video surveillance

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Video surveillance system basics...

The most basic video surveillance system consists of a single CCTV camera and monitor connected by coaxial cable to transmit the video signal. Multi-camera systems require a processor that will accept multiple signals to provide a multi-channel display. Simple processors such as switchers and quads display video either in sequence (ie: camera to camera) or 4 cameras to a screen (quad mode).

Traditionally, recording was achieved by the addition of a VCR. Recording with this type of processor is a "what you see is what you get" scenario... whatever is on the monitor is what will show up on the tape. Multiplexers are more advanced processors that separate out the various video signals to allow full recording of all channels simultaneously.

Today however, the vast majority of video surveillance systems use some type of digital video recorder (DVR) which serves both as multiplexer and recorder. DVR's can greatly increase the functionality and user friendliness of any video surveillance system. Most units support live remote access over networks which means users can view cameras from any offsite location connected by a network, including of course the internet.

Going digital also means scaleable storage solutions with many models supporting up to 1 terabyte (1000 GB) of onboard disk space. Additional storage is possible by configuring external RAID (redundant array of independent disks) arrays or by exporting data for archive using DVD writers.

With a DVR, the only choices left to make to install a basic video surveillance system are what kind of cameras to use, selecting the right cable and deciding how the system will be powered. Due to enormous variety of video surveillance cameras available, choosing the right one is beyond the scope of this article.

Video cable can be either RG-59 or RG-6 coaxial although video signals may also be transmitted via CAT-5 network cable. For small systems, cameras are typically powered using plug-in wall adaptors. However any video surveillance system will be better with the use of a dedicated fused power panel and these are available in 4, 8 and 16 camera configurations. If you go this route for power, make sure the unit you get is UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certified.