CCTV

Closed-circuit television (CCTV), also known as video surveillance, is the use of video
cameras to transmit a signal to a specific place, on a limited set of monitors. Two major type
of CCTV

 Analog CCTV system

 IP CCTV system
 Wifi camera

Analogue CCTV System Components

The Analogue CCTV System comprises of components, such as, Cameras, Digital Video Recorder
(DVR), Coaxial Cable, Coaxial Cable Connectors, Power Supply, UPS and Monitor.

Analog Camera
CCTV cameras come in various types, styles, and configurations. A wide range of cameras are
available to select from, depending on what will work best for the application. Some of the camera
types based on the shape of the camera are Dome, Box, Bullet, PTZ Speed Dome Cameras. For
outdoor applications, cameras installed should be both vandal and weather proof. To capture video
images in low lighting conditions, IR Cameras are used, these cameras come fitted
with IR illuminators.

Dome Cameras are the most commonly used in indoor applications. The
"dome"shape makes it difficult to tell the direction that these cameras are facing,
and thus are ideal for deterring criminals from executing their plans. The dome
cameras are easy to install and can be easily mounted on both horizontal and vertical
surfaces such as walls and ceilings. Dome Cameras are also available with IR illuminators, which
enable the cameras to capture video images in low lighting conditions. The dome-shaped, hardened
plastic casing that covers the camera also protects it from vandalism.

Bullet Cameras have a long, cylindrical, and tapered shape, similar to

that of a "rifle bullet."These cameras are ideal for outdoor use,
particularly in applications that require long distance viewing. Bullet
Cameras are usually installed inside protective casings, which protect
against dust, dirt, rain, hail and other harmful elements. A mounting
bracket enables the camera to be pointed in the desired direction. The
cameras come fitted with either fixed or varifo cal lens.

Box Cameras can be fitted with C or CS-mount detachable

varifocal lens, they give the flexibility to use lens to suit different
applications. For instance, the standard CCTV camera lens can
only cover distances of between 35 and 40ft. By using Box
Cameras, it is possible to use special lenses, which can cover
distances beyond the 40ft.

PTZ Speed Domes are also dome shaped CCTV Cameras, but
include pan, tilt and zoom capability. These cameras can be set up to follow
pre-programmed routes and presets. Most applications include a joystick -
keyboard, operated by surveillance personal. Speed Domes are used to
monitor vast areas such as Malls, Supermarkets Aisle, Car Parks, etc. However
for reliable security, fixed non-rotating CCTV Cameras, should be installed, as
very often during important incidents if the Speed Dome monitored another
area no evidence will be captured. All security risk areas like gates, ground
floor window rows, doors and fire exits should have their own fixed non-
rotating camera, zoomed in on the highest risk area

Digital Video Recorder (DVR)

Selecting the right DVR is an important aspect of the Security System. There are many factors which
have to be taken into consideration before choosing the right DVR for the installation. The
specifications to consider are
Frame Rate
Frame rate refers to the number of frames a DVR can record at a given resolution each second. Real
time is considered to be 30 frames per second (FPS). So in order to record real time video on 16
channels you would need a unit that can record a total of 480 frames per second (FPS). Some DVRs
are able to display live video at 30 FPS on each channel, but what is truly important is the recorded
video, not the live video. Also due consideration should be given to the local authorities regulations
regarding the FPS, when selecting a DVR.

Compression
Once video is transmitted to the DVR it is compressed to conserve storage and make internet
viewing without lags. The compression used can vary from nearly no compression like wavelet or
MJPEG, to the higher compression methods like MPEG4 or H.264. Compression methods can vary
between DVRs, there are even some that use a combination of compressions, one for recording and
one for streaming over the internet. Most of the newer DVRs use H.264 which is 40% more efficient
both in storage and internet streaming

Storage Capacity
How much storage a DVR can hold is an important factor to consider. Based on the recording days
required and the FPS, the hard drive capacity can be calculated. Most of the DVRs comes with 1, 2 or
3 HDD Bays from capacities ranging from 4TB to 12 TB.

Audio Recording
Audio recording is not required in most of the installations. Some DVR’s will accommodate audio
recording for all channels while some DVRs will have audio recording for few channels only. Again
based on the requirements and the budget allocated for the DVR, the right type of DVR should be
chosen. Please check the local laws prior to using the audio recording.

Video Output
DVR’s will often only offer BNC video output which would require the use of a BNC to VGA converter
to view the DVR on a standard VGA monitor. The higher end units will have a VGA output as well as
a BNC out and also HDMI output.

Remote View
Most DVR’s these days are networkable and can allow an individual to log in using internet explorer
to view their security cameras. The more advanced units will have a client software that allows an
individual to view multiple DVR’s at the same time. This software may have features like E-mapping,
camera groupings, various user levels, the ability to restrict access to individual functions and
cameras for each user and more.

Resolution
CIF: This is the lowest and outdated resolution-quality. Video and picture is produced at 352 X
240/288 Pixels.
2CIF or Half D1: Semi Recording Quality / recommended only for home and small business use. Does
not produce fully professional and reliable evidence in all situations. Up to 720 X 240/288 Pixels.
4CIF or D1: Records at up to 720 X 480/576 Pixels, which is similar to DVD Quality. In a professionally
configured CCTV System even distant suspects have a chance of identification.
960H: 960H is a new standard that provides high resolution images using advanced image sensors.
FPS: FPS Frames Per Second is one of the most crucial DVR function specification to be considered
prior to selecting the DVR
Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cable is a two-conductor electronic cable that is used as the
transmission medium for a variety of applications such as Analog
Baseband Video (CCTV — Closed Circuit Television), RF Broadband
Video (CATV - Cable Television, Satellite) and for some data, radio
and antenna applications. It is constructed to provide protection
against outside signal interference.
BNC Connectors
Coaxial connectors are components attached to the end of a coaxial cable that connect with an
audio, video, data or other device to prevent interference and damage.

Power Supply
In Analogue CCTV Systems the cameras can be powered either by local power supply or central
power supply. In IP CCTV Systems, the cameras are either powered through local power supply, PoE
switches, Mid Span, PoE Injector.

Local Power Supply In this system, A local regulated DC adapter is connected to the camera. This is
recommended as each camera will have its own dedicated power supply

Central Power Supply In this system, a CCTV power supply box, also known as a power distribution
box, allows surveillance system installers to easily manage the power to multiple CCTV cameras at a
central point (usually at the location of the DVR). This allows the camera installation to be more
structured. Instead of having 8 power supply plugs (local power supply), the cameras are plugged
into a power strip / electric surge protector, all the camera power wires can neatly be run to a power
supply box. The central power supply box is normally installed near your DVR.

Monitor
A CCTV monitor is an important component of a security system, as the video captured by the
Camera is viewed using the monitor. Security Systems are designed to run 24/7/365, any downtime
will be a breach of security, so while choosing the monitor, due consideration should be given to this
fact. It is important to choose industrial grade monitors rather than consumer grade ones. When
choosing a new CCTV monitor, do look into the following factors.

 Resolution
 Power Consumption
 Heat
 Connectivity

System Installation
Transmission media is the most important part of an installation. It is estimated that over 65% of
failure in a CCTV system is associated with transmission media which includes the type of cable used,
connectors, connections and the installation methods.

The second biggest area that account for nearly 27% of the problems are power and environment
related which includes either excessive or inadequate input power, ineffective or improper
grounding or an excessive temperature around the equipment. Incorrect equipment setup, improper
equipment termination and improper camera installation account for about 7% of the problems
directly associated with the installation personnel. Only 1% of the failures in a CCTV installation are
actually caused by device failures.

Bend Radius
Current coaxial standards do not specify bend radius;
however, various manufacturers do provide guidance.
Check with manufacturers for specifics. Special care
should be taken when pulling a coaxial cable around
bends.

Connector Termination and Testing

Step 1 The tools you will need:

 Compression tool
 Cable stripper
 Compression Connectors
Step 2 Adjust the blades of the stripper to expose ¼ inch of the conductor and ¼ inch of the
insulation. Insert the coax cable into the strip cartridge to the adjusted length.

Step 3 Holding the cable near the tool, rotate the cutter around the cable (three to five full turns) to
score the jacket and cut through the insulation. Be sure the braid is cut

Step 4 Flare and bend back the remaining outer braid onto the cable outer
jacket.

Step 5 Insert the sleeve ferrule and BNC body onto the coaxial cable.
Firmly push the cable as far as possible or until 1⁄ 8 inch of the
center conductor is protruding from the connector.

Step 6 Insert the cable and connector into the crimping device,
making sure that it is positioned firmly. Squeeze the crimper handle tightly

Step 7 Inspect the connection making sure that there’s no braiding exposed and that the connector
is firmly attached to the cable.

Step 8 Once the cable is pulled, the cable is to be tested for resistance and proper termination in
order to assure good video quality.

Adjusting Camera Field of View (FOV)

The true sizes of objects can only be judged when
viewing at an angle. The recommended height is
anything between 4-8 meters (12-24 feet), the exact
height is dependent on the area it has to cover. Camera
positioning should be such that the ‘dead zone’ of one
camera is covered by another camera’s field of view.

The position of the cameras relative to lighting is

extremely important. Do not install cameras too close to lights which could attract insects, or facing
into lights, windows, the sun, or in areas that have a large number of reflections or shadows.
The cameras should be aligned properly and installed as per design requirements:

 Place traffic cones or markers at the edges of the expected detection areas to provide a
mechanism for initially aligning the camera for a perfect FOV
.  Alternatively have a person use a monitor and a two way radio to direct another person walking
the site.
 Adjust the tilt properly so that the camera is aimed at upright people.

The Camera Filed of View (FOV) has to be adjusted according to the standards. The following are the
standards to set different FOV settings.

Detection View Recognition View Identification View

Ability to detect any
moving object/body on the
screen and recognize the
body in a view where it is
displayed on 10% of the
monitor screen
Ability to distinguish a
known individual from
other known individuals in a
view where his/her body is
displayed on 50% of the
monitor screen
Ability to identify any
unknown individual for the
first time in a view where
his body is displayed on
120% of the monitor screen