Watch over your home and loved ones with a closed-circuit television, or CCTV system. This form of surveillance allows you to privately monitor a certain area of your home—particularly the front door–for security purposes. The signals are not publicly distributed, but you’ll be able to access the footage from anywhere if your system is WiFi compatible.

What is a CCTV System

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) transmits video on a closed circuit. Unlike broadcast television, where multiple receivers can pick up the signal, these specialized CCTV systems are directly connected to the camera and recording devices storing the data. This private access makes CCTV optimal for security systems.

While CCTV has been used in the commercial industry for years—helping to secure public places such as banks, malls, and public transportation—the popularity of CCTV in private residences is growing. There are many different types of CCTV cameras available, and it depends on what you’re looking to monitor in order to pick the right one.

CCTV Security Features

When looking for the right CCTV system, keep the following features in mind:

Indoor vs. Outdoor. When choosing the right security system, you’ll need to decide what you want to monitor. There are different cameras for indoor and outdoor use. Indoor cameras are great for monitoring everything from your pets when you’re away to children at play. Outdoor cameras are a useful deterrent to those who may be looking to break in when you’re not home.

Field of View. Cameras range in the width of the coverage area. Depending on what you want to monitor, this area will determine how many cameras you need and where you’re going to place them. If a camera is able to pan or tilt, the field of view increases, reducing the number of cameras needed. You’ll also want to consider the resolution within this field of view. Being able to clearly identify a face makes a security system more valuable.

Motion Detection. Whether placed inside or outside, you’ll be notified when the camera detects movement within its field of view.

Sound. Cameras can act as an intercom in some CCTV systems. You also have the option of receiving sound via a microphone.

Still need help deciding which CCTV system is best for your needs? Contact Security Five at 610-323-9511 to talk to one of our security experts.

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