Monday, August 10, 2009

CCTV Is Modern Property Protection

By Jonathon Sparks

CCTV (closed circuit television) systems can protect your property cheaper and easier than a manned security service. The CCTV systems when combined with motion detection, the Internet and central station monitoring can provide all of the property protection that is required.

Many modern CCTV cameras have motion detectors built into them. If multiple cameras are utilized at a facility, the multiplexer / DVR will have a motion detection system built into it. This motion detection can be customized for the area of view of each camera on the site. The motion detector whether in the camera or in the multiplexer has an output that can create an alarm state. This alarm state can either enable the DVR to record or can transmit a signal to a central station.

In today's security world, the motion detector alarm state opens a link through the Internet to a central station that monitors multiple sites or facilities. This capability enables one central station operator to monitor multiple sites. This ability eliminates the need for a security person to be staffed at each site to monitor the cameras on site. The central station operator upon receiving an alarm can either notify the local law enforcement or if it is a false alarm can dismiss the alarm and reset the system.

Advances in technology have enabled the property owner to install CCTV systems on their property and eliminate the need for a security staff. The combination of cameras, Internet and motion detection allow for 24/7 surveillance of the property. The cost of installing the CCTV system and the monthly charge for the central station services provide a return on investment that is recovered in 12 months in most cases.

People, including security staff are human and make mistakes. CCTV systems always see what is within their field of view and will do what they are programmed to do. In this case, the motion detector circuits will transmit an alarm signal to the central station and provide the image of the alarmed state to the central station. This preprogrammed reliability and dependability will provide 24/7 security to the property.

About the Author: