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Frequently Asked Questions -
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1. What is CCTV Camera?
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Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) is the use of television cameras to transmit a signal to a specific, limited set of monitors. It differs from broadcast television in that all components are directly linked, and that the signal is not openly transmitted, though it may employ point to point wireless links. CCTV is often used for surveillance in areas where there is an increased need for security, such as banks, casinos, and airports. They may also have military uses. The use of CCTVs in public places has increased, causing debate over security versus privacy. CCTVs can be permanently in service or only in service when required.
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2. Is it possible to use any type of CCTV camera outside?
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Not all cameras are permited to be stationed outside. Such as mini security cameras. These typs of cameras should be equiped with the proper materials. Now we have specialy designed outdoor cameras such as our New Bullet Camera W/ Sunshield.
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3. What are OSD cameras?
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OSD (On Screen Display) cameras have a menu system within the camera assembly that can be accessed in order to set functions such as Iris levels, AGC on/off and most features of standard and advanced cameras.
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4. What is the difference between Auto Iris and Direct Drive Lenses?
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An Auto Iris lens is one that automatically adjusts its iris for changes in the scene lighting levels. The motor that opens and closes the iris is driven by an Amplifier that processes a small electronic signal changing with the light level.
A Direct Drive (DD) lens does not have this Amplifier and can only operate with a camera fitted with one.
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5. What is the difference between simplex and duplex multiplexers?
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Video multiplexers are designed to allow recording of several cameras onto one recorder.
Simplex - A simplex machine is best suited to applications where recording only is the priority. Simplex machines cannot display multi screen images (i.e. quad, 9 way and 16 way split) while in the record mode.
Duplex - If an operator is monitoring the system (i.e. security guard) then a duplex machine is more suitable. A duplex machine can provide screen splits and user selectable images without affecting what is recorded onto the recorder. If you use two recorders, it possible to record and playback simultaneously.
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6. What is an ISDN Telephone Line?
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An ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) Line is a digital system allowing a camera to be updated at a rate of 15 frames a second.
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7. What is a PSTN Telephone Line?
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A PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) Line is an analog network allowing a camera image to be updated every few seconds and is therefore slower than that of an ISDN network.
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8. How far from the DVR can I place security cameras?
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Using RG59 Coaxial Cable, each CCTV security camera can be placed up to 600 feet from the computer and up to 1,000 feet with RG6 Coax. Even longer distances (>2,000’ )can be achieved using Baluns and CAT5 cable
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9. What happens when my hard disk is full?
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Normally the system will begin to overwrite the recorded image files, oldest first. You can choose for recording to cascade from one drive to another (i.e if the "C" drive is full, the system can begin to write on the "D" drive), if you have more than one hard drive.
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10. Are security DVR's hard to install?
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Not at all. You simply plug the cameras into the back of the unit. For the PC-based: Plug in the power, monitor, keyboard and mouse - just like a regular computer. You will receive instructions on how to set up the machine with your shipment. If you need further assistance during the installation please feel free to contact us.
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11. What if i do not know exactly how far I need to see?
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Instead of going with a fixed focus lens you can go with a varifocal lens. With a simple adjustment you can manually zoom in or zoom out and focus the camera to the exact distance needed to get a clear picture. Varifocal lenses come in all different sizes: (3.5-8mm; 9-22mm; and 5-50mm) just to name a few. This is the best option for large commercial applications because you can adjust the focal distance to what works just right.
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12. What is the difference between no iris and auto iris?
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The iris controls how much light is let into the camera lens. In the old days, cameras came with no iris control. If you needed to control the light levels you would have to purchase a special lens. Nowadays, most cameras come with automatic shutters which perform the same function as the iris - controlling how much light is let into the camera. Unless you have an application with extreme light levels (like at a beach) you probably won't need a special lens with iris control.
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13. How does a CCTV DVR work?
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A CCTV DVR is essentially a computer that saves security video images to a hard drive. Most security cameras in use today capture an analog picture. The DVR converts the analog signal to digital and then compresses it.
Many cameras can be connected to one DVR. DVRs generally come with 4, 8, 16, or 32 camera inputs. The DVR will allow you to view all of these images at once or one at a time, and all of the video is saved to the hard drive. Additional switches, quads, or multiplexers are not required.
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14. What is C or CS?
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That is type of lens mount you have on your camera.
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15. We have bright (direct) light coming into the lens, what to do?
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This question is coming up from time to time and customers are asking what kind of lens they have to use. Aside of using video iris and DC iris lenses only real help is to move camera to look at the object under different angle so there is no direct light coming into the lens.
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Do I need infrared camera to see in total darkness?
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Commercial infrared cameras, some of which are also water-resistant for outdoor installation, can see up to 30ft distance in total darkness. If you need to see farther, you may need professional infrared illuminators but they are usually expensive and complicated to install due to its emission of heat. Infrared cameras work as ordinary video camera during daytime. Most colour infrared cameras work as B/W ones at night. Minimum illumination for most B/W cameras these days is 0.1 lux so you will not necessarily need infrared cameras or illuminators if there is some kind of ambient lighting.
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What monitoring system do I need: professional monitor or standard TV?
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If you use 1 camera, a simple TV (which has RCA video input) is definitely recommended. Even for more than 1 camera, if you use combiner like quad splitter or switcher, a TV would be fine. But, for special features like slave video output (to be connected to additional monitor), alarm systems or for packaged observation systems, you may need professional CCTV monitors.
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Do I need Pan, Tilt and/or Zoom (PTZ) control?
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Pan, tilt and Zoom functionality is required in special circumstances and is generally expensive. There are however some systems with built in PTZ which is easy to install, maintain and control.
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Terms & Agreeements 