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What does CCTV Stand for?

A common question is what does CCTV stand for. However, it should also be what does it stand for and what is the most suitable system for my requirements. CCTV stands for Closed Circuit Television. The emphasis is on the closed-circuit element.

In contrast to television broadcasting, which is openly broadcast, CCTV is taken from a set of cameras and those broadcasts are enclosed within that person or companies control and view

The transmission of the system starts at the camera end and is then transmitted back to a central network which controls and actions the signals. These can be viewed on a local monitor or sent over various networks. These can then be viewed by other computers internally or externally from the premises. Also with modern systems, these cameras can be seen via a phone or tablet device.

The system can be a point-to-point (1 camera to 1 network controller). Furthermore, they can be a point-to-multi-point. (Many cameras back to a single network controller). Generally, these cameras and networks are linked via hard-wired data cabling. However, many CCTV cameras are now linked and transmitted via Wi-Fi

Analogue CCTV

Legacy CCTV systems would transfer their signals via analogue signals and over a coaxial cable. In addition, the camera would require powering at the camera end. However, as technology advances, the cameras were able to take two cables from the network server. Firstly, the cable would receive the signals. Secondly, the additional cable would send power to the camera to eliminate the requirements to have local power. Furthermore, these cables were able to control certain camera types, so they could pan, tilt and zoom.

In addition to these limitations on the cabling, the cameras also had to go back to a signal point in the building. If different locations were required, several separate video storage units were required and all separately linked back to the central network

IP Based CCTV

Modern CCTV cameras are now primarily transmitted over structured cabling. A single Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a cable will be installed between network switches and cameras. Furthermore, as the system is based on structured cabling and IP networking, the cameras can link back to any network switch in the building. This allows smoother installation and management.

In addition, as the cameras are linked via structured cabling, they can be powered by PoE over a single cable. Therefore, this results in less cabling overall to install a CCTV system

How CCTV is Used

Firstly, each building is unique and will depend on the size of the space and how many areas need to be covered. In addition, it will depend on how many entry and exit points there are. These can be lifts, stairs, entry doors, and limited access areas. Secondly, it will depend on the requirements for you to have images of your space. This can be general coverage in case of occurrences. It can be fine-tuning to monitor very specific spaces. It can be internal, or external, or both. For example, a general office will have fewer camera requirements than a casino. Lastly, the requirements will depend upon the budget. Some areas will be a necessity and others a nice to have. The budget will guide how you view each one

Therefore, the cameras would be placed as part of this overall strategy and the design incorporated to suit your budget. Our team of CCTV designers is able to assist in achieving this

How will CCTV help me?

CCTV gives you both live information on what is happening and also stored videos in case of incidents that need to be reviewed. In addition, it also acts as a deterrent from day 1. This can be for your staff and the public. In our casino example, guests and staff alike are less likely to try and cheat when cameras are installed extensively, and they know they are being watched and there is no evidence for any wrongdoing

CCTV Assists in the following ways

  • As a deterrent
  • Live systems to monitor the activity of entry and exit points
  • Evidence of actions. Reviewing incidents should they occur
  • Video record keeping.
  • Training. Some companies will use cameras footage to study customer patterns and staff movements

Summary of what does CCTV stand for

If you any further questions on what does CCTV stand for or wish to learn more about CCTV System Installation, please contact our sales team for assistance and guidance

In addition please see our KNOWLEDGE CENTER for further articles on CCTV and other services we provide