The use of CCTV in the home environment is becoming more popular.

Not only
does it improve general security, it can help to defend against anti social
behaviour, and is a way of keeping an eye on children and pets.
CCTV systems in the public arena are governed by the Data Protection ct of
!"##$ those in a domestic environment are governed by the %uman &ights ct.
C'(s e)pert system designers and technicians tailor*make CCTV systems to suit
individual re+uirements, from simple one camera and monitor systems to multiple
camera systems that are fully integrated with other security installations.
There are three basic elements to a CCTV system,
!. Camera
-. .ens
/. 0onitor unit
The camera is the element which captures the image and transmits it back to a
monitor. The camera needs a lens to be able to focus on the sub1ect. There are a
wide variety of lenses to suit different applications.
The monitor is the receiver unit which converts the captured image into a picture,
allowing you to see it.
This is a very common +uestion and a number of factors govern the answer, such
as price, what you want from the system and which cameras are most
appropriate for your particular environment.
CCTV system should be designed to suit your needs. The installing company
should provide guidance on the suitability of different options, features and
benefits * including colour and monochrome units. 't may be that you need a
camera that will work in colour during the day and automatically switch to
monochrome at night2
s it is not usually practical to have a dedicated person to sit and watch a monitor
-3 hours a day, the image captured by the camera needs to be recorded so that it
can be viewed later, if necessary.
Traditionally, this was done with a time lapse Video Cassette &ecorder 4VC&5
which worked on the same principle as an ordinary domestic video but with the
ability to record for a much longer period of time.
%owever, the VC& has now been superseded by the digital Digital Video &ecorder
4DV&5. The DV& stores the images on to a disk drive in the same way a home
computer stores data. DV& recording lasts longer than a video tape, it does not
wear out and the +uality of the image is superior. 6ou can also search for an
incident easily by time and date.
0ost systems today comprise of more than one camera, but you don7t need a
monitor and recorder for each camera$ several cameras can share one monitor
and hard disc recorder.
8+uipment is available that will split the monitor into four separate screens
displaying four cameras, or a four way se+uence unit can be used which allows
you to choose which camera you would like to view. lternatively, the automatic
mode it will se+uence through the four cameras that are connected.
%owever, the most common way of controlling multiple cameras is via a
multiple)er.
To keep it simple, a multiple)er incorporates the above facilities but also has the
ability to individually code mark each image from each camera and because of
this, a multiple)er allows all of the cameras on a system to be recorded onto one
tape or hard drive unit. The multiple)er then uses these code marks to play back
the recorded picture from the camera that you wish to view.
%istorically multiple)ers and recording units were separate pieces of e+uipment,
but recently a number of manufactures have developed units that do both 1obs.
CCTV system can be designed to fit any scenario you care to imagine, using
options from the vast range of e+uipment available from manufactures worldwide.
Cameras can be internal or e)ternal, highly visible or covert. They can be static or
fully controllable9movable from a remote location. 6ou can have one camera or
hundreds$ you can record for one day or -! days. :ith a suitable internet
connection, you can even view your property when you are abroad.
;et the picture<222
lthough CCTV systems can be purchased from D'6 stores, and a capable
handyman can install it, it should be remembered that the results from a CCTV
system will only ever be as good as the e+uipment used.
'n around =>? of all cases, CCTV footage is found to be inadmissible as evidence
in a Court of .aw because the +uality of the evidence is considered inade+uate.
This can be the result of poor design and bad installation and clearly highlights
the importance of seeking professional advice from the outset.
competent specialist company should be able to demonstrate their
professionalism and e)perience in design and installation of CCTV systems. 0ost
importantly, you must feel confident that the company you choose will listen to
and understand your individual CCTV re+uirements. Their e)perience with lens
optics and camera technology will guarantee you satisfaction with your system.
specialist company will also ensure the best value for money by using a
different lens or camera mounting positions, for e)ample, which can not only
monitor the area at risk but also give an outline view of the surrounding area at
the same time.
CCTV systems can aid the monitoring of stock, personnel, visitors, access control
and prevent health and safety incidences.
@ystems can range from a simple analogue internal package for smaller premises
to highly advanced digital systems integrated with intruder, access control and
fire systems.
't is imperative to install the right e+uipment for specific situations and
circumstances if you are to get the most out of the system. That7s where the
e)pertise of our system designers and engineers ensures the technology works
for you.
'mages can be recorded locally and there is also the facility for them to be
monitored remotely by our alarm receiving centre who will alert the police or
response agency.
Asing the very latest technology and highest +uality e+uipment, we can take
CCTV beyond simple basic observation using,
@olo or 0ulti Camera @ystems
Concealed 4Covert5 Cameras
Colour or 0onochrome @ystems
0ovement ctivated @ystems
DP&B &emote Camera 0onitoring @ystems 'nstalled to C@ #3!#
CCTV system must be registered in order to comply with the Data Protection
ct of !""#.
@ince -3 Bctober ->>!, it has been a criminal offence to have an unregistered
CCTV system that records people in a public or a private place 4conditions apply5.
The Code of Practice contains legally enforceable 7@tandards7 that must be met to
ensure compliance with the Data Protection ct !""#.
There are also a further /> points of good working practice which, when used in
con1unction with the @tandards, are designed to build and maintain public
confidence in CCTV systems and to ensure that installers and users operate within
the law.
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