What Are CCTV Cameras?

CCTV cameras are video cameras used in a closed-circuit visual monitoring security system. In a closed-circuit network, recording CCTV camera footage remains within its established network. This means the information monitored on a closed-circuit network is private and cannot be broadcasted on a public network.

The primary objective of a CCTV system is to monitor a place of business as a means of physical control. The information gathered is relayed in real-time to the security team. With the right system, a CCTV camera network allows businesses to monitor multiple locations remotely.

What Types of Businesses Use CCTV Cameras?

Businesses of all kinds, across all industries, use CCTV cameras to protect their people, assets and property. From retail stores to manufacturing companies, educational institutions and government buildings, more property owners and managers are using CCTV surveillance to protect customers, employees, and assets.

Aside from the obvious security benefits, many businesses choose CCTV systems because of the physical access control it provides. By having CCTV technology in place, companies can manage what type of access people have to their premises, who enters and exits at what time and monitor activities on their property.

Types of CCTV Cameras for Businesses

CCTV cameras come in different sizes, mounting options, distance capturing ranges, and offer different levels of image quality. Before making any purchases, you need to understand the differences between different types of CCTV cameras.

Source: Pexels

In general, there are eight different types of CCTV cameras Canadian businesses use for their security systems:

• Dome: Dome cameras are housed in dome-shaped casings, and are typically installed on ceilings and intended for short-distance internal use. Dome cameras are meant to be visible but unobtrusive. The cameras within the dome can be digital or analog cameras.
• Bullet: Bullet cameras are cylindrical in shape and frequently used for outdoor security. As such, they have more extended viewing range capabilities than dome cameras and can be mounted on a wall or ceiling.
• C-Mount: With a C-Mount camera, lenses can be interchanged, allowing security teams to extend or shorten the camera’s viewing range.
• Internet Protocol (IP): IP cameras are cloud-based digital video recorders. They operate with an internet connection instead of traditional coaxial cable technology, and can easily integrate with a business’s entire security and communication system.
• Day/Night: Cameras with day/night ability can perform well in situations with high and low light levels.
• IR/Night Vision cameras function best in areas with minimal light, such as a nightclub, movie theatre or office where daytime monitoring isn’t required.
• High Definition (HD): HD cameras in a CCTV network provide high-quality footage that may be acceptable for use as evidence in a Canadian courtroom.
• Wireless: Wireless cameras connect to the CCTV network with an internet connection and require minimal setup equipment or electrical outlet access, compared to hard-wired cameras.

Some cameras can perform multiple functions, allowing businesses to experience the benefits of several cameras in one solution.

For instance, many dome cameras have both day and night-vision capabilities, are equipped with IP integration software, and can be instrumental for system administrators in managing multiple types of access control features.

What’s the Difference Between CCTV and Security Cameras?

One of the key factors that sets CCTV and security cameras apart is in how they broadcast their information. As mentioned above, CCTV transmits information over a closed network, whereas security cameras. Security cameras, in contrast, transmit information over the internet to the Network Video Recorder (NVR).

For context, NVR records security footage in digital format, committing it to a hard drive. Very similar in function to CCTV, but may be less secure if not deployed properly.

CCTV systems can help businesses control who enters and leaves their premises by connecting with other access control devices such as turnstiles, keycard readers, fingerprint scanners, and more. By doing this, your business can track who enters and who leaves.

4 Benefits of CCTV Cameras for Businesses

CCTV cameras protect businesses from criminal activity and improve safety for customers and employees, bettering customer retention and reducing employee turnover.

Deter Criminals

Deter crime and identify potential threats with your own set CCTV cameras. With a CCTV network installed on your premises, you can more easily identify criminal activity and set up alerts the security team can respond to in real-time.

Increase Client Comfort

With CCTV technology in place, customers feel safe knowing they are being monitored while in your building. This helps to create a sense of safety and comfort for those who may feel at risk.

Better Monitor Staff and Operations

Managers can use CCTV cameras to monitor the actions of their staff, ensuring that everyone is performing their job duties properly, efficiently and safely.

Lower Security Costs

Integrated CCTV can lower a corporation’s overall security costs by monitoring multiple sites from a single location, connecting multiple access control functions, and providing real-time alerts for suspicious activity. Additionally, a comprehensive security system helps lower a business’s insurance premiums.

Protect Your Business From All Angles With CCTV

At Logixx Security, we specialize in helping businesses protect what matters most: team members, customers, and assets.

Our expert technicians can install and configure a CCTV system tailored to the demands of your space, from retail to warehousing. We have offices across Canada, and our team members are keenly aware of security concerns unique to each region.

Reach out today to learn how we can help protect your business from potential threats.

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