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