QUICK GUIDE TO CCTV SYSTEMS

May 1, 2008

QUICK GUIDE TO CCTV SYSTEMS

CCTV System Design Basics
CCTV Camera Styles: Bullet Cameras
Cylinder style Fixed lens size normally Normally sealed units Indoor or outdoor use (check weather rating) Some have IR LEDs for night vision

Find Out What the Application Requires The best way to specify the equipment that will be needed for any application, is to visit the site and determine the following: 1. How many cameras are needed? Generally, the size of the area to be covered determines how many cameras are needed. A typical small convenience store will usually need 4 cameras for basic coverage of key areas. For example, camera locations would include entrances, cash registers, safes or any areas not easily observed. Key areas are usually easily identified. Providing total video coverage of all areas may require a larger system. 2. What kind of cameras should be selected? a. Black & White (B/W) or Color? Since cost is no longer a significant factor, color is almost always chosen for all applications. B/W cameras are usually only chosen for very low light or high resolution applications. DVRs allow for Color& B/W cameras to be installed in the same system. b. Color or Day/Night cameras? (D/N) Where light levels change drastically, a D/N camera is the proper solution. D/N cameras automatically change from Color to B/W when light levels drop below a certain level. If light levels are extremely low or non-existent, a D/N camera will not solve the problem. In this situation there are three options: install additional lighting, infrared illuminators or cameras with built-in infrared illuminators. c. Resolution? (high or low) Advances in imaging technology has lowered the cost of high resolution cameras and increased their performance dramatically. Always choose high resolution cameras whenever possible. d. Wide Dynamic Range? To clearly capture images which are surrounded by strong backlight such as doorways etc. (see glossary)

Standard Box Cameras

More video enhancement features Indoor use Outdoor use only with environment housing Lens is separate from camera Greater flexibility with varifocal lens

Dome Cameras
Indoor and outdoor models Low cost fixed lens models for indoor applications Armored (vandal-resistant) models available Vari-focal lens models are available for greater flexibility

PTZ (PanTilt-Zoom Cameras

Indoor and outdoor models Permits a wide area coverage Remote control of camera Can be programmed to follow a preset tour Ability to zoom in to target

QUICK GUIDE TO CCTV SYSTEMS

CCTV System Design Basics contd.
3. What kind of lens should be chosen? There are two types of lenses: fixed and vari-focal. Vari-focal lenses can be manually adjusted to achieve a desired viewing angle, whereas fixed lenses have a set viewing angle. Smaller cameras such as mini domes and bullet style models have a fixed lens and a fixed iris and are suitable for general viewing in constant light conditions. These cameras are economical and are widely used in stores and restaurants. For applications requiring more specific viewing angles it is best to choose a vari-focal lens either integrated in a dome style camera or purchased separately to mount on a standard box camera. All varifocal lenses available today have an auto-iris function and are therefore suitable for use outdoors or anywhere light levels fluctuate throughout the day.

DISTANCE FROM CAMERA 1/3 CCD FIELD OF VIEW CHART Lens Size 2.9mm 4.3mm 6.0mm 8.0mm 12.0 mm 16.0 mm Angle (H) 10 63 42 32 22 16 Angle (V) 63 47 32 24 16 12 H 12.3' 6.1' 3.8' 2.9' 1.9' 1.4' 5' V 9.6' 4.6' 2.9' 2.2' 1.5' 1.1' H 24.6' 12.2' 7.6' 5.8' 3.8' 2.8' 10' V 19.2' 9.2' 5.8' 4.4' 3.0' 2.2' H 61.5' 30.5' 19.0' 14.5' 9.5' 7.0' 25' V 48.0' 23.0' 14.5' 11.0' 7.5' 5.5' H 246.0' 122.0' 76.0' 58.0' 38.0' 28.0' 100' V 192.0' 192.0' 58.0' 44.0' 30.0' 22.0'

4. Is recording required? In virtually all security applications the client needs video footage to review after an incident has occurred. Todays digital video recorders (DVRs) are most often LINUX based and are available in 4, 8 or 16 camera configurations and larger. Real time recording should be seriously considered since this type of system will provide the maximum data for the client. Real time recording is the maximum amount of data that can be recorded and is identified as 30 frames per second (fps) for each channel or camera. Real time recording frame rates for 4, 8 and 16 channel are therefore 120 fps, 240 fps and 480 fps respectively. Slower frame rates are available and are quite useful for some applications. The DVR will also require a normal VGA computer control monitor. The DVR must have a CDRW, DVD burner, or a USB Port that supports flash memory to transfer images when needed. 5. Is a public viewing monitor needed? The primary purpose of the public viewing monitor is to make people aware of the video surveillance system and thereby serve as a deterrent. They are usually installed in prominent locations in stores, banks and similar locations. They are special LCD monitors that accept an analog signal (rather than digital) and have BNC input and output connectors. They are much lighter and easier to install than traditional CCTV monitors and have the looping feature enabling the installation of multiple monitors.

QUICK GUIDE TO CCTV SYSTEMS

CCTV System Design Basics contd.

5. What kind of power? CCTV cameras are either 24V AC or 12V DC (some are both) and will therefore require either AC or DC power. Individual plug-in adaptors can be utilized, but it is strongly recommended that a common power supply with multiple fused outputs be installed. If you have a choice 24VDC is recommended. 6. What kind of video cables and connectors are needed? Video systems use standard RG59/U coaxial cable-95% copper shield. For longer runs (ie:750 feet or more), heavier gauge RG6/U 95% copper shield cable is needed to ensure signal strength. Siamese cable, which is a combined RG59U & LVT can also be used, (see glossary). Runs over 1,500 feet may require a video amplifier, which will increase the transmission of the video signal by a factor of 3. Video connectors for co-axial cable must be BNC type, of which there are several styles. It is recommended that compression or crimp- on styles be used. ( BNC twist-on should not be used as they very seldom make a perfect connection). Avoid any video equipment that does not have BNC connectors. Improper installation of connectors is the most common cause of system failure. A proper co-ax cable stripper and crimping tool should be used when installing connectors. Power cable should be standard 2 conductor 18 gauge LVT. Dome and bullet style cameras are fitted with a 2.1mm DC power jack lead for use with a standard plug in adaptor. Do not cut this lead to hard wire the camera. Instead, use a flying lead, which has a 2.1mm plug on one end and two crimp ready connectors on the other, for crimping to the 18/2 LVT. CAT5 cable can be utilized instead of co-ax and LVT. This may be a more desirable option. It is possibly a more cost effective cabling solution (the cost of the baluns must be considered) See article: Video, Power & Control www.muxlab.com

Common Power Supplies A common CCTV power supply provides multiple fused power outputs for CCTV systems. They are available in either 24 V AC or12 V DC configurations and accommodate 4, 8,16 or 32 cameras. They are available in several amperage outputs to accommodate the draw required by all cameras and housings etc. in the system. Since variations in current will adversely affect video, the best camera performance is more easily achieved with a common power supply. Cameras can be damaged by sudden power surges and will be protected with a fused common power supply. Home-running cameras to a common regulated power source makes system set-up and trouble shooting much simpler. The CCTV system can be further secured by installing a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Source) device between the main power supply and the system. In the event of a power failure, the UPS will keep the system running for a period of time (the length of time varies by model). Power failures can make businesses easy targets for criminals. Including a UPS and will keep the system running when its most needed. For further details refer to www.stealthlabs.com

Camera Draws 24 VAC/18-2 12 VDC/18-2

150 Ma 1,200 600

300 Ma 600 300

450 Ma 400 200

1 Amp 180 90

QUICK GUIDE TO CCTV SYSTEMS

Four camera system (4 channels): APPLICATIONS:
Convenience Stores Gas Stations Restaurants/Drive Throughs Small Office/Warehouse Car Wash Typical Convenience Store Application Small Retail

SYMBOLS LEGEND:
DVR & Control Monitor Public Viewing Monitor Bullet Camera (Cylinder Style) Standard (Box) Camera Mini Dome Camera Armor Dome Camera

Description For small applications, a basic 4 camera CCTV system should provide adequate coverage. Cameras should be selected based on the desired area to be viewed. (See Camera Selection page 2 for more information.) The 4 channel DVR and control monitor are located in a secure location, usually a locked office or electrical room. The public view monitor should be installed in a prominent location where it can be easily seen by customers and employees. DVRs provide a variety of outputs including; BNC ( public view monitor), and VGA for back-office video monitoring. When designing a surveillance system, always consider future camera growth. For example, a four camera system should be matched with an 8 Channel DVR . For systems of 4 cameras or more, a dedicated CCTV power supply should be installed. (See Common Power Supplies for more information.)

Pan, Tilt, Zoom (PTZ) Camera

Wireless Camera

Infrared Illuminator Quad Splitter

QUICK GUIDE TO CCTV SYSTEMS

Eight camera system (8 channels): APPLICATIONS:
Convenience Stores Gas Stations Typical Small Office/Warehouse Application Small Restaurants Multi-Unit Residential Gravel/Aggregate Pits Drive-through Small Office/Warehouse Car Wash Small Retail Small Banks Automobile Dealerships

Description An 8 camera system may be suitable for both small applications where increased coverage is needed and slightly larger locations that need only basic surveillance. For gas stations with a convenience store, the 8 camera system is the logical choice allowing for 4 cameras in the store and 4 cameras mounted on the pump canopy. Always be aware of future expansion possibilities. In the above application diagram, the small office/warehouse has an all weather vandal dome camera above the rear entrance and a PTZ camera providing side and front building coverage. PTZ control can be achieved with a separate controller or the DVR. If lighting is poor, then installation of additional lighting or infrared illuminators may be required. The 8 channel DVR and control monitor are located in the office or electrical room. A public view monitor is optional for this type of application, but if needed, would be installed in the most prominent location. Cameras are connected to the DVR using RG59/U video cable or CAT5 cable using video baluns. The DVR provides a spot monitor output (BNC} for connecting the public viewing monitor. For systems of 4 cameras or more, it is recommended that a dedicated Common Power Supply be installed. (See Common Power Supplies for more information.)

QUICK GUIDE TO CCTV SYSTEMS

Sixteen camera system (16 channels): APPLICATIONS:
Lumber Mills Manufacturing Plants Petrochemical Plants Typical Large Retail/Lumber Yard Application Parking Lot Big Box Retail Stores Warehouse/Distribution Port Facilities Airports Office Buildings Condominium Complexes Recreation Complexes Large Restaurants Mines & Smelters Banks

Description Large applications normally require at least 16 cameras. Such systems often combine a series of indoor and outdoor fixed cameras with several PTZ units for coverage of large outdoor areas. It is not unusual for large systems to require other specialty equipment such as infra red illuminators or wireless camera links. If more than 16 cameras are required, it is best to install a second DVR (4,8 or 16 Channels) In the above application, lighting was a major consideration for outdoor cameras so infrared illuminators were installed. Because there is a rail track between the camera and main building, a wireless video system was chosen as an alternative to trenching under the rail track. The 16 channel DVR and control monitor are located in the central monitoring location or security office. Cameras are connected to the DVR using RG59/U video cable (or CAT5 cable using video baluns). The DVR provides a monitor output for connecting the public viewing monitor. For systems larger than 4 cameras, a dedicated Common Power Supply for the cameras is a necessity. This is particularly true in large plants which may be supplied with multi-phase power. Be sure to note total power requirements for all cameras before selecting the power supply. (See Common Power Supplies for more information.)

QUICK GUIDE TO CCTV SYSTEMS

Special CCTV Applications:
Single Camera Wireless Solution (No recording) Quad Splitter with DVR for Public Viewing of selected cameras only

Wireless Camera transmits video signal to receiver unit connected to viewing monitor.

Wireless Receiver

All cameras connect to DVR. Selected cameras are connected to quad via looping DVR outputs. Quad outputs four camera display to one or more public viewing monitors.

Multiple Camera Wireless Link combined with hardwired system

PTZ Installation with Manual Controller and DVR Recording

Allows remote site to be connected to main CCTV system via wireless link. Wireless receiver outputs are connected to DVR. Keyboard controller (1 link per camera)

Allows PTZ to be operator controlled independently from the DVR. All PTZ video is still recorded at DVR.

QUICK GUIDE TO CCTV SYSTEMS

Basic CCTV Terminology:
AC adaptor Also called a power supply, plugs in to a standard wall outlet to provide 12 volt DC or 24 volt AC power for cameras and other low voltage devices. Alarm input An input connection to a DVR that triggers the unit to start recording. Analog There are two main methods to transmit video; analog or digital. Most cameras used in CCTV applications are analog. CRT monitors switchers, multiplexers and quads also are analog devices. Aperture (iris) A device in a lens which controls the amount of light to be let into the camera. The size of the aperture is controlled by manually adjusting the iris. By increasing the f stop number (f1.4, f1.8, f2.8, etc.) less light is permitted to pass into the camera. ( see AUTO IRIS) Audio Most DVRs support audio and can be configured with microphones. Electronic shutter The ability of the camera to compensate for moderate light changes in indoor applications without the use of auto iris lenses Auto Iris Auto Iris Lenses adjust for changing light conditions. If the amount of light increases, the lens will electronically reduce the aperture size so the picture remains clear. Required for all outdoor applications. Balun A device that is installed on both ends of Cat 5e cable that allows for the transmission of cable CCD Stands for "charge-coupled device and is the image capture device in CCTV cameras. The size of the CCD chip is normally 1/4 or 1/3". Coaxial Cable Cc-axial cable is used to transmit video signals for CCTV systems, A video signal can be transmitted reliably up to750 ft on RG59U Cable and up to1500 ft on RG6U cable, assuming the only connections are at the camera and DVR. Always use 95% copper shielded cable. Compression Compression techniques are used in Digital CCTV to reduce the file sizes of recorded video images which conserves hard drive space and allows for efficient remote transmission of images. Typical compression formats used for video include MPEG-4 & H.264. Covert Cameras Cameras that are concealed within special housings such as smoke detectors or otherwise hidden from view. Day Night Camera A "Day/Night Camera has a very sensitive CCD chip that enables images to be captured in very low ambient lighting (regular lighting - not infrared). Digital Video Recorder [DVR] A digital video recorder is basically a computer that converts the incoming camera (analog) signal to digital, compresses it, and stores it on a hard drive. The DVR replaces the function of a multiplexer and a security VCR. DVRs offer many features that were previously unavailable with analog only systems. Dome Camera A type of camera with dome cover. They may have fixed or vari-focal lenses. Some come with infrared lighting and some are designed to be tamper-proof (also referred to as vandal-resistant). Armor dome cameras are designed to resist vandalism by using a hi-impact reinforced polycarbonate dome casing. Field Of View The view ( width & height) that the lens captures and displays. See lens chart. Frame Rate (Frames Per Second) (FPS) Digital recorders are often specified by their total frame rate, i.e. the maximum numbers of frames the unit can record in one second over all channels. Real time recording for 1 camera is 30 FPS. Therefore a 16 channel real time DVR would be capable of recording 480 FPS. DVRs are available with lower frame rates. Infrared (IR) illumination Infrared cameras or dedicated infrared illuminators use special infrared LEDs to project IR light, which enables an IR sensitive camera to capture good quality video, in extreme low light conditions. IP Rating Ingress Protection Scale - 2 numbers indicating the protection level provided by an outside enclosure against water - e.g. IP66 protected against strong jets of water, IP67 protected from immersion to 1m. Fixed Lens Means that the field of view is not adjustable. It is fixed at a specific angle so you can view wide, standard or telephoto images. The focus of the captured image is achieved manually. There are many different lens sizes to choose from. (see vari-focal lens) Looping Term referring to the passing of a video signal through one or more devices. The most common instance is the looping of a video signal through several CCTV monitors for multiple displays of the same camera array.

QUICK GUIDE TO CCTV SYSTEMS

Basic CCTV Terminology (continued):
LUX Used to specify how sensitive cameras are to light (measured in lumens/sq meter). e.g. a camera with a LUX Level of 0 can see in pitch black. The lower the LUX Level the better the camera will see in the dark. Monitor Security monitors are used to display images from cameras (or captured on your recording device). There are two basic kinds used in CCTV applications. Analog or composite video monitors are used to display images in analog systems. LCD monitors with analog and VGA inputs are now available for use as public viewing or spot monitors or as DVR control monitors. Monochrome The technical term for black & white images. Motion detection Refers to the feature standard in most digital recorders where video is only recorded when there is a pixel change (i.e: something in the image moves or changes). This feature conserves hard drive space and saves time when searching through recorded data. The sensitivity can be adjusted to eliminate minor changes from being recorded. NEMA rating eg. Nema 4 enclosures intended to provide protection from windblown dust and rain, splashing water, hose directed water and formation of ice on the enclosure. Outdoor housing A weatherproof enclosure, equipped with a fan and heater to protect a standard camera usually in an outdoor environment. Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera PTZ cameras allow you to adjust their position ('pan' is sideto-side, 'tilt' is up-and-down and zoom is field of view) .They are controlled by a separate control unit or from a DVR. Due to this added functionality, these cameras tend to cost more than non-PTZ cameras Quad Splitter An analog device used to display 4 cameras simultaneously on a single monitor. Some are available with looping outputs for system flexibility. Remote Client Software Software that is supplied with the DVR to enable monitoring at an off premises location. Remote surveillance The ability to view cameras from a remote location. Information is transmitted from the DVR by the internet. Resolution Refers to how much detail can be captured on a camera then displayed on a monitor. Medium resolution cameras typically capture about 380 horizontal lines of resolution. High resolution cameras can capture 500 lines of resolution or more. The higher the resolution, the more detail in a picture. Siamese cable A cable that combines LVT power and video cable. Use this type of cable when you are using a common power supply. Check the draw required for each camera as the video distance may exceed the power capabilities. Vari- focal lens A camera lens in which the field of view and focus is not fixed, they are manually adjusted at time of installation. Video input A connector (usually a BNC style) at a PTZ controller, monitor, quad splitter, multiplexer or recording device that you can plug in a video cable. Weatherproof A device that is weatherproof can be installed outside and stand up to limited weather conditions and temperatures. However, it does not mean that it is waterproof. (see IP RATING) Wireless camera Wireless cameras allow the transmission of video to a receiver without having to run video cable. Power is needed at both the camera and receiver locations. Wide Dynamic Range A WDR security camera (Wide Dynamic Range) is used for capturing clear images of objects surrounded by a strong back light, while still keeping the background visible. The Dynamic Range is the difference between the maximum acceptable signal level and the minimum acceptable signal level. Therefore a WDR camera is capable of processing signals that vary over a wide range. Zoom Lens The image can be 'zoomed' in or out while the view of the camera remains in focus. Seldom used in CCTV systems other than in a PTZ camera. Not to be confused with a vari-focal lens.

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QUICK GUIDE TO CCTV SYSTEMS

OptiGuard Part Numbers by Equipment Type
Digital Video Recorders DVRE-12004RT-250 DVRE-24008RT-250 DVRE-48016RT-500 Monitors LCDI-040 LCDI-05.6 LCDI-070 LCDI-010 LCDI-015 Indoor Dome Cameras CC-32DN Wireless Transmitters & Receivers RT-WAVE TCO-5808Q4 Vandal Dome Cameras Infrared Illuminators CSI Series VD-540NDV CC-2449VF3 CC-2457VF3 LCDI-017 LCDI-019 LCDI-021 LCDI-023 Standard (Box) Cameras CB-05 CC-06H CC-12DNH CC-14WDR Bullet Style Cameras CB-01 Series CC-02 Series

Pan, Tilt, Zoom Cameras Specialized CCTV Housings EXHC-EXHD EXPTC NXW Wireless Cameras Quad Splitters QS-C-02 ZX-480SR40 ZX-520SR40 WPT-48022 WPT-48023EX WPT-48036EXD

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QUICK GUIDE TO CCTV SYSTEMS

Contact OptiGuard:
Canadian Office: OPTIGUARD SECURITY SYSTEMS INC 109 - 2799 Gilmore Avenue Burnaby, BC, Canada V5C 6S5 Toll Free: 1-888-FOR-CCTV (1-888-367-2288) Tel: 1-604-682-2265 Fax: 1-604-682-3565 info@optiguardsys.com

CCTV Training Sources and Literature:

Canada: ~ CANASA www.canasa.org United States:

Online: www.optiguardsys.com

~ LTC Training Center www.ltctrainingcntr.com

About OptiGuard Security Systems Inc

Established in 1973, Vancouver based OptiGuard Security Systems specializes in providing the latest in closed circuit television equipment to wholesale clients worldwide. Our integrated analog, digital and web based video security solutions. As well as manufacturing several specialized CCTV cameras, OptiGuard distributes a broad range of CCTV and video surveillance products. Put our combined 50 years of CCTV experience to work for you.

~The Security Industry Association www.siaonline.org ~STAM Multimedia www.stamweb.com ~ASIS International www.asisonline.org ~New York Burglar and Fire Association www.nybfa.org ~National burglar and Fire Alarm Association www.alarm.org

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