Surveillance Equipment

Surveillance equipment is used in homes and businesses to prevent crimes, monitor threats and provide a sense of security. Many businesses use surveillance to keep an eye on suspicious behavior and productivity issues in the workplace. For home use, surveillance is useful as part of a home security system. When selecting surveillance equipment, there are a wide variety of options to choose from.

Cameras are one of the most important pieces of surveillance equipment. There are various types including hidden, wireless, and wired. Hidden units are popular because they can record without being noticed. While wired cameras are more suitable for permanent setup, the wireless type can be moved with ease from place to place and are very easy to install. Modern video equipment has advanced features such as internet connection, email notification, audio capabilities and built-in web servers. Using these devices, users can conveniently view video footage across the internet.

A CCTV, or closed circuit television, is a device used to monitor surroundings through the use of video equipment. A CCTV network, which may be wired or wireless, generally consists of a camera, recording unit and a monitor. A video is sent to closed circuit television monitors where it can be viewed by security staff or a homeowner. This video network is restricted and can only be accessed by certain people. Advances in technology have made closed circuit television inexpensive and easy to use.

PVR recorders, or personal video recorders, refer to a device that digitally records video. It is commonly used where extended periods of surveillance are necessary. PVR recorders save information from the CCTV so that it can be viewed later. These are essential for video surveillance and have replaced time-lapse VCRs. Many of theses devices also have advanced options such as motion-detection.

Spy cams can be placed almost anywhere and may come in the shape of ordinary objects. Some spy cams are referred to as nanny cams and are used to observe caregivers. These units may have recording capabilities or may be connected to a recording device.

Infra red and night visions cameras have the ability to see in darkness. Any area around a home or business that has low light can attract crime, so these are excellent for around the clock surveillance. Infra red is beneficial because the average surveillance video equipment can not detect images in the dark. These devices utilize an infra red lighting instead of normal light to produce clear images in complete darkness. As for night visions cameras, they work by amplifying existing light sources. Both types of cameras are used with closed circuit television systems.