Elements of a video surveillance system
The video surveillance system is used both at home and in commercial establishments to monitor movement of people. Also known as closed circuit TV (CCTV) it is used to monitor pathways and insecure areas around homes to prevent break ins and intrusions.
A video surveillance system is made up of the following:
Monitors: They are used to display video information processed by strategically placed cameras in and around the house. These monitors have better video resolution than the standard television receivers The resolution of a black-and-white CCTV monitor ranges from 700-1000 lines whereas the colored monitors have a resolution of 350-400 lines.
Cameras: They are placed at strategic locations to monitor the movement of unknown or suspicious persons. They beam this information to the monitors.
Coaxial cabling: It is used to transport video information from the cameras to the monitors.
Switchers: They are used to hook two or more cameras to a monitor. Advanced switchers provide facility to hook alarm inputs so that the corresponding camera is targeted and locked when the alarm is activated.
The camera is the most important component in any video surveillance system, and great care should be taken while buying it. Some of the points that should be kept in mind while buying cameras are:
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a) How many cameras are needed to effectively monitor the exteriors and interiors of a home?
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b) Is there a need for both audio and visual inputs?
c) ??Should the cameras take color or black-and-white images?
d) ??Should the cameras be wired or should they be wireless?
The placement and installation of cameras is equally important. The following points should be kept in mind before installing the camera:
a) The farther the camera is placed, the larger will be the area of view. However, the clarity will be proportionately lesser.
b) There should be no blind spots caused by trees, boundaries, poles etc.
c) The height of the camera should be such that it is not easily accessible from the ground.
A user has several options while selecting a home video surveillance system. He can have the securities camera connected to a PC or to a TV and a VCR. The camera can be wireless or wired. The user also has the option to use hidden or spy cameras.
The user can either install the video surveillance system himself or else hire a video surveillance and monitoring service to carry out the task.