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How to Buy a CCTV Security Camera System

CCTV stands for Closed Circuit Television, and is a system of security cameras all linked to one monitoring system. Since CCTV cameras are now gaining in popularity and becoming more affordable, homeowners can feel more comfortable knowing they can secure their home, home businesses and other personal properties. Scroll past the jump to learn more about them and how to make an informed purchase.

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   Evaluate your needs: Do you want to monitor general comings and goings? Do you want to see faces, merchandise, crowds? Do you need wireless or wired cctv security systems? Do you need an indoor and/or outdoor CCTV camera systems? Would you benefit from an IP network camera? Do you need a 1, 2, 8 or 16 camera system? What is your budget?
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   Select the type of camera: Based on your needs and recording environment, you should select a camera that is best for you:

   • wired: a standard wired color security camera. Most wired security cameras today are indoor/outdoor and have an IR (infrared) cut-filter for night vision (the night vision image will be in black & white for improved contrast and image detail). Wired cameras are available in BNC or DIN terminations (connection ports) and will require video extension cables.
     
   • wireless: More and more people are turning to wireless cameras as a cost-effective way of building a comprehensive surveillance system in their home or business. The latest digital wireless cameras are secure, free of interference from household devices, and offer crystal clear video and audio.
     
   • IP / network: IP (Internet protocol), or network cameras are another option. These cameras connect to your computer's router just like a computer or other net-workable device. IP network cameras allow you to access the cameras from remote locations over the Internet. Many also give you the option of recording video directly to your computer or to a network video recorder (NVR).
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   The Type and Quality of the Imaging Chip in the camera: CCTV security cameras produce images using CMOS or CCD (Charge Couple Device) chips. Tiny and/or very low price CCTV cameras usually use CMOS technology, produce poor quality video and have very poor light sensitivity. Decent quality and better CCTV cameras use CCD technology. The size of the CCD chip is normally 1/4", 1/3" or 1/2". As a rule of thumb, the larger the size, the higher the quality of the image produced and the higher the price. However, higher density 1/4" and 1/3" CCD chips can now produce as good an image as many older 1/3" or 1/2" chips.
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   Select black and white or color: If you are going to use the cameras in an environment where the light conditions are very low, it is recommended to buy a black and white CCTV camera system. Color should only be considered for inside use with good lighting conditions. For consumer-grade CCTV cameras, color cameras are suitable for indoor or outdoor applications. Many high resolution color cameras now use an IR cut-filter for built-in night vision.
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   Understand light level: One of the most important specifications. Light levels are measured in Lux. The lower the number, the less light it will take to reproduce a clear image.
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   Understand resolution: The higher the resolution number, the sharper the image will be. Entry level camera resolution is 330 lines, high resolution cameras producing better than 400 lines.
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   Select a monitor that will match the resolution of your CCTV camera system.
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   CCTV cameras system recorders: DVR (digital video recorder) which record onto hard drives is the best option.