What is CCTV?

Surveillance cameras provide additional protection in many areas where security is key, in public and commercial premises and at home. These inconspicuous devices capture and record what happens in monitored areas. They thus help detect criminal activities, prove events, and identify perpetrators. Often the mere presence of security cameras is enough to deter and prevent criminal activity. In industrial environments, they can also help monitor dangerous areas to better protect employees and take the right safety measures faster if necessary.

Video surveillance has become indispensable in many areas of public life. It is an integral part of security systems for monitoring locations including:

• Car parks and fuel stations
• Shops and commercial premises
• Airports, railway stations, and public transport
• Warehouses

Installing a CCTV system today is quite easy. A WLAN surveillance camera that connects to a router is sufficient for this. Video recordings can be saved on a hard drive, recorded with a digital video recorder, and viewed live on a computer or smartphone.

In businesses, CCTV systems can not only uncover criminal activities, but approved video surveillance systems can also minimise liability risks and help to reduce insurance rates. Large installations with multiple surveillance cameras are often used for this. Additional mirrors and pivoting cameras help to cover difficult-to-see areas. Images are sent to a storage and processing unit wirelessly or via network cable. With monitors, you can follow individual camera recordings directly in a security centre, and digital or network video recorders record the material. The recordings can be overwritten using a loop function or, if necessary, saved at the push of a button.

Surveillance cameras let you record, view, and store video footage, but not autonomously. To achieve the full range of functions, you must connect the camera to a computer network with a monitor and hard drive. This is done via a network cable, wirelessly, or via WLAN.

As soon as the camera is part of the network, you can access it via the browser and manage it using the software supplied. For example, you can use it to start and stop recordings, take photos, and listen to or zoom in on what is happening. You can then control the camera from anywhere via the Internet. Smartphone apps offered by many manufacturers are ideal for this. You can record data via a memory card, computer hard drive, or video recorder.

If you connect your surveillance camera to the mains, it can produce unlimited video material. In autonomous devices, battery capacity limits recording time. How much video material can be stored without being overwritten depends on storage capacity, video quality, compression method, and frame rate. For instance, an HD camera system requires over 5 terabytes to store 30 days of footage. Intelligent cameras work with the so-called motion system, which only records moving scenes. This reduces storage space. Another possibility is loop functions that overwrite recordings at a given rhythm.

Some cameras have an internal micro-SD card or offer retrofit space. However, the storage capacity is quite limited - 128 GB is just enough to store two days' worth of video material. Another alternative is a PC, on which recordings can be professionally evaluated with the appropriate software. However, if the PC is switched off accidentally or defective, the recording fails. Stand-alone VCRs are usually cheaper and more dependable.

Some Wi-Fi cameras offer data uploading directly to the cloud. This is a convenient solution that saves storage space and expensive additional equipment. However, if you choose cloud-based storage, you should compare different options to find the right deal for your needs.

The best CCTV system for your business depends on your specific needs. Look for systems that offer high-definition video, good night vision capabilities, and remote access via a smartphone app. If your business covers multiple locations, a system that supports numerous cameras would be beneficial. Consider aspects like storage capacity, expandability, and whether a wired or wireless system would be most suitable given your premises' layout.

It is also important to select the best camera for your requirements:

• Analogue security camera: A cable (usually coax) connects the camera directly to the surveillance system. This makes it a robust variant resistant to tampering or signal transmission problems. However, the disadvantage is that due to the wiring, the cameras are relatively immobile and less flexible to use
• Wi-Fi Camera: These wireless security cameras are easy to place and move to another location almost anywhere. Digital data transmission also makes it possible to monitor video data from anywhere or control the camera remotely
• Outdoor cameras: IP66 cameras are designed for outdoor use. They are robust and weatherproof, but may also be specially sealed to protect against vandalism
• Panorama cameras: With a swivel head, they can be rotated and tilted, expanding the recording area. These cameras can usually be controlled remotely so that certain areas can be observed individually
• Dummy cameras: They are deceptively like real cameras and simulate high surveillance intensity in a video surveillance system. This makes these dummy cameras a cheap alternative to deter criminals and prevent crime
• Infrared cameras: They also record thermal energy in the surrounding area using thermal sensors
• Dashcams: They are used in vehicles. Attached to the dashboard, they monitor the traffic situation and can record accidents or incidents

In essence, a CCTV system is an indispensable tool in today's business landscape, offering invaluable security and monitoring capabilities. CCTV was first used in the mid-20th century, but advancements in technology have made these systems more accessible, efficient, and user-friendly.

Understanding what CCTV means and how it works forms the basis for using this technology effectively. The installation process, while straightforward, requires careful planning and execution to ensure optimal coverage. Costs can vary based on the complexity of your system, the number of cameras, and the features they offer.

Positioning your cameras correctly is crucial for effective monitoring, but also for privacy rights. Storage duration for footage depends on several variables, but a 30–60-day range is common for most businesses. Finally, choosing the best CCTV system depends on your specific business requirements.

This guide offers a starting point for understanding CCTV systems. Given the critical role they play in securing a business, investing time and resources in acquiring the right system will pay dividends overall.