The security camera is becoming more common in homes as a way for homeowners to improve home security and add to peace of mind. For those unfamiliar with this topic it may seem like a complicated system. However, video surveillance equipment is no more complicated that a home entertainment system. The following information will outline what you need to know, including the history and uses, the benefits and the basic components of a home surveillance system.
Video surveillance systems are used to record events at a specific location, relay the feed to a monitor, and record the feed on either videotape or a DVD. The live feed can aid in stopping crime before it happens, or the recorded footage can be used to identity suspects. The first documented use of video surveillance was to observe and record launches of the V-2 rockets in 1942. The town of Olean, New York, was the first to implement closed-circuit television (CCTV). They did so in an attempt to reduce crime on their main street. Since that time CCTV systems have proliferated in many cities, businesses and homes to prevent and fight crime.
Currently, an ongoing debate exists concerning the effectiveness of security cameras at reducing crime. A four-year study conducted in San Francisco by the UC Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society found that a security camera could reduce petty crime by up to 24%, but seemed to have little effect on violent crime. A similar study conducted in London revealed that the cameras are not as effective at deterring crime as most people would like to believe. However, the cameras can help authorities identify suspects or generate leads, as well as make many people feel safer.
The basic components of a home surveillance system consist of a security camera, transmission device, monitor, and recording device. However, these components can be used to make a simple or a versatile system. Cameras can be used indoors or outdoors, and different lenses are designed for different applications and functions. Lenses are categorized by their focal length and field of view. Focal length determines how clear something appears to be at a distance, while field of view determines the size of the area captured by the camera. While cameras are available with pan/tilt/zoom functions for more control, fixed cameras with a standard focal length and field of view are plenty for a home security system.
The feed from the security camera can be transmitted through coaxial cables, fiber optics or a network connection. The former is generally preferred when dealing with shorter distances, while the latter two options work better for longer distances. All connection options work well, so homeowners can choose whichever type they want to.
Monitors are designed to only accept certain video signals and are usually between 17” and 52”. These monitors allow users to view multiple cameras on one screen or cycle between different camera feeds. The final part of a video surveillance system is the recording device. Digital video recorders are a popular choice because they capture and record footage at a high resolution. Thus making it easy to find specific footage of an icident.
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