by Giles May
Close-circuit television or CCTV is the technology which transmits videos from mounted cameras to remote monitors, commonly for security and safety reasons. The transmission can take place either through cables connecting the video camera to the monitors or through wireless connection.
Developed first in Germany in 1942 to record the V2 rocket launch by German engineer Walter Bruch, the CCTV system was installed in main city streets in an effort to prevent crimes. Banks and stores followed suit, monitoring and recording the activities within the establishment. CCTV systems are now available for private individuals for the security of their homes and properties.
The CCTV system works by installing video cameras in strategic places that can give a wide view of the location. These cameras transmit and record these video footages to a remote monitor or monitors usually watched by security personnel.
CCTV video cameras can be found in many public places. In banks, airports, subways, stores and malls, police and military facilities and even in the streets. These highly-crowded locations are hotspots for crimes like theft, terrorism and other acts of violence. Studies reveal that a criminal is less likely to commit personal crimes such as assault within the range of view of a camera. The fact that the suspect’s details can be recorded in the cameras and can be used to catch him later on can greatly deter someone from committing an offense.
Whether the CCTV can actually reduce crimes is still being debated upon, but it has provided help in criminal identification. Recordings of the CCTV installed in shops can provide recognition to shop-lifters and burglars or clues to crimes done within the vicinity. Other than monitoring criminal acts, the surveillance systems are also being used to combat anti-social behaviours which include minor offenses such as littering, urinating in public, traffic violations, drunkenness and other public order offenses.
Although most linked with surveillance and security, there are other uses of CCTV. Electron microscopy, medical imaging and robotics are few other applications of this technology. Live on-site video footages for conferences, concerts and sporting events such as boxing and wrestling are also an application of the CCTV system, as these transmissions are broadcasted to small and specific areas.
The CCTV systems have many types. Some cameras capture images alone, while some can record sounds as well. The type of CCTV camera depends on its main usage. If the main purpose is for surveillance or traffic control, it is not required to have coloured cameras; black and white images actually have a better resolution. However, if the main purpose of the CCTV system is criminal deterrence and identification, a coloured system is essential.
Having a CCTV system can provide a sense of peace and safety to the everyday citizen. The knowledge that criminals and terrorists are less likely to commit violent acts when there are cameras around brings comfort to people.
Lessening crime rates and bringing peace of mind to citizens only shows how valuable CCTV systems are these modern times.
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December 28 2008 | home security | No Comments »
Statistics have shown that robberies are getting more and more rampant these days. Based on FBI reports, robberies have been increasing steadily since the year 1999 up to year 2003.
From the year 1999 to 2003, the increase in robberies went as high as eighteen percent, fourteen percent of which were robberies that took place in residential areas, in the suburbs. With crimes and robberies taking to places that are supposed to be kept safest for our families, the need for some degree of security measures could not be stressed highly enough.
Security Cameras
Home security cameras are one of the most popular gadgets that people can equip their homes with. This is because home security cameras are easy to install. Having home security cameras in your home may not prevent your home from being robbed but it offers a certain level of peace knowing that everything going on in your home and its premises are well recorded. With a home security camera, no one can go in and out of the house unnoticed and no movement goes undetected and unrecorded. Installing a home security camera in full view may also be one way of warding off and discouraging robbers as home security camera recordings can be transmitted to local security receiving stations and monitored by people who can immediately respond to untoward incidents in your home. Furthermore, having security cameras in full sight can also discourage robbers from pursuing the crime as home security camera recordings can now be used in court as evidence of crime.
Installation
Home security cameras are available in many types and shapes allowing you to install them in the most inconspicuous areas in your home. It also comes in wired or wireless models that are easy to set up or install. The wireless home security camera allows you to set the camera up without the tell-tale signs of the cords and wires running along in every corner. Using a wireless home security camera is discreet as well as hassle-free.
Some homes opt to set up their home security cameras in plain sight. As mentioned, robbers may be discouraged from committing any crime when they see the camera, knowing full well that its recordings can hold water in court. There are also some large homes that have their home security cameras strategically placed, hidden. This allows the homeowners to monitor guests and house help.
How Many Do You Need?
The specific number of home security cameras that you need will depend on many factors such as:
- size of your grounds - size of your home - the number of rooms - the number of entrances and exits - how closely you want every corner monitored
The number of cameras that you have covering your home should not be your one and only consideration. Your home’s and family’s security does not stop there. Keep in mind that as many as three home security cameras per room would still be useless if these cameras are not backed up by a solid home security system with people who can monitor and respond appropriately to untoward incidents should the need arise.
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December 26 2008 | home security | No Comments »