What is a video surveillance system?
A video surveillance camera is a complete setup consisting of cameras, monitors, storage, etc. These cameras can be analog or digital and have various features like resolution, frame rate, colour type, etc. They can be installed inside or outside the building, apartment, or supermarket and are designed to record movement only when necessary. The cameras work 24 hours a day.
Surveillance cameras can be visible or hidden. Their main purpose is to prevent people from engaging in inappropriate behaviour. The video may also serve as evidence for subsequent review by law enforcement personnel. There are different models of surveillance cameras in the market. You can choose the camera based on your needs. For example, a digital video recorder (DVR) can be used for live monitoring station, remote access via an IP system, and recording images.
Surveillance cameras are often locked so that other parties cannot access the footage. This is because the camera can only be used by authorized users. If a specific person needs this access in an important case, then an administrator with appropriate credentials from the live stream operator may grant access to other people.
Surveillance cameras can be visible or hidden. Their main purpose is to prevent people from engaging in inappropriate behaviour. The video may also serve as evidence for subsequent review by law enforcement personnel. There are different models of surveillance cameras in the market. You can choose the camera based on your needs. For example, a digital video recorder (DVR) can be used for live monitoring station, remote access via an IP system, and recording images.
Surveillance cameras are often locked so that other parties cannot access the footage. This is because the camera can only be used by authorized users. If a specific person needs this access in an important case, then an administrator with appropriate credentials from the live stream operator may grant access to other people.
How does a video surveillance system work?
We must know how to build a surveillance system and its components to understand how video surveillance systems work. These devices can capture images or videos and process and store all the information collected.
Key Components of a Video Surveillance System |
Data Transmission and Storage |
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Video surveillance cameras are the central component of a video surveillance system since, without them, there would be no chance of getting live images that can be recorded. There are different types of cameras, and they can be fixed or mobile. They are usually remotely controlled, so it is possible to change direction and zoom. As expected, they don't all have the same image quality or capabilities like night vision or motion detection. Therefore, not all surveillance systems are equally effective. Consequently, it is important to evaluate the quality of the components before deciding to install one or the other.
Remote Monitoring and ControlFinally, in a system of these properties, we also find devices through which we can control its operation. In this case, we are talking about computers, tablets, or smartphones that can connect from anywhere—via the Internet—to manage property security better.
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Secondly, we must examine the transmission of the data collected by the cameras, which can work wirelessly or via cables, to the devices responsible for recording and monitoring. Once there, the data is stored on a hard drive or mass storage system for the time required by regulation.
Integration with Other Security SystemsIn addition, we must mention that a video surveillance system usually works with other alarm or access control systems, to give just a few examples. It can (and in most cases should) be part of a complete security strategy, where security tends to be holistic.
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Components of a Video Surveillance System
Surveillance camera
Cameras are one of the most important components of a CCTV system. These can be of various types, such as:
Each is adapted to specific conditions and needs. Regardless of the model, its purpose is to capture images of the environment that require observation.
- the dome
- infrared
- wireless
- PTZ (Pan, Tilt and Zoom)
Each is adapted to specific conditions and needs. Regardless of the model, its purpose is to capture images of the environment that require observation.
Digital Video Recorder (DVR) or Network Recorder (NVR)
After capturing images, it is essential to save them for later review. This is where the digital video recorder (DVR) or network video recorder (NVR) takes centre stage. DVRs are used with analog cameras and convert the signal into digital information, while NVRs are used for IP cameras and already receive a digitized signal.
Display monitor
Once the images are captured and saved, the monitor must view them. These devices are a component of a CCTV system that allows us to monitor what is happening in the area covered by our cameras in real-time and review previous recordings.
Monitor selection will depend on each user's needs and can range from simple screens to more complex configurations with multiple views.
Monitor selection will depend on each user's needs and can range from simple screens to more complex configurations with multiple views.
Wiring and connections
Cable infrastructure is another component of a CCTV system. It transmits signals from the camera to the DVR or NVR and from there to the monitor. The choice between using a coaxial cable, twisted pair, or even a wireless system will depend on the site structure and the characteristics of each component of the system.
Components of a CCTV System: Power Supply
All the above components require a constant and reliable electrical supply. Power sources may vary. Some cameras may be powered by POE (Power over Ethernet), while others may need their local power supply.
Ensuring an uninterrupted power supply is critical for the continuity of surveillance.
The proper implementation of each element ensures effective surveillance operations and greater security.
If you are considering installing or upgrading your closed-loop system, I invite you to contact EAS Systems. We will design personalized CCTV solutions that allow you to maintain security in your business or home.
Ensuring an uninterrupted power supply is critical for the continuity of surveillance.
The proper implementation of each element ensures effective surveillance operations and greater security.
If you are considering installing or upgrading your closed-loop system, I invite you to contact EAS Systems. We will design personalized CCTV solutions that allow you to maintain security in your business or home.
Types of Security Cameras
WiFi security cameraWiFi security cameras are ideal for a simple, quiet aesthetic and cable-free installation. These cameras connect to your home's wireless network, allowing 24/7 monitoring from any device with Internet access.
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Home security camerasHome security cameras are designed specifically for residential environments and their needs. Some may offer a broader range of features, such as night vision, motion detection, and instant notifications.
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Wireless Security CameraLike WiFi cameras, wireless security cameras eliminate the need for cables, making them easy to install anywhere in your home or business.
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Outdoor security camerasThese outdoor security cameras are designed to withstand harsh weather, making them perfect for monitoring your property and remaining reliable.
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Security camera with audio
These security cameras can capture audio and video, providing an additional layer of security.
Companies have specific security needs, so choosing a video surveillance system that meets their needs is important. Some features can be considered:
High-Resolution Camera: To obtain clear images that allow identification of individuals.
Night Vision: For video recording in total darkness and low light.
Motion Detection: This activates recording only when motion is detected in the monitored area.
Remote Access: To be able to view images from anywhere.
Companies have specific security needs, so choosing a video surveillance system that meets their needs is important. Some features can be considered:
High-Resolution Camera: To obtain clear images that allow identification of individuals.
Night Vision: For video recording in total darkness and low light.
Motion Detection: This activates recording only when motion is detected in the monitored area.
Remote Access: To be able to view images from anywhere.
How to Install a Video Surveillance System
What's happening at home is always at your fingertips. Computers, tablets, and smartphones can be connected to remote surveillance devices so you can be sure that your home is safe. You just need to install and connect the cameras to the circuit quickly.
Decide where to install the video surveillance system.
1.1. It is very important to know the number of cameras you need and the distance to the control recorder. As a rough estimate, you will need a device with two cameras for an average home. Another one is if your home has a garage. In this case, you must consider the distance to the recorder because you must have a cable with a suitable meter: camera with night vision, recorder with a hard drive, and connection of an external drive; mouse and remote control; 21 m connection cable with recording camera and main power cable with an adapter for connecting up to four cameras. The set is completed by a TV monitor with a VGA or HDMI connection, an Internet connection router, and an anchoring system for cameras and channels to hide cables.
A surveillance system of these characteristics requires a minimum of 400 kB to function correctly unless your home has fibre optics.
1.2. You should know that using surveillance cameras is subject to strict regulations. Recording for surveillance in public places or other property is not permitted and is governed by specific laws. Therefore, you must be careful where the recording camera is installed. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations or ask for information on how to do this.
A surveillance system of these characteristics requires a minimum of 400 kB to function correctly unless your home has fibre optics.
1.2. You should know that using surveillance cameras is subject to strict regulations. Recording for surveillance in public places or other property is not permitted and is governed by specific laws. Therefore, you must be careful where the recording camera is installed. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations or ask for information on how to do this.
Keep the camera
2.1. Mark where you will fix the holes to hold each camera. The most appropriate place is the high part of the wall or on the ceiling, where you are most interested, where you keep valuables and access points to the house, and in the garage.
2.2. Drill the holes, place the plugs and screw the camera base.
2.3. Place the cameras exactly where you want to monitor them. After placing them in position, tighten the thread on the base to fix them.
2.4. Place the channels from the camera to the recorder or device control area. Use self-adhesive channels of suitable width for the two wires. If you want to hide, take advantage of joints between walls and ceilings and draw vertical lines that can be hidden behind furniture or shelves and along baseboards. You need to consider the size of the wires so that they reach the position under your control. You can draw them.
2.5. Splice the cables connecting the camera to the recorder. Connect them to the cable terminals of each recorder: one for power and one for video. Hide inside.
2.2. Drill the holes, place the plugs and screw the camera base.
2.3. Place the cameras exactly where you want to monitor them. After placing them in position, tighten the thread on the base to fix them.
2.4. Place the channels from the camera to the recorder or device control area. Use self-adhesive channels of suitable width for the two wires. If you want to hide, take advantage of joints between walls and ceilings and draw vertical lines that can be hidden behind furniture or shelves and along baseboards. You need to consider the size of the wires so that they reach the position under your control. You can draw them.
2.5. Splice the cables connecting the camera to the recorder. Connect them to the cable terminals of each recorder: one for power and one for video. Hide inside.
Connect the recorder
3.1. Before making any connections, read the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Follow the steps in the manual so you don't make mistakes on the joints, and everything works perfectly the first time. Connect the power input, DVR cable and power cable transformer.
3.2. Plug the plug into a mains socket or multiple socket strip next to your control area.
3.3. Next, connect the power cable connections to the camera
3.4. Insert the video cable plugs for each camera into the recorder terminals and turn the metal thread clockwise to secure them.
3.5. connect the TV monitor with an HDMI cable to the corresponding output.
3.6. Plug the mouse via a USB connection to control the system.
3.7. connect the router with its corresponding cable to the LAN location.
3.8. To connect an IP camera with PTZ technology and additional surveillance functions, such as tracking, sound detector, and temperature change, you just need to connect the camera's terminal cables.
3.9. connect any external device, such as an external disk or pen drive, to the recorder's second USB port to copy recorded images.
3.2. Plug the plug into a mains socket or multiple socket strip next to your control area.
3.3. Next, connect the power cable connections to the camera
3.4. Insert the video cable plugs for each camera into the recorder terminals and turn the metal thread clockwise to secure them.
3.5. connect the TV monitor with an HDMI cable to the corresponding output.
3.6. Plug the mouse via a USB connection to control the system.
3.7. connect the router with its corresponding cable to the LAN location.
3.8. To connect an IP camera with PTZ technology and additional surveillance functions, such as tracking, sound detector, and temperature change, you just need to connect the camera's terminal cables.
3.9. connect any external device, such as an external disk or pen drive, to the recorder's second USB port to copy recorded images.
Configure the system
4.1. To do this, follow the manufacturer's instructions. You can access simple drop-down menus from the main menu to guide you through the installation. You can enter a password, adjust the date and time or set network access mode parameters. It is possible that, through the manufacturer's specific website, you need to register the product with a particular user ID and its corresponding password to access recorded live images from any computer, tablet or smartphone, or there may be a specific app for this—system management. You should have no difficulty following the steps indicated in the Configuration Monitor menu.
4.2. Control the recording quality. In the system control parameters, you can choose different ways for the cameras to record: continuous recording or only when someone enters a room, for example, or when the video is lost because someone tried to sabotage the system. You can also select high- or low-quality images and live or delayed recording. You can also choose in the menu to record at specific times, during holidays, particular days of the week, or weekends.
4.3. Program an additional alarm if you want to mark an area of the image that acts as a presence detection line so that an alarm goes off if someone crosses that area. This same functionality is used to create privacy areas where cameras cannot record, such as areas of other property.
4.2. Control the recording quality. In the system control parameters, you can choose different ways for the cameras to record: continuous recording or only when someone enters a room, for example, or when the video is lost because someone tried to sabotage the system. You can also select high- or low-quality images and live or delayed recording. You can also choose in the menu to record at specific times, during holidays, particular days of the week, or weekends.
4.3. Program an additional alarm if you want to mark an area of the image that acts as a presence detection line so that an alarm goes off if someone crosses that area. This same functionality is used to create privacy areas where cameras cannot record, such as areas of other property.
Surveillance camera maintenance
Maintenance includes routine and upkeep tasks to ensure all video surveillance devices work optimally. This includes operations ranging from equipment inspection to control of registration systems and camera cleaning.
Regular inspectionIf taken care of, anything can be used without disturbance for a long time. So, regularly inspect your surveillance cameras. This way, you can solve any problem immediately, and it will not compromise your security.
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Regular cleaningAnother important step is regular cleaning of all chambers. Surveillance cameras are often exposed to dust and other dirt, which affects their image quality. If you clean your surveillance camera daily, it will provide sharp and clear images in any situation.
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Checking connections and cablesIn addition to inspection and cleaning, the cameras' connections and cables must be checked. Sometimes, cables are damaged or loose, which can cause connection problems and signal loss, so we have to be careful about this.
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Recording system controlCheck the camera recording system occasionally. Check for drive and software errors. Because they may affect your recorded footage, backup your data regularly to avoid this problem.
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How much does it cost to install a video surveillance system?
Several factors must be considered to answer this question. Undoubtedly, the most important one is the variety of cameras that can be installed. These days, there are many different types of surveillance cameras on the market, and prices can vary significantly from one to another.
The cost of installing a video surveillance system
| Number of Cameras 4 Cameras 8 Cameras 16 Cameras | Basic System Price $400 - $800 $800 - $1,500 $1,500 - $3,000 | Mid-Range System Price $800 - $1,500 $1,500 - $2,500 $3,000 - $5,000 | High-End System Price $1,500 - $3,000 $2,500 - $5,000 $5,000 - $10,000 |
The table contains a series of approximate prices. They are calculated based on what it would cost to buy the security cameras separately, so they are purely indicative data.
You can get a personalized quote for installing a surveillance camera. Below, we offer a summary of the different types of security solution cameras.