturing video images and transmitting them to a monitor or video recorder. The cameras use a lens and image sensor to capture light from the scene and convert it into a video signal. The video signal is then transmitted through a cable or wirelessly to a monitoring station or recording device. Below we explained How CCTV Camera works
Components of a CCTV System:
A CCTV system typically consists of security cameras, cables, video recorders, storage units, and display units. All these components are essential for the system to function properly. By understanding how CCTV camera works, you can better appreciate how all these parts work together.
Security Cameras:
Security cameras are the most crucial part of a CCTV system. They capture the video of the source and record the signal to be transmitted either through cables or wirelessly. CCTV cameras can be either analog or digital, and they come in a range of shapes and sizes. By understanding how CCTV camera works, you can make an informed decision about which type of camera is best suited to your needs.
How Security Cameras Work:
The security camera captures the video of the source. An opened aperture at the front of the camera captures the light stream through the camera lens. The light stream is captured by a digital chip that is fitted inside the camera and is converted into the continuous stream of images. By understanding how CCTV camera works, you can appreciate the importance of factors such as lens specifications and image processing technology.
Infrared Light Emitting Diodes (IR LEDs) in CCTV Cameras: Infrared Light Emitting Diodes (IR LEDs) are used as sensing devices in CCTV cameras. The light sensor is used to detect the ambient light level, i.e., it detects the brightness of light it receives and transforms it into a numeric value that tells the percentage of brightness. By understanding how CCTV camera works with IR LEDs, you can appreciate how these devices enable the camera to capture clear images in low-light conditions.
Cables in a CCTV System:
Cables are used to connect different equipment like CCTV cameras, monitors, recorders, modems, etc., in a CCTV camera setup. For CCTV cameras, the cables used are either RJ45 or RJ59 cables. Understanding how CCTV camera works with these cables is important for ensuring that the system functions optimally.
Types of Cables Used in CCTV Systems:
RJ59 cables may include BNC connectors to connect the camera to video output (such as a monitor), power connectors, etc. As for an RJ45 cable, cat 5e or cat 6 cables are most frequently used in CCTV camera setup. By understanding how CCTV camera works with different types of cables, you can select the most appropriate cable for your system.
Video Recorders in a CCTV System:
Video recorders are used to record CCTV camera footage. There are two main types of recorders, namely digital and analog recorders. Nowadays, Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) or Network Video Recorders (NVRs) are used to record CCTV camera footage. Understanding how CCTV camera works with video recorders is essential for ensuring that the footage is captured and stored correctly.
Digital vs Analog Video Recorders:
Digital video recorders (DVRs) are much more advanced than analog recorders. They use digital technology to record and process data, enabling them to receive sharp images, clear audio, and fewer signal interferences from wireless cameras. By understanding how CCTV camera works with digital recorders, you can appreciate the advantages they offer over analog recorders.
Network Video Recorders (NVRs):
Network Video Recorders (NVRs) are used in modern CCTV systems to store and manage video footage captured by IP cameras. NVRs work by receiving video signals from the cameras and converting them into digital format for storage. These devices typically come with a built-in hard drive for storage and offer various features such as motion detection, remote access, and video playback.
Storage Units in a CCTV System:
Storage units are an essential component of CCTV systems as they store the recorded footage. The footage can be stored on a variety of storage devices, including hard drives, solid-state drives, and network-attached storage (NAS) devices. The amount of storage needed depends on factors such as the number of cameras, resolution, and frame rate.
Display Units in a CCTV System:
Display units in CCTV systems are used to view the live or recorded footage from the cameras. These can be in the form of a dedicated monitor, a computer monitor, or even a mobile device. The display unit is connected to the recorder or the camera directly, and the footage is streamed in real-time or played back from the storage device.
Conclusion: Understanding CCTV Systems:
In conclusion, CCTV systems consist of various components such as security cameras, cables, video recorders, storage units, and display units. Understanding how these components work together is essential in setting up an effective surveillance system. CCTV systems have come a long way since their inception, and modern systems like NVRs and IP cameras offer advanced features and capabilities to enhance security.