What Is a CCTV System and How Do They Work?

CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) is a video system that is made up of strategically placed video cameras surrounding a specific area they want to cover. The cameras then records footage and it is then transmitted to a display monitor for real time viewing, as well as footage playback.

A CCTV system refers to all the aspects and components that make up the system, such as the camera, video footage storage, wiring, access control, monitors and general system management.

CCTV systems are a great way for you to increase your security of your business premises, and also allow you to have surveillance on key areas at any one time. This is extremely beneficial for larger premises, or one that has high value equipment, stock or information.

Not only can a CCTV system record video footage, but they can also notify you if there is movement or activity on a certain camera at any time. For instance, in the very early morning whilst your business premises is closed and there are no employees around. Receiving a notification could indicate that someone may be breaking into your premises.

How Does CCTV Work?

The ins and outs of CCTV cameras varies depending on the type of system that is installed, and which components are used. With that said, the overall process still remains the same.

They consist of at least one camera, recorder, monitor and lens. A CCTV system can be scaled up or down depending on the size of the area that you are wating to surveillance. CCTV works by the cameras taking multiple images that then are transmitted either through a cable or wirelessly, to the recording device then onto the display monitor, which then allows the individual to see the multiple images as video footage. Depending on the camera that is used, they may also be able to zoom in and out or rotate the image three hundred and sixty degrees.

There are many different CCTV systems that have a range of different uses with their video cameras. Such as, night vision, thermal imaging, and number plate recognition.