Many of us know the term CCTV, but not everyone knows what it does, how it works and how it keeps people and buildings safe. So, our CCTV experts at Mech-Elec have come together to write this blog and answer the question, what is CCTV?

What is CCTV?

So, what is CCTV? CCTV stands for Closed Circuit Television. It is a system that uses cameras to record footage and monitors to display this footage. The images are transmitted through a closed network, which means that only those with authorised access can view the footage.

What is CCTV’s Purpose?

When people ask us, what is CCTV? We start by discussing its purpose. The main purpose of CCTV is to deter crime and keep people and properties safe. It can also be used to monitor what is happening in a particular area, for example, in a store or office. If something does happen, the footage can be used as evidence to help catch the perpetrator and bring them to justice.

CCTV is not just used to monitor public areas, but also private ones. More and more people are installing CCTV cameras in their homes to deter burglars and protect their families. Businesses also use CCTV to keep an eye on their premises and employees.

There are many different types of CCTV cameras available on the market, so choosing the right one is important. For example, if you want to monitor a large area, you will need a different type of camera than if you just want to keep an eye on your home’s front door.

How Does CCTV Work?

An Important aspect of answering the question “what is CCTV?” is understanding how it works. CCTV cameras work by transmitting a signal to a receiver, which can be a TV, DVR (digital video recorder), or computer. The receiver then processes the signal and displays the images on a screen.

There are two main types of CCTV cameras: analogue and digital. Analogue cameras use an analogue signal, which is a continuous signal that can be processed by a receiver. Digital cameras use a digital signal, which is a series of 1s and 0s that can be processed by a computer.

Most CCTV cameras nowadays are digital because they offer better image quality and are more reliable than analogue cameras. They also allow for more advanced features, such as motion detection and night vision.

What Are the Benefits of CCTV?

There are many benefits of knowing what is CCTV, which is why it is such a popular security measure. Some of the main benefits are:

Deterrence: The main benefit of CCTV is that it can act as a deterrent to crime. If potential criminals know that an area is being monitored by CCTV, they are less likely to commit a crime. This is because they know that there is a risk of being caught on camera and identified.

It can provide evidence: If a crime occurs, the footage from CCTV cameras can be used to help catch the perpetrator and bring them to justice. This is because CCTV cameras provide clear images that can be used to identify people and vehicles.

It can improve safety: By monitoring what is happening in an area, CCTV can help to keep people and property safe. For example, if there is a fire in a building, the CCTV footage can be used to help evacuate people safely.

It can reduce costs: By deterring crime and improving safety, CCTV can help to reduce costs for businesses and homeowners. For businesses, this includes things like insurance premiums and the cost of repairing damage caused by crime. For homeowners, it can mean lower home insurance premiums.

How Much Does CCTV Cost?

When people ask us what is CCTV and why do I need it? Naturally, they often ask about the price. The cost of CCTV depends on several factors, such as the type of system you want, the number of cameras you need, and whether you want to install it yourself or have someone else do it for you. The more advanced systems will be more expensive, but depending on your requirements, opting for the pricier option could save you money and secure your safety in the long run.

Overall, CCTV is a very effective security measure that can offer a range of benefits. If you are thinking about installing CCTV at your home or business, be sure to do some research to find the right system for your needs.

Types of CCTV Cameras and what is CCTV?

Whilst people ask what is CCTV? The answer isn’t always simple. There are many different types of CCTV cameras available on the market, so it is important to choose the right one for your needs. Some of the most popular types of CCTV cameras are:

Wireless CCTV

Wireless CCTV is a type of system that doesn’t require any cables to be run from the cameras to the DVR. This makes it very easy to install, as you don’t need to drill any holes or run any wires.

Wireless CCTV systems work by transmitting the images from the cameras wirelessly to the DVR. They usually come with their own receiver, which must be plugged into the DVR. Wireless CCTV systems often come with remote viewing software, so you can view the images from your cameras on your computer or laptop.

The main advantage of wireless CCTV is that it is very easy to install. However, one downside is that the signal can sometimes be interrupted by obstacles, such as walls or trees.

IP Cameras

IP cameras are a type of digital camera that uses the internet to transmit images. IP cameras also offer many advanced features, such as motion detection and night vision.

IP cameras work by connecting to your home or office network and sending the images through the internet. This means that you can view the images on any computer or laptop that is connected to the network. IP cameras usually come with their own web server, so you don’t need to install any special software to view the images.

One advantage of IP cameras is that they can be used to set up a security system that can be monitored from anywhere in the world. Another advantage is that IP cameras offer a lot of features, such as motion detection and night vision. However, one downside of IP cameras is that they can be expensive to buy and install.

Dome Cameras

Dome cameras are a type of CCTV camera that is designed to be mounted on the ceiling. Dome cameras are often used in commercial premises, such as shops and offices, as they offer a high level of security.

Dome cameras are usually made from vandal-resistant materials, such as stainless steel or polycarbonate. This makes them very difficult to damage or tamper with. Dome cameras usually come with infrared LEDs, which allow them to record clear images even in low-light conditions. One advantage of dome cameras is that they are very difficult to damage or tamper with. However, one downside of dome cameras is that they can be more expensive.

Bullet Cameras

Bullet cameras are a type of CCTV camera that is designed to be mounted on a wall or ceiling. Bullet cameras are often used in commercial premises, such as shops and offices, as they offer a high level of security.

Bullet cameras usually come with infrared LEDs, which allow them to record clear images even in low-light conditions. One advantage of bullet cameras is that they offer good image quality even in low light conditions. Another advantage is that they can be fitted with varifocal lenses, which allows you to zoom in and out. However, one downside of bullet cameras is that they can be more expensive.

CCTV Installation and what is CCTV

One of the questions people ask alongisde “what is CCTV?” is how can I install it? If you want to install CCTV at your home or business, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. Firstly, you need to decide what type of system you want and what your budget is. Once you have done this, you can start looking for a reputable CCTV installer.

It is important to choose a reputable CCTV installer because they will be responsible for ensuring that your system is installed correctly and that it meets all the necessary requirements. A good installer will also be able to offer advice on the best location for your cameras and how many you need.

CCTV installation works by running cables from the cameras to a digital video recorder (DVR), which records the images. The DVR is usually located in a secure location, such as a cupboard or office, and can be accessed remotely via the internet.

Some CCTV systems also come with remote viewing software, which allows you to view the images from your cameras on your computer or laptop. This is useful if you want to keep an eye on your property when you are away from home.

When choosing a CCTV installer, it is important to make sure that they are experienced and that they have a good reputation. You can ask family and friends for recommendations, or look for reviews online. Once you have found a few potential installers, be sure to get quotes from them to compare costs.

CCTV Installation by Our Experts and learning more on what is CCTV

At Mech-Elec, we pride ourselves on being experts in CCTV installation. We have a team of experienced and qualified installers who are ready to help you with your project and answer the question, what is CCTV?

We understand that choosing the right CCTV system for your needs can be daunting, which is why we offer consultations to all our clients to learn more on what is CCTV. During the consultation, we will discuss your requirements and budget with you and recommend the best system for your needs.

Once you have decided on the right system for you, our installers will get to work fitting it at your property. They will make sure that all the cameras are correctly positioned and that they are properly connected to the DVR. Once the installation is complete, our team will provide you with a demonstration of how the system works and show you how to view the images on your computer or laptop.

If you are looking for a reputable and experienced CCTV installer, then look no further than Mech-Elec. Contact us today to arrange a consultation with one of our experts. We would love to help you find the perfect CCTV system to help you! Did you find out more on what is CCTV in this blog?

We hope this blog answered the question – what is CCTV? If you have any more questions about what is CCTV and how it can benefit you, do not hesitate to contact us at 03300 883263 or info@mech-elecgroupltd.co.uk.

Article: Phoenix Marketing