Frequently Asked Questions about CCTV
In an effort to assist CableGiant customers in buying CCTV products here are some frequently asked questions about CCTV answered!
Question: What is the difference between ¼” and ⅓” Charged Coupled Devices (CCD’s)?
Answer: ¼” and ⅓” are both common sizes of CCD’s. The difference is that the larger the CCD the more sensitive the device is to light and that it provides a wider angle of view.
Question: What are the benefits of using a Varifocal Lens over a Fixed Lens?
Answer: Varifocal Lens often makes installation of cameras much easier as Fixed Lens requires an installer/user to have an accurate and precise knowledge of the field of view; whereas, with the Varifocal Lens, the installer/user can adjust the focal length to achieve the desired field of view.
Question: What is a “Sony Super HAD”?
Answer: Sony Super HAD is a leading type of charged coupled device (CCD) that is used for CCTV cameras made by Sony. The image quality of Sony CCD’s is generally very high.
Question: What are Infrared LED’s used for?
Answer: Infrared (IR) LED’s are used in conditions where there is no light or very low and limited lighting. IR’s light up the area covered by the camera with lighting that is invisible to the human eye, yet is clearly seen through the CCTV cameras.
Question: What is Resolution?
Answer: Resolution is measured in Television Lines (TVL). Usually the higher the TVL means the higher resolution which means the image would be clearer and sharper.
Question: What is DVR?
Answer: A DVR is a recording device where you run cable from all your cameras to in order to view and record what the cameras are viewing. A DRV allows you to play back recordings, control what and where is recorded, copy recordings, and log on remotely to view the recording from other locations like from your office, home, or while on vacation.
Question: Can a Bullet Camera be used or installed in indoor environments?
Answer: Yes, Bullet Cameras may be used or installed in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Question: What is a Multiplexer?
Answer: Multiplexers allow the input of more than one camera to display on one monitor. They might have other functions such as motion detection and can output up to 16 cameras at once on one screen.
Question: What are the benefits of 24VAC over 12VDC?
Answer: When using 24VAC, the voltage drop is less severe than 12VDC; therefore, allowing for better power stability when cameras are installed at further distances from the power source. Also many cameras that run on 24VAC have built-in “Line-Lock” which helps prevent picture rolling on the monitors. “Sync” pulses are emitted from the cameras to allow a video monitor to synchronize the picture on the screen.
Visit CableGiant.com for a huge selection of CCTV products and complete surveillance kits! If you need assistance building your system call CableGiant and let a technical advisor walk you through the products that best fit your CCTV security installations!