CCTV Basics – Analog CCTV

Close Circuit TeleVision is a tool used in security and monitoring.

In its most basic form just had a camera a screen on the other end, wires to interconnect the devices and power to both end. On the monitor end the connectors started from a coaxial version to a converted variant to RGB format using RCA connectors to d-subs. No recording.

CCTV concentrators with switcher function.

CCTV Concentrators with switcher functions.

As the need for more points to be viewed at a time as less men were deployed then came concentrator boxes such as switchers to switch between camera views. This reduced the installation of screens and one to one deployments of viewing devices. It also brought focus back to the security monitoring team. But it still left a hole during the switch over time. The first versions were manual then came the auto versions based on timers and other logic.

multi screen cctv

Multi screen CCTV

As the need to simplify, shrink foot print of equipment install base, multiplexers were the next innovation on the viewing end of the cctv solution. This gave more than one camera view on one screen. Married with switchers this kind of concentrator gave more options and less security breach opportunity as the viewing was for longer periods of time per multi view.

cctv multi screen with recording

CCTV multi screen with recording

After the evolution of dispersed viewing providing more tools to the security personnel providing a total security solution, evidence was required for prosecution and more. This is where the recording function appeared as the requirement. This combination did not change very much with the exception of accessories such as controllers(joy sticks, keypads, mouse pads, keyboards etc), zoom tools and more.

Today in the analog arena you have High definition video solutions currently the common resolutions are 1Mp (720p), 1.3Mp (960p) and 2Mp (1080p also refered to as full HD).

Analog solutions also have some wireless solutions. Most on radio transmission up to microwave solutions that are commonly proprietary.

Next article is CCTV Basics – IP CCTV

 

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