They are present in shopping malls, banks and streets, but they are much more than just video surveillance cameras. Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems play a crucial role in the security and operations of numerous businesses, large and small. Moreover, thanks to technological advances and the integration of artificial intelligence in these systems, their role is becoming increasingly important.
In this article we tell you everything there is behind a CCTV system: from the elements that compose it to its key functions, which can transform the management of any business.
What is CCTV and what does it mean?
We’ll start by answering a question you may have asked yourself: what is CCTV?
The acronym CCTV refers to Closed Circuit Television, which in our language we translate as Closed Circuit Television. It is a surveillance system that, by means of different video cameras, transmits real-time signals to a specific set of monitors.
Unlike traditional television, which is broadcast openly to the public, a CCTV operates as a closed system, because only certain authorized persons can view the images captured by the cameras.
Hence, its main use is for surveillance in private properties, establishments, offices, factories and public areas that require constant monitoring and a solid security strategy.
What is CCTV for?
As we mentioned, security is one of the main applications of any CCTV. After all, it allows us to control a specific area in real time. This serves to prevent crimes, record evidence in case they are committed, control access or corroborate that security regulations are being complied with, among other functionalities.
But there are many more: beyond security, a CCTV system can be useful for monitoring logistics processes, controlling industrial operations, managing vehicle fleets, and even analyzing customer behavior patterns in the retail sector and using that data to improve a business’s decision making.
What types of CCTV are there?
We could mainly distinguish between two types of CCTV:
- Analogs
- Digital or IP
IP equipment is, of course, the most up-to-date on the market. Thanks to new technologies applied in CCTV systems, they now offer high resolution, can create automated alerts and provide the possibility of cloud storage.
As a result, security operators can optimise the time they spend on surveillance and significantly increase their productivity.
By the way, in addition to already having the characteristic AI machine learning, today’s CCTVs also incorporate tools for Big Datatools, which provide these systems with Business Intelligence.
What equipment makes up a CCTV?
Any CCTV system has certain basic components that, when interconnected, make its operation possible.
The main components of a CCTV are:
Optics and cameras
IP video surveillance cameras are the most visible component of any CCTV system. Without them, it would be impossible to capture high-quality video images.
Choosing the perfect camera for your business will always depend on your specific needs, because there are many types. If image resolution is paramount, you’d better choose 4K cameras; if you’re looking for discretion, then you need pinhole cameras; and if the environment is highly dangerous, ATEX cameras are your ideal alternative.
Monitors
On the other hand, any CCTV requires an image display system. This system is made up of monitors, which allow us to play back recordings or see in real time what the cameras capture.
It is important that the monitors provide optimum resolution to ensure that even the smallest details captured by the optics and cameras are visible.
Switches
Switches are the devices that connect all system components within the same CCTV network, facilitating communication and data exchange between cameras and monitors.
These switches are essential for handling and prioritizing data traffic and, above all, for maintaining the quality and efficiency of your system.
Transmission systems
Transmission systems are used to send the video data from the cameras to the display and storage devices. They are therefore essential for efficient distribution.
These comprise not only the network infrastructure, which connects cameras, monitors and recording equipment, but also the protocols and technologies used to ensure that transmission is fast and secure.
Recording equipment
Recording equipment in an IP digital CCTV, such as network video recorders (NVRs), are responsible for storing and managing all your recordings.
These devices also include video management software (VMS) for image management, which offers analysis tools and can be integrated with the rest of your company’s security systems, enabling centralized management. That is why it is so important that you are clear about how to choose a VMS!
If you have come this far, you already know the components of a CCTV system and its multiple functionalities. In case you need to implement a CCTV in your business, SCATI can help you with comprehensive and very effective solutions. This is the case of SCATI Mobile Pro, a perfect CCTV to face the challenges of modern mobility.