This document provides guidance on choosing CCTV systems. It discusses different types of cameras such as bullet cameras, their resolutions and suitability for indoor vs outdoor use. It also covers lighting levels needed for cameras to function properly and types of recording devices from VCRs to DVRs. Multiplexers allow simultaneous recording from multiple cameras on one tape but not in real time like a switcher. Factors to consider when choosing a DVR include number of channels, resolution, frame rates, and display options.

1. CCTV GUIDE
Guide to CCTV – Introduction
There are a vast range of CCTV products and prices to choose from in the marketplace but little information to help
discriminate betw een them. Here are some examples.
A camera described as good in low -level light w ill often not produce images at night unless there is additional lighting. There
may be no explanation or qualification of the term low -level light.
Wireless cameras can be fitted in minutes as there are no cables to run back to your TV or monitor. How ev er, the cameras
still require a pow er source and w hile battery pow er is convenient the consumption is great giving a w orking time of less
than 24 hours (as low as 2 on some products tested).
Wireless connectivity is nevertheless very useful for some applications as described later.
There are plenty of professional CCTV installers w ho w illgive you a site survey and recommend appropriate products but,
of course, you pay for this service. Modern technology has now made CCTV products much more affordable and they can
be very easy to fit for the average DIY person. This guide w ill help you choose the correct products and show some simple
methods of fitting complete systems to domestic and commercial properties. DIY CCTV Systems can easily be fitted by
people w ith moderate DIY skills.
Cameras
The traditional CCTV camera has a very industrial style and, therefore, many people w ould not find this suitable for fitting to
their homes or shops.
This traditional style is actually a housing that is designed to keep the camera dry and w ithin the recommended operating
temperature. Thermostatic heating elements w ithin the casing also reduce condensation and misting.
These types of top-end cameras are usually specified w ithout a lens, this being chosen to give the required focal length and
field of view . Motorised pan and zoom lenses allow an observer to follow or move in closer to the person or object in view .
We can supply these types of cameras to those of you w ho do not find the price prohibitive.
Fortunately, for those of us w ith more dow n-to-earth budgets modern technologies now allow the production of cameras
w ith excellent performance. There are tw o common types of CCTV cameras, CMOS and CCD (see glossary of terms).
CMOS based cameras are generally cheaper but do not produce as clear or sharp images as CCD cameras. There is little
point installing a CCTV camera if it is incapable of allow ing you to easily identify w ho or w hat is being captured and
recorded. CCD cameras provide pin-point clarity and should be specified w herever possible.
The KT&C, Everfocus and Concept camera range, in general use the Sony CCD chipset. Bew are of competing products
that do not state w hose chipset is used.
Integrated cameras and lenses often referred to as "bullet cameras" are sealed to prevent ingress of moisture. The sealing
is so good that they can be permanently immersed to some considerable depth in w ater if required.
Bullet cameras do not need a heater and their small size makes them highly suitable for fitting to domestic and commercial
properties. It is not possible to make adjustment to these cameras because they are permanently sealed. Most of the bullet
cameras are fitted w ith a 3.6mm lens w hich gives a 72 deg angle of view w hich is suitable for most domestic and small
commercial properties. Please contact us if you require alternatives.
Choosing a Camera Specification
The main criteria of a camera’s performance are its sensitivity and resolution. Secondary considerations are colour or
monochrome and indoor or outdoor suitability.
Sensitivity is the camera’s ability to respond to light levels. Resolution defines the amount of picture detail in the image
produced by the camera.
Camera resolution
This is expressed as the number of television lines that the camera is capable of producing. For example the KT&C
monochrome bullet camera is classed as 420 lines or usually 420 TVL. The comparable colour model is 380 TVL
These are typical figures for CCD cameras, CMOS cameras are usually low er.
Higher resolution cameras of over 500 TVL are available for select applications. For example, trying to read the number
plate of a fast moving car w ould need the best resolution affordable. You should be able to read a stationary number w ith a
resolution of 380 TVL. Below 300TVL and using CMOS cameras even facial features w illbe difficult to distinguish. These
are very broad guidelines and also depend on the light levels and shadow conditions.
Indoor/Outdoor Cameras
If a camera is to be sited outside and is not going to be mounted in an enclosure it must be classed as w eather resistant.
The cable entry points are sealed and most bullet cameras come w ith trailing leads that allow s the connections to be made
inside the building. Typically 18ins (45cm) should be sufficient. One bullet camera under review had only a few centimetres
of cable. This means the connection w ould be exposed to the rigours of the w eather. Needless to say this model did not
meet the selection criteria of IPTEC.
The strength and durability of the casing is difficult to quantify but w e have rejected cameras w ith flimsy plastic enclosures,
particularly w ireless cameras w here the antenna dish looks like it could be easily damaged. The range of KT&C bullet

2. cameras have strong aluminium bodies and sealed cable entry points and w ere selected for these features.
Light Levels
Choosing the correct camera to operate in the ambient light conditions is possibly the most important although most tricky
specification to understand.
Light levels are usually measured in Lux. This is a measure of the light energy arriving on an area 1m2 of surface per
second.
Typical light levels are:
Full Summer Sunlight: 50,000 Lux
Dull Daylight: 10,000 Lux
Shop/Office environment: 500 Lux
Daw n/Dusk: 1 – 10 Lux
Main Street Lighting: 30 Lux
Side Street Lighting: 0.5 – 3 Lux
The golden rule w hen deciding w hich camera to use for a given lighting condition is not to choose one that w ill only just giv e
a picture. Try to give the camera approximately 10 times its quoted minimum scene illumination. Most cameras w ill be able
to cope w ith excess light. The major problem is w hen they do not have enough light to produce a picture.
The sensitivity of covert cameras w ith pin-hole lenses are often quoted as 0.1Lux @f1.4. This seems to indicate that the
camera w ill w orkin ¼ moonlight. Actually the pin-hole lens w ill have an aperture ratio of something like f4 and so the
camera w ill need approximately 1 Lux to produce a picture.
Unless your house is directly under main-street lighting the light level is probably less than 1 Lux at the front and even low er
at the back. Bright security flood lights in theory help but often produce dark shadow s a short distance from the house.
A monochrome camera rated at 0.05 Lux w ill produce reasonable results. Colour needs a little more. How ever, colour
cameras achieve good night-time vision by sw itching to a monochrome mode. You w illnever get good night-time colour
pictures w ithout huge amounts of additional lighting. So think carefully about the added cost of colour over monochrome
cameras. As most people are used to colour television it sets a standard so it is very common to still select a colour camera
know ing it w illsw itch to monochrome mode at night.
Monochrome cameras respond w ell to additional IR (infra red) lighting. With this in mind true night-vision cameras include a
ring of IR LEDs. Colour cameras also offer IR illumination but as stated previously w ill sw itch to monochrome at night even
w ith the IR LEDs turned on. These are true night-vision cameras and are rate at 0 Lux.
How to display the picture from more than one camera
Most CCTV systems deploy several cameras so a method is required to view and record the images. Simple, says the
professional, use a video sw itcher, a quad or a multiplexer. DVRs (digital video recorder) now have multiplexer built into
them but it still useful to understand the basic principles. Here are the simple benefits of each system.
Sw itcher
A CCTV sw itcher is a unit that changes betw een camera pictures one at a time, the output being view ed on a monitor or
passed to the recording device. As sw itchers can use any VCR to record in true real-time, the pictures w hich are captured
can be of a very high quality. Many professionals under-rate sw itchers. The fact that they provide true real-time recording
unlike a snapshot from a multiplexer means they provide a superior picture quality. This can sometimes outw eigh the
disadvantages that sw itchers can only record one picture at a time.
When to use a sw itcher
Use for low cost systems
Advantages – Simple, low cost, good quality real-time pictures.
Disadvantage – Can only record one camera at a time.
Quadsplitters
Quad units enable 4 camera pictures to be displayed on a screen simultaneously.
When to use a quadsplitter
They are useful w here it is necessary to monitor several areas at the same time. As w ith a sw itcher, w hat is seen on the
monitor is the picture that is recorded on the VCR.
Advantages – Simple to use – show s multiple displays
Disadvantage – Records only 1 camera at a time or 4 at a quarter of the screen size
Multiplexers
A multiplexer allow s simultaneous recording of multiple full-sized camera pictures on to one VCR tape providing more
comprehensive recorded surveillance than w ith a sw itcher or a quadsplitter. Most have variable display options such as
quad and picture in a picture allow ing flexible surveillance of more than one camera at once.

3. When to use a multiplexer
Generally use w hen a high degree of surveillance is required and it is necessary to record full-size pictures from a number
of cameras at the same time.
Advantages – Records all camera pictures full size on one tape – gives better monitoring of areas simultaneously – enables
large areas to be monitored w ithout losing surveillance due to camera sw itching time.
Disadvantages – Does not record in real time – Raises the overall cost of the system.
More on Multiplexers
Video multiplexers overcome the problems of both sw itchers and screen splitters. The pictures from the cameras arrive at
the multiplexer unsynchronised. i.e. they all start and end their picture at different times.
These signals cannot be recorded directly because a VCR needs to be synchronised to the incoming video signal. If the
incoming video signal is constantly changing then the VCR w ould be permanently re-synchronising to the new video signal.
This can take up to 1 second to achieve.
Multiplexers digitally grab pictures from each camera in turn and feed them out to a video recorder at exactly the correct rate
for them to be recorded reliably. Hence, up to 50 different pictures can be recorded every second and from any of the
cameras connected to the multiplexer.
Functions of Video Multiplexers
There are three main functions a video multiplexer can perform:
Encoding – taking a single picture from each camera in turn and feeding it out to a video recorder in rapid succession.
Decoding – playing back previously encoded recordings show ing only the selected camera for display
Multi-screen – show ing live pictures in many different formats including PIP (picture in a picture) and split screen up to 16
w ays.
Types of Video Multiplexers
Simplex – capable of performing any one of the above functions at any one time.
Duplex – capable of performing any tw o of the above functions at any one time (normally encoding of cameras and
generating a live multi-screen picture).
Duplex multiplexers can simultaneously record and play back but this w ill require tw o video recorders.
Triplex – capable of performing all three functions at the same time (simultaneous recording and playback of cameras and a
multi-screen display w ith both live and playback images). This allow s the operator to keep monitoring the site w hilst
review ing previously recorded tapes.
Added Functions of Multiplexers
Since the images are digitised it is easy to add the function of motion detect. Most multiplexers also offer alarm input and
output modes.
Recording CCTV Images
Domestic VCR
The simplest low -cost solution is to use a domestic VCR. These w ill typically give 8 hours recording time and can be used in
conjunction w ith Video Remote Control module to provide event-only recording.
Disadvantages – most domestic recorders have a slow "take-up" time. (the time taken to start recording)
- cannot use the VCR to record TV channel w hilst camera input is selected.
Advantages – very low cost. Worth considering purchase of a dedicated VCR for camera recording. The dedicated VCR can
be hidden in the attic or a cupboard making it less likely to stolen by an intruder.
Time-lapse VCR
Similar to a domestic VCR but w ith a slow er-moving tape that records the camera pictures as snapshots at split second
intervals. The time-lapse can be set to give 24, 240 or 960 hours of recording on standard VCR tapes.
Disadvantages – the longer the recording time the longer the period of time betw een the snapshots.
Advantages – very long recording time, cost-effective. Added features like alarms, auto tape-rew ind.

4. DVR
A digital video recorder w ill take analogue images from a cctv camera, digitise them and store them electronically. The most
common media for storage is a hard disk drive as used in most personal computers.
Most DVRs now come combined w ith multiplexer and motion detect functions and are generally considered the future of
cctv recording.
DVRs can generally be split into tw o groups – standalone black box and PC-based solutions. PC-based solutions are
discussed in their ow n section.
Advantages
All-in-one box for recording, multiplexing, alarms and motion detection, making the installation of a cctv system much
simpler.
Higher resolution than S-VHS VCR is possible
Near instant access to recording from know n time and date
No loss of quality w hen copies taken
Large storage capacity eliminates the need to frequently change tapes
Can record events in real-time before an alarm actually occurs w ith "Pre-event trigger"
Enhanced playback function, forw ard and reverse frame by frame playback
Easy to connect to netw orks/internet for remote view ing and playback.
Disadvantages
At first glance the cost seems high but taking into consideration the cost of separate units of recorder, multiplexer, alarms
and motion detect the all-in-one box now proves to be a viable solution.
How to choose a DVR for CCTV applications
1 Number of Channels.
Most DVRs are classified by the number of channels or cameras that can be connected. Typical configurations are 1, 4, 8 or
16 channels. Consider carefully how many cameras are required, both now and in the future. It is sensible to pay a little
more now and have room for expansion at a later date.
2 Display Resolution and Record Resolution
The display (live images) and record (captured to hard drive) resolutions are a digital signal and they are stated in pixels
(picture elements).
The common standards for composite video signals are as follow s
CIF 352 x 288
2CIF 704 x 288
D1 704 x 576
D1 is the same as most domestic DVD players but CIF is still w ay higher than the resolution achieved on VHS tape.
There are numerous resolutions in and around the above standards, each DVR manufacturer may cut dow n on the
resolution to save cost..
Surprisingly, Display and Record resolutions are often not the same.
Check the record resolution meets your requirements. Ignore claims of high resolution display.
DVRs w ith a VGA -type output signal can upscale the picture to a higher display resolution. For example, a display
resolution of 1280 x 1024. This is purely to allow the use of a PC-type monitor and w ill not enhance the image quality. If the
image quality is not present in the original recording upscaling w ill not produce better clarity.
3 Frame Rates
A CCTV camera operating under the PAL system w ill produce 25 frames per second (fps). This is the maximum rate that
can be recorded.
It is usually not necessary to record at the highest rate. Low er rates w ill save disk space. The human cannot detect a frame
rate of greater than about 12fps. For most applications a recording rate of 3 or 6 fps is adequate.
Many recorders w ill capture images at D1 resolution at 25fps shared across all channels (that is 6fps per camera on a 4
camera system). How ever, they w illcapture CIF images at 100fps (25fps per camera)
As a guide to different applications the follow ing may be useful:

5. Application Typical Recording Rates (Frames per Sec)
Car Parking, external people movement 0.5-2fps
Office, shop 2fps
Money counting 3.5-7.5fps
Traffic monitoring 5-25fps
When comparing w ith the specifications of other DVRs make sure the recording rates are not quoted in fields per second. (1
frame = 2 fields)
4 Method of Channel Display.
This is similar to the functions carried out by Sw itchers, Quads and Multiplexers. A single channel recorder w ill probably not
have any of these functions so w ill need the additional purchase of this type of unit.
The better DVRs have full multiplexer functions built into them. This is the desired type of product. A 4 channel DVR w ill split
the screen into 4 and display one camera in each w indow . Similarly a 16 channel DVR w illgive a 4 by 4 matrix to display all
channels. All other functions of multiplexers like alarms, time and date stamping should be available.
A Triplex DVR w ill perform the functions of encode, display and record simultaneously. They w ill usually also allow several
other simultaneous functions such netw orkview ing and backup. Some manufacturesuse the terms "pentaplex" and
"heptaplex" to try to describe the functions. This just gets confusing.
5 Duration of Recording Time.
This w illdepend on the capacity of the hard drive. The more sophisticated units allow a number of user-definable options.
Typical settings allow the DVR to automatically start again at the beginning and record over the oldest data or the unit can
indicate that it is full and the hard disk should be changed.
By using video compression techniques it is possible to greatly extend the amount of data that can be stored on a hard
drive. Similarly, by reducing the number of images per second that are recorded the capacity is increased. As very rough
guideline DVRs using H.264 compression fitted w ith a 500GB hard drive w ill record about 10 days w orth of high resolution
images.
6 Motion Detection.
Depending on the application, it is not necessary to set the DVR to continually record. The better DVRs have a built-in
motion detection system. This function is performed by electronically noting w hen the composition of the image changes
and consequently setting the DVR to record mode. To ensure the required accuracy it should be possible to select the
sensitivity of detection.
An overlay mask allow s areas like trees, w hich w ill move in the w ind, to be blanked out of the motion detection area.
If these functions are not included then it w ill be necessary to use traditional PIR sensors. Fitting PIRs means a lot of
cabling and extra expense so it is often more cost effective to choose a DVR w ith motion detection.
7 Remote set-up and view ing.
DVR w ith a netw ork or LAN port can be connected to a PC or netw ork. This w ill usually allow remote setup and view ing.
8 Transferring recorded images.
Choose from a number of options.
a) Copy from the DVR onto a conventional VCR tape.
b) Copy to USB memory stick
c) Send across the LAN or Internet
d) Use a netw ork connection to a PC w ith a DVD burner
e) Built-in DVD Writer
Our Recommendations
The latest addition of the AVTech KPD675 makes digital recorders very affordable. It offers 4 channels and multiplexer
functions. It is now priced to be cheaper than time-lapsed VCRs and as such should be considered a modern replacement
for a VCR. It has a selectable choice of frame rates to allow for long recording times.
It can be triggered to record manually by an alarm from a PIR or on timer or using its motion detection function.
The Concept Pro VXH264 range is a digital multiplexer and recorder. 4, 8 and 16 channel versions are available w ith hard

6. disks up to 8000 GB. The high frame rates and a choice of 4 levels of quality recording (Best, High, Normal, Basic) makes it
a very versatile machine.
The Jog/Shuttle control makes review ing of images very easy.
This product is ideal for home, school, shop or business surveillance.
This product is most suited to applications that require extensive review ing of recorded images.
PC-based Systems, Digital CCTV Systems
If you already have a PC then w ith the addition of a video-capture card and surveillance softw are you have a pow erfuldigital
system. The latest PC DVR products like the Sw ann USB Guardian are simple to install.
The purchase of a video capture card and softw are has been a very cost effective method of providing a high specification
system.
How ever, the falling costs of standalone DVRs is challenging the cost savings.
Advantages
- softw are allow s many configurations for monitoring e.g. quad display
- records in real time, simultaneously from all cameras
- time and date stamping w ith motion detect
- alert w izard, send email w ith photo or video clip,
- mobile phone alert w ith voice,
- SMS alert
- audio alert
- MMS alert
- remote monitoring from another PC through Clinet Softw are, Internet Explorer or Pocket PC
- connect to Alarm panel
- low - cost all-in-one solution does aw ay w ith the need for separate motion detect, splitters, quads or multiplexers.
Disadvantage – PC hard drive must have enough free space to record the camera pictures.
It is easy to see the benefits of the PC-based system providing you satisfy the follow ing criteria:
Competent in installing additional hardw are and softw are programmes
Have good housekeeping to ensure adequate free disk space
Do not intend to use the PC for any other video capture or editing
Motion Detectors
Even w ith the long-recording facilities of DVRs and digital systems it is seldom desirable to continuously record. The most
common method is to fit a PIR (Passive Infra Red) detector in the area to be monitored. Most people w ill be familiar w ith this
concept as applied to security lighting.
The output of the PIR can be fed to a Video Remote Control module, hence the video recorder w ill only turn on w hen motion
is detected. As a basic system it w orks w ell and w ireless models are available that remove the need for additional cabling.
As they are low -voltage devices battery life can be up to three years.
A VMD (video motion detector) is the modern alternative to the PIR. It w orks by analysing the video signal from the camera.
When it detects changes in the signal it recognises this as movement w ithin the camera’s picture the output being used to
sw itch on the recording device. The sensitivity can be adjusted w hich w ill overcome the problem of bright lights being turned
on causing the VMD to activate.
The more sophisticated units feature an on-screen marker or rectangle. Only movement in the rectangle w ill trigger the
output. By resizing and repositioning the rectangles it is possible to allow for pet activity w ithin the observation area. In the
example the blue car turning into the drive w ill activate the recorder but the grey car passing on the road w ill not. It is difficult
to achieve this degree of accuracy w ith PIRs.
Most digital and PC-based systems have VMD built in to them. This can make multi-camera digital systems very cost
effective as it alleviates the need to buy motion detectors for each camera or observation area
Getting the picture signal from the camera to the monitor, recorder or TV.
The most common method used on professional installations is RG59 Coaxial cable. The centre core is the signal conductor
w hile the outer shield protects the signal from electro-magnetic interference. It is a low -loss cable w hich w illallow cable runs
of up to 250 metres. Longer cable runs can be achieved w ith the use of a video amplifier.
BNC connectors are the preferred type of connector in professional CCTV installations and are recommended by IPTEC for
all DIY CCTV applications. The connectors tw ist and lock together giving secure connection.
Professional sw itchers, multiplexers, monitors etc. w ill all use BNC connectors. If you are connecting to a domestic TV or
VCR you w illneed to convert to phono or SCART connectors. Simple adapters are available and are supplied w ith many of
our kits.
Increasingly popular for CCTV installations is the use of tw isted pair cable, typically CAT5 or CAT6.
Tw isted pair cable uses the balanced signal principle. Hence a screened conductor is not required. As cameras and DVRs
w ill use an unbalanced signal it is necessary to convert betw een balanced and unbalanced. A simple device called a Balun

7. w ill perform this function. A balun must be fitted at either end of a tw isted pair cable.
A 4 w ay balun w ill allow s 4 camera video signals to be sent dow n one CAT5 cable
This type of cable is more flexible than RG59 cable and its small size makes it suitable for running along the top of a skirting
board or around a door frame.
We can supply a range of ready-made coax/BNC cables that are very price competitive. Alternatively, rolls of cable and
either screw -on or crimp-on connectors are available.
It is advisable to keep cable runs as short as possible. Unless you are experienced in refitting a crimped BNC connector w e
do not recommend you cut the cable. Before ordering a camera kit measure the required cable run. BNC cables can easily
be joined together w ith a coupler such as CCA-005.
High-quality cameras w ith anti-mist coating, CCD lenses w ill give clear, crisp, noise-free pictures. It is essential to use good
quality cable if these images are not to deteriorate. For CMOS cameras the quality of cable is less important.
Increasingly popular is w ireless transmission. Government regulations now allow licence-exempt systems that can typically
transmit signals up to 100 metres in line of sight. This reduces to approximately 30 metres w hen used indoors. Simple
w ireless cameras w ill only w orkon one frequency so you cannot use 2 such products w ithin 100 metres of each other.
Cameras and receivers are available w ith 4 selectable channels making multi-camera systems feasible.
Even the small covert type of camera can be supplied w ith its ow n built-in transmitter. Alternatively, any camera can be
connected to a stand-alone transmitter.
Remember that CCTV cameras require pow er to operate. The voltage is usually in the range 9-12V DC and this is typically
derived from a small pow er supply plugged into the mains supply. So "w ireless" does not mean totally "w ire-free". Battery
operation w ill be measured in hours, so is not suitable for permanent installations. How ever, it is often easy to pick up the
pow er for the camera in some areas such as the loft of the house.
Wireless transmission is also useful for temporary monitoring of an office or reception area. The miniature w ireless cameras
w ith battery pow er can be fitted to model aircraft or model trains. The receiver can be connected to a domestic camcorder to
recorder the "ride-on" experience.
CCTV Monitors or TVs
The signal from a cctv camera is classed as analogue, 1 volt peak to peak into 75 Ohms. A compatible display device must
be used to view the images.
The simplest method of displaying the images from the camera is by connecting to the AV input or SCART input on a
television set. Most modern TVs now have these type of inputs. The AV input is usually a RCA/Phono type of connector. A
simple BNC to Phono converter is all that is required to connect cameras fitted w ith a BNC type of connector. Most of our
camera kits are supplied w ith BNC and Phono connectors. Alternatively, a BNC to SCART connector can be purchased as
an optional extra.
Sw itchers, multiplexers and digital recorders generally have BNC input connectors.
If you have an older type television that does not have an AV or SCART connector it is possible to convert the camera
signal to the broadcast frequency and connect through the aerial input. A small device called an RF Modulator or Wide
Band Modulator provides this function.
Alternatively, for more complex or dedicated cctv system a specialist cctv monitor can be used. The tubes or screen
(referred to as the CRT)used in cctv monitors are of a much higher resolution than standard TVs. The resolution is
measured in TV lines and on monochrome monitors this can be up to 1000TV lines. A good quality TV w ill be classed at
450 TV lines. These figures are measured at the centre of the tube and w ill be less at the edges.
Monitors are also designed for continuous running and w ill contain a high-reliability long-life pow er supply.
If you are fitting high definition cameras w ith over 500 TV Lines resolution then a suitable cctv monitor is needed.
LCD screens are now available for cctv applications. The advantages of LCD monitors are:
They are smaller and lighter than CRT monitors
Offer the possibility of 12 volt operation
Offer high resolution that is uniform across the screen
The resolution does not decrease w ith the age of the monitor as is the case CRTs.
The disadvantage is the cost although this is reducing rapidly.
An LCD monitor designed for connection to a PC does not usually have the required analogue inputs so check carefully
before choosing this type of display.
Tips on fitting CCTV to a house.
The prospect of drilling holes through the external w alls of your home to run the pow er and video cable for a camera may at
first seems only feasible for the most accomplished DIYer.
With a little forethought it can be remarkably simple.
Positioning of cameras

8. Most people w ant to make the camera position as discreet as possible. The modern bullet-type camera is no bigger than
your small finger in length and can easily be located under or on the fascia/soffit boards w here the roof line meets the w all.
This location also provides good shelter from w ind and rain and can be shaded from excessive sunlight. The height of the
camera position w ill give a good area of view and minimise the risk of vandalism.
How ever, another advantage of this location is cabling. It is usually easy to run the cables into the loft from this position.
Many houses have a small ventilation gap betw een the roof tiles and the external w all, or a small hole may be drilled in the
fascia board to gain access to the loft.
Cabling
It is usually easy to pick up mains pow er in the loft or at least if additional cabling is required it is now internal. Wireless
transmission can be used for the video signal w ith the receiver being placed next to the monitor or recorder (TV, VCR, PC
etc.). That’s it, installation complete.
A hard-w ired system can almost be as easy to install. Locate the TV aerial dow n-lead that may be in the loft or run dow n the
outside of the house. It is usually possible to run the CCTV camera video cable alongside the aerial cable, w hich w ill lead
directly to the TV.
A neat method of connection is to use an RF modulator. This little box changes the camera’s video output to an RF output.
This means you can pipe the CCTV images dow n the existing TV aerial dow n-lead and view on the TV/VCR as if it w ere
another channel. If the house is fitted w ith a TV aerial distribution system, this method of connection allow s the camera
pictures to be view ed on all TV sets.
Addition of DVR, Muliplexer and Sw itchers.
Consider placing sw itchers, mutiplexers or DVRs in the loft. This contains all the camera cabling in the loft w ith just one
output cable to a monitor. It also hides aw ay the recording device.
Other ideas
Consider positioning the cameras indoors. Point each camera at the exterior doors. Use a motion detector or PC-based
system to activate the camera w hen a door is opened.
The advantage of this type of system is that you do not need a traditional burglar alarm and sensors. The output of the
system can be connected to an alarm or, better still, the more sophisticated methods of dialing/SMS to your mobile phone.
This method avoids activation of the motion detector by sudden changes in light levels. Set the activation area just above
the level of the cat flap to allow freedom of passage for your pets. Credits for this Article goes to : http:// w ww . 2seetv .co
.uk (Thank You)
Thank you for seeing the CCTV Guide at IPTEC UK.