CCTV / Video surveillance

The key components of every Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) system are: single or multiple cameras, recording device and a monitor. Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems are broadly divided into two known types, namely: wired CCTV systems and wireless CCTV systems. Wired CCTV systems bind all three key components of a CCTV system with cables while a wireless CCTV system comprises of a wireless camera that need not be connected to the recording device and monitor.

Both of these systems have distinct advantages and disadvantages associated as different types of technology are employed to provide security and reliable monitoring.

WirelessCCTV systems
Wireless CCTV systems are increasingly becoming a popular choice among CCTV buyers on account of the ease of installing such a system, lack of cabling requirements and assured mobility. The key advantages are:

• A wireless camera can be moved to other locations requiring observation while it is difficult to move a wired camera.
• Best suited for locations requiring temporary observation or in a temporary location.
• Wireless camera can be hidden to detect theft or pilferage
• Wireless recording and monitoring device need not be in the same line of sight allowing observation of any place from another remote location.
• Wireless systems are cost effective, re-deployable and portable.

At the same time, there are some disadvantages of wireless CCTV systems, which are listed below.

• Wireless systems require a dedicated frequency to transmit signals from the camera to the receiving and recording station.
• Frequencies may be subject to various interruptions by use of electric motored products, air conditioning, fluorescent lighting or cordless telephones which affect the picture quality.
• Wireless camera may not provide the best picture quality as such systems are susceptible to picture distortion while wired cameras provide relatively better picture quality.
• Wireless CCTV cameras may need electric power which implies a wire runs through the camera though the video connection is wireless.
• Wireless systems require wireless technology-specific expertise to diagnose and fix break downs in the system.

Wired CCTV Systems
Wired CCTV systems connect the camera to the recording device and monitor with the help of standard coaxial cables or Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cables or fiber optic cables. The key advantages of wired CCTV systems are:

• Provides the best picture quality with zero interference
• The camera can be located hundreds of meters away from the recording or monitoring equipment.
• All sensors can be run from a single power supply

The key disadvantages are:

• Cabling and installing can be a tedious task, requiring help from experts
• Observation is fixed to a specific area and the camera cannot be easily moved to another location.

Overall, wireless cameras are relatively more expensive than traditional wired cameras. Wireless CCTV systems are a preferred choice in specific locations devoid of easy cabling facilities and for individuals requiring an easy-to-install solution. The wired CCTV system is a preferred choice when good picture quality and economy considerations gain precedence.