CCTV Basics: FPS, TVL, MP Specs Explained!
Filed under: Beginning CCTV, CCTV Articles, CCTV Glossary, General Technology, Guides, IP Cameras, Security Camera
When shopping for a new CCTV System, don’t be confused by the plethora of acronyms describing cameras and DVRs! Keep a few key pointers in mind:
1.) FPS (or Frame Rate): This spec informs you of how many frames-per-second the camera or DVR runs at. The max each channel can record at is 30 frames per second. 30 FPS is considered to be live motion as if you were watching it happen with your own eyes. Keep 30 FPS in mind when you are shopping for a DVR, as you’ll notice that some DVR units mention things like, “8 Channel DVR with 240FPS.” This means the max recording ability is 240 across all the capable channels. Take the 240 and divide it by its 8 channels, and you’ll get 30 FPS per Channel. Some DVR units will not always allow you to view all channels at the full 30 FPS. Some DVRs will mention “16 Channel DVR with 120FPS;” this means the system is capable of up to 16 cameras, but can only share 120 frames across all the channels. To get you per camera frame rate take the 120 and divide by 16, this will give you 7.5FPS. With this kind of low frame rate, you can expect the video to be a little more intermittent, and it may not be as fluid as videos with a higher frame rate.
2.) TVL (or Television Lines): TVL is a number you typically see only on Analog cameras, and it tells you the resolution of a given camera. Some cameras may have resolutions as low as 420 TVL, while others may range up in the 600-700 TVL area. Naturally, the higher the number, the more clear and crisp the resolution and picture will be. At the moment, the highest an analog camera’s resolution can go is 700 TVL. This spec is one of the most important things to consider when picking the right camera.
3.) MP (or Megapixel): This is the resolution of an IP (Internet Protocol)-based or network-based camera. Instead of running at the traditional TVL measurement, IP cameras use the Megapixel format to illustrate the resolution of any given camera: 1MP, 1.3MP, 2MP, 3MP, 4MP, and 5 MP. Cameras do have the ability to go higher than 5 MP, but it’s not a proven technology yet, and it’s much more reliable to stick around the 5MP area to keep a good resolution to FPS ratio. As you increase the camera’s MP, you decrease the frame rate and vice- versa. Any camera going over the 5MP area will not be capable of producing a significant frame rate, making the camera nearly unusable, as the video will appear as more of a slideshow than actual movement. A 2MP on the IP camera side can equal 4 standard analog camera images combined. Not to mention IP cameras usually come with some really sophisticated bonus features.
CCTV Camera Self-Installation Tips
Filed under: Beginning CCTV, CCTV Camera, General Technology, Guides, Security Camera, Security Camera System
In the market for a new surveillance system? Here are some quick tips to keep in mind when looking to install a new CCTV setup:
- When selecting a power supply unit that powers up several cameras from one source, pick a unit that has the fuseless design. This will greatly decrease the possibility of having fuses go out and cause your cameras to not function correctly.
- Keep in mind if you want to be able to view your DVR and cameras over the web but are installing the system yourself, look for a company that offers network support over the phone so you don’t have to be charged a substantial amount to have someone come out and set it up for you.
- Ask your sales rep if they have any installation tools – when you are working with items that are classified within the security industry, sometimes you may run across special items that require special tools to work on them; otherwise, you could damage or break a device or cable by using the wrong tools.
- When trying to focus your cameras to see the area or object you want to monitor, it may be helpful to have a device that allows you to view the actual image the camera is seeing. This device is called a portable monitor – ask your rep if they carry any devices like this, as it can make installation an ease and get the task done correctly and considerably faster.
Some Things to Consider When Comparing Analog Cameras
Filed under: Beginning CCTV, CCTV Articles, General Technology, Guides
Purchasing an analog camera can be intimidating, especially when there’s such a wide variety of features to consider. And the smallest difference in specs can sometimes make a huge difference for the end-user. Following are a few helpful pointers to keep in mind while researching what works best for you.
TVL: Check out the Resolution and TVL (TV Lines) on the camera. Basically, the higher the TVL, the higher the resolution and clearer the picture. The current highest resolution you can have on a analog camera is 700 TVL. You may also find them available in 600 or 540 TVL resolution. Some sensors, like many Sony Effio models, have extremely clear picture even at sub-600 TVL range.
Fixed / Varifocal: Is the Lens on the camera fixed or a varifocal (meaning the lens can be adjusted)? The data sheet may state that the camera has a 3.6mm lens; if this is so, then it has a fixed lens, and will only and always have a 3.6mm lens. But if the lens is a something like a 2.8- 12mm lens, then this has a variable lens from 2.8 up to 12mm, meaning you can set it anywhere within this range. Basically, the lower the “mm” number, the wider the view of angle will be, while the higher the number the closer the view appear to be (zoomed in).
IR: Some cameras come with IR technology, meaning they have night vision ability whether indoors or outdoors. The important thing to keep in mind is that different camera can have a different amount of IR lights installed, and can range in different sizes. The more powerful the IR, the further the camera can see at night. If you camera has a 150ft IR distance and you are placing the camera in a small 20x20ft room, the IR will be too strong and cause the image to have a glare. On the other hand, if you set a 50ft IR camera outside looking at a parking lot 300ft out, unfortunately you will not receive much of an image at all.
3 Simple & Money-Saving Points to Remember When Purchasing a CCTV System
Filed under: Beginning CCTV, CCTV Articles, General Technology, Guides, Security Camera System
Most businesses and individuals do not realize some key components that get overlooked when purchasing a new or replacement system. Small decisions could end up saving a new user up to thousands of dollars. Here are a few basic but important factors to always consider when setting up a new surveillance system:
1) When implementing a new system, look at the cable choices. All IP based cameras must be run via Cat5 or Cat6; this is standard. However, if you are considering using an analog camera, you can either run Cat5 or RG59 coax. Cat5 is generally less expensive, weighs less, and most importantly, if you decide to replace the new camera 5-10 years down the road with an IP camera, you will not have to restructure the cabling of your home or facility.
2) Keep in mind that when you purchase a DVR, they typically come in a variety of sizes depicted by channel or camera inputs, for example 4,8,16 and 32. If you will require 8 cameras for you business, and thus choose an 8-channel DVR, it’s important to realize that your ability to expand your system down the road will be limited due to the fact that you system is already at its full capacity. Think ahead – do you expect you business to grow? If so, expect your surveillance system to do the same at some point.
3) Power supplies have come a long way since the last system you may have had installed; never purchase a new system and keep older components to cut cost. In general, cable is ok in most cases to be used again, but definitely not power cable. Different cameras often run at slightly different power ratings, so you highly risk the chance of burning a camera up by using older power supplies. Older power sources output a specified amount no matter what the camera might need, so it will be feeding the same amount 24/7. The newer units are smarter, as they can regulate the amount of power that is distributed to one camera or twenty. A $50.00 purchase is much better than replacing a $500.00 camera.
Tips for Purchasing a Security Camera Power Supply
Filed under: CCTV Articles, Power Supply, Security Camera, Security Camera Packages, Security Camera System
Each camera you have that is associated with your surveillance system requires power to operate. Keep in mind that each individual camera can require a different amount to power it operate correctly. When looking over the specifications of a camera look at the section labeled Power Consumption, this tells you both the voltage required as well as how many milliamps that camera must have. I you have a camera that requires 12vlts and 350ma draw, you are required to have a 12vlt power supply that at least pushes out 350ma. 12vlt power supplies may come in a 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000ma outputs. Next item to keep in mind is if you have multiple cameras and would like to go with a power supply that can power multiple cameras at once make sure each channel can handle each camera you place on the unit. If you have a camera that is typically located more than 800-1000ft away from the DVR it is highly recommended that you consider a independent power source for that particular camera.
Another helpful tip is to look at your power supplies specifications and see if it is a regulated power supply. This gives the supply the ability if it outputs 500ma and your camera only needs 350ma that it regulates the milliamps being supplied to the camera so you don’t over power the camera causing it to overheat or cause other failures.
Access Gone IP
Filed under: Access Control, CCTV Articles, CCTV Camera, Security Camera, Security Camera Packages, Security Camera System, Security DVR
In the past, Access control was typically a very bulky system with lots of cables and dozens of components. Thanks to advances in technology access control has gone IP and system requirements have been reduced to only a few key components.
Similar to the surveillance marketplace with its NVR (Network Video Recorders), IP cameras, and POE devices, the access control industry is now sitting atop a mountain of possibilities. In the old days, a system consisted of a main server control panel that stored all the information needed to run the system completely. Unfortunately, this left the system exposed and if the system crashed or went down, no passage through any door was possible until repairs took place. Now access control panels have the ability to be tied into the network and all the information can be streamed across the networks infrastructure, so even if one component is to fail, the system as a whole can still function.
Access control systems can run several controllers with multiple door locations, thousands of access cards, and they consume very little network bandwidth. Unlike IP cameras, which send a constant stream of video through a network, access components only send bits of information when necessary. If you’re shopping for a new access control system be sure to consider IP access control. These systems are more user friendly than ever before and can save you a lot of money over time.
Selling IP Video
Filed under: CCTV Articles, CCTV Camera, Security Camera, Security Camera Packages, Security Camera System
Over the last several years IP based cameras and recorders have made their way to the forefront of the security industry. While Analog is still the mainstream choice for many customers, selling four-to-one over IP, there is no denying the impact that IP has made on industry manufactures, venders, resellers, and consumers.
When introducing this new technology to a customer there are several factors to consider. Some consumers may become hesitant when a side by side comparison is done between IP and Analog. This may be caused by the dramatic increase in price associated with IP as opposed to the economically friendly cost of Analog equipment. Consumers look for several things when they plan to purchase an item. For instance, when a consumer purchases a car they have several things to consider. Does it fit my needs? What about gas mileage? What about storage room, or engine size, or even how many cup holders it has? A family of seven certainly will not need a little red sports car.
When you know the consumer’s situation, finding the products that are right for their particular need becomes easier. IP video is often perceived as expensive, hard to integrate, and far too laborious. However, Analog is perceived as simple and relatively easy to operate. Educating your customer about the misconceptions of these two security camera types is important.
Consumers want to know the money spent on an IP video system is going to make its way back around to them, which is called ROI (return on investment). There are benefits that come with IP security cameras such as better quality, longer product life span, and generally they are less expensive to maintain. Think of yourself as a General Manager opening a new office building. Office buildings typically have large network layouts, which would require miles of cabling for power and video when using Analog cameras. However, in the same building an IP video system using IP security cameras can tap into the network almost anywhere in the office without the need for cables. As an alternative for powering IP cameras, Ethernet cables can be used for PoE enabled cameras. That can cut massive dollar amounts off the total equipment and labor costs, which is a huge benefit to your customer. IP isn’t for all consumers, but it is a viable solution that can be applied to many security situations.
The Marvels of Remote Monitoring
Filed under: CCTV Camera, Security Camera, Security Camera Packages, Security Camera System, Security DVR
Have you ever wanted to be in two places at once? That might seem impossible, but the ever changing world of security is turning dreams like this into reality. In the past, owners and security personnel had to spend time going into the office to change videotapes and using a box or shelf as archive system. These days no one has to rush into the office when a mishap occurs, hoping to stop a videotape before it begins to record over previous footage.
Today, we all live in a world of convenience. In fact, convenience is one of the most important considerations for security equipment manufacturers. They understand that huge benefits can be created for companies when the efficiency of monitoring and controlling security systems is increased.
Remote viewing is one of those conveniences rapidly becoming one of the largest consumer demands in the security industry market. Recent developments in remote viewing have taken an interesting turn by going mobile. From I-Phone to Blackberry, from I-Pad to Droid, all the hottest phones with all the coolest applications now have the ability to control your camera systems. Anyone can now log onto a phone’s web browser, view live streaming video, previously recorded video, and even control PTZ security cameras.
With all the power in the end-users hands, you must take the time secure your security. Whether it is hardwired or wireless making sure your data is safe is a must. One of the most important things to inform consumers of is that remote capabilities are only as good as the system providing the service. Remote viewing is a plus not a factor and this must be an important topic to bring to the discussion board with a possible client. Make sure your customers are aware of all the benefits and the risks.
HD vs Megapixel – What's the Difference?
Filed under: CCTV Articles, CCTV Camera, Comparisons, Security Camera, Security Camera Packages, Security Camera System
When a customer inquires about a high definition or megapixel security camera you must be able to define the difference and provide the best possible solutions for each application. What is HD? What are megapixels?
Let’s start with the basics. SD (standard definition) consists of 704 pixels with 480 lines of resolution and is the standard resolution that TVs have used until the introduction of HD or high definition. High definition displays consist of at least one million pixels. Note that I said at least one million pixels, meaning that a high definition image could contain more than a million pixels. HD images use an aspect ratio of 16:9.
Next we’ll discuss megapixels. A megapixel security camera is capable of producing an image with at least one million pixels or more. Most consumers would assume that HD and megapixel cameras are the same since they both use an identical number of pixels to produce an image. However, one main variable that sets the two apart would be the size of the image. While HD images use the 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, megapixel security cameras produce images in a 4:3 aspect ratio. One similarity with both types of cameras is that they use the same video compression, which is H.264.
Ultimately, knowing the differences and similarities of these types of cameras can make or break a sales pitch. Customers want to be well informed and expect you as the salesman to be knowledgeable.
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