| Closed circuit TV systems have been available | | | | save events at one time, the longer time |
| for many years, they have also undergone some | | | | frame you want to save, the bigger hard drive |
| almost miraculous transformations in recent | | | | you need. Events or time periods that need to |
| years. What used to be very expensive, | | | | be saved can be downloaded to a computer, or |
| cumbersome and hard to configure systems are | | | | burned to a CD, very economical and easy to |
| now very reasonable, easy to configure , and | | | | manage. A DVR, unlike the time lapse recorder |
| easy to maintain, and they provide much more | | | | will record continuously from all camera's, |
| versatility and usefulness than just a few | | | | they also incorporate the switcher and |
| years ago.When choosing system components the | | | | multiplexer functions into one unit. A few |
| first decision you need to make is what are | | | | years ago DVR recorders were very expensive, |
| you using it for. The primary uses for CCTV | | | | today they are very reasonable, and will |
| systems are surveillance, traffic control, | | | | continue to go down in cost and provide more |
| theft, shoplifting, employee theft, and/or | | | | advanced features.When you are ready to spec |
| robbery deterrence, and identification. | | | | your system contact your local CCTV expert |
| Surveillance and traffic control probably do | | | | for the latest information and a competitive |
| not require color cameras, black & white may | | | | quote, these professionals are in the |
| actually provide better resolution. However | | | | business, they have access to all of the new |
| theft, shoplifting and/or robbery deterrence | | | | products, they know how they work, and what |
| and identification may require color cameras, | | | | works in any given situation.A couple of |
| if there is an arrest and prosecution a court | | | | words of caution; Some businesses will |
| will require color to make positive | | | | display a fake camera in their place of |
| identification, on a black & white recording | | | | business with the idea that this will deter |
| a red sweatshirt would appear to be gray.Next | | | | shoplifting, robbery or employee theft. In |
| you need to decide what exactly do you want | | | | light of some recent court case this practice |
| to see, how far away is it, what are the | | | | should be discouraged, it has been |
| lighting conditions, is it indoor or outdoor, | | | | successfully argued that the presence of a |
| how wide a viewing angle is desired? The | | | | "dummy" camera can provide patrons or |
| answers to these questions will help you | | | | employees with a false sense if security that |
| choose the correct kind of camera and lens | | | | is not there. This false sense of security |
| combination, the correct mounting or | | | | has led to injury.Buying your security system |
| enclosure, even what kind of cabling needs to | | | | as an all in one set from a "big box store" |
| be provided.Deciding how you will view, | | | | can save some money, however you will almost |
| record and store the information is next on | | | | surely end up with equipment that is inferior |
| the list.The choices for viewing include a | | | | and not specified correctly for you needs, |
| central monitoring point, multiple monitors, | | | | and when you need service or adjustment, you |
| single monitors that can show multiple | | | | may not be able to get service.Jim |
| images, on your computer via the Internet, | | | | NewellPlease visit for links to |
| how about on a special cell phone from | | | | manufacturers sites and crime prevention |
| anywhere in the world. Recording and storing | | | | sites, many of which have additional security |
| information can range from a time lapse | | | | tips.Jim Newell a Security Professional and |
| recorder, your computer, or a DVR recorder. | | | | Consultant for over 35 years, operates a wed |
| If you use a time lapse recorder, you need to | | | | site who's mission is to bring you |
| be aware of the limitations on what is | | | | information about security systems , security |
| recorded and when, and you may need more | | | | devices and security hardware. To help you to |
| equipment, such as a switcher and/or | | | | make informed and educated decisions about |
| multiplexer. Storage of video tapes can also | | | | securing your personal property, your home |
| be a challenge. With a DVR recorder, all you | | | | and your business property. Visit for more |
| need to decide is how long to you want to | | | | info. |