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