Closed Circuit Television or CCTV allows you remote surveillance of your premises. They incorporate the use of monitors and cameras to get recordings.
Souce: Pixabay
You can also see what is happening in real-time, depending on the system you have set up. All the footage comes from security cameras you will install on the premises.
CCTV cameras act as a deterrence to anyone who wants to conduct illegal activities on your premises. On seeing the cameras, a burglar is not likely to break into your home or business location.
Installing a CCTV system can allow you to monitor the ongoing activities at your workplace or home. It will give you peace of mind when you know exactly what is going on at all times. In case of a burglary or any theft, you will have footage to help the police solve the crime.
But once you have the footage, you need the right equipment to review it. Our article will look at things you need to review CCTV recordings.
How Do CCTVs Work?
Closed-circuit television means that all the recordings occur within a self-contained network. It is different from your regular television that broadcasts to the public. You will typically install a CCTV system in your business or home.
Once you have the recordings, you can store them in digital form, on the cloud, or on tapes.
Must-Have Equipment for Reviewing CCTV
1. Recordings Laptop or PC
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With improvements in technology, you can view CCTV recordings via your laptop or desktop computer. With internet connectivity, you can easily access any footage that you have in cloud storage.
The advantages of using a laptop or PC are many. Such include:-
- Setup and configuration are easy, requiring minimal effort on your part. You will need to download the relevant CCTV software to access the footage. Once you launch the app, accessing your footage is as easy as clicking on the playback button. The recordings have different dates, so you can easily view the footage from as far back as you need to.
- You get battery backup and local storage facilities.
- You can view multiple cameras from the laptop or PC screen.
- You have the option of connecting webcams and IPs
- You do not need to dedicate a whole room for your CCTV equipment. A laptop, for example, is small in size, and you can use it anywhere.
- A battery has the advantage of long battery life, meaning you do not have to have it on power as you would with a PC.
- Data recording and storage is easy whether you are using cloud or local storage.
- There is no limitation with the type of laptop or PC you can use. However, if you are using local storage, ensure you have sufficient space to keep the recordings for at least one month. Some careers, like video editing, AutoCAD engineers, and graphic design, require computers or laptops with sufficient RAM. Such can handle the amount of storage you will need for such recordings.
2. CCTV Monitor
Think about a CCTV monitor, much like you would a television receiver. The only functionalities you do not get are the tuning circuits. To get high-resolution images, you need to invest in a good CCTV system. With high-resolution, you get sharper images.
Do note; you do not have to invest in a separate monitor as you can use your TV to view the footage. The seller can advise you on the correct steps you need to take when setting it up.
3. Digital Video Recorder (DVR)
The digital video recorder fulfills the multiple functions of a multiplexer and VCR. You can easily convert analog video to digital with the right DVR.
It comes as part of a hard drive that allows you to record footage from one or several cameras.
With the DVR, you get video storage, software, and hard disk in one package. You determine the type of recording you want.
It could be one continuous stream or those that depend on motion sensors to start recording. Once you have all the footage in the DVR, you will need your CCTV monitor or PC to view the footage.
You also have the option of using the internet via an ADSL connection to see the recording. Look for those that allow for video compression so that you make better use of your storage space.
4. Cloud Footage
Recording footage on the cloud is ideal because you do not use up local storage space. You will need to set up a cloud account for the device.
5. Mobile Phone
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It is possible to use your smartphone to monitor your CCTV footage. All you need to do is download the relevant app, and you will have remote surveillance at your fingertips. The most significant advantage is that you can access footage anywhere due to the small size of the phone.
You do not have the inconvenience of powering up your PC or laptop. Whether you are in transit, the office, or park, you can check your phone easily. Since you probably carry your phone everywhere, you get quick alerts in case of a security breach.
Look for apps that allow for high-definition footage viewing. You can find those that will not consume your bandwidth but will give you up to 20pixels. 4G connectivity means you do not have to depend on a Wi-Fi connection to access the footage.
6. Video Camera Software
When you purchase CCTV systems, the sellers will most often offer video footage viewing as part of the package. It saves you from having to look for third party devices.
Most will provide functionality via their websites. It provides convenience and will save you some money. When shopping, see what extra benefits you will get when you purchase the system. Do not be afraid to ask the seller for information on how to record and view the footage.
Final Thoughts
Installing a CCTV security system will give you peace of mind. You can monitor your business or premises even from remote locations. Once you have the recordings on your DVR, laptop drive, or cloud, you can easily view the footage.