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Glossary

Table of Contents

CCD Sensor

A CCD (charged coupled device) sensor is a type of image sensor used to capture digital images. CCD sensors offer high light sensitivity for better images in low light conditions. Image sensors convert light into electric charge, which is then processed into electronic signals. The sensor sends the charge out of the chip as an analog signal. Using CCD technology the entirety of a pixel can be devoted to light capture, which provides uniform output resulting in high image quality.

CCTV

CCTV, also known as closed-circuit television, uses analog security cameras to submit a video signal to a specific set of monitors. The system is closed, which means only a limited number of viewers can access the footage from a single location, but with most DVRs today footage can be viewed over the Internet as well. CCTV systems today typically use analog security cameras, a digital video recorder (DVR), coaxial cables and a monitor.

CMOS sensor

A CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor is a type of image sensor used to capture digital images. Image sensors convert light into electrical charge, which is then processed into electronic signals. With CMOS technology, each pixel goes through its own conversion from charge to voltage.

Day / Night cameras

Day/night security cameras are used for applications that require continuous 24-hour monitoring. These Day/night security cameras have low-light sensitivity and automatically adjust to handle dark conditions using technology like IR-cut filters and IR illuminators.

Digital Video Recorder (DVR)

Most CCTV security camera systems today use a digital video recorder (DVR) to convert analog CCTV images to a digital format. Digital video recorders allow for remote monitoring, greater storage capacity, and quick and easy searches. DVRs contain software and a computer hard disk in a single unit. Using a digital video recorder with a CCTV system offers many of the same benefits as IP security camera systems at a more budget-friendly price including remote surveillance, motion detection, independent recording speed setting for each channel, PTZ camera control and more.

Fixed security cameras

Fixed security cameras are installed to monitor a specific location. Once the camera is mounted, the direction is set. Fixed cameras are available in a variety of models including those designed for indoor and outdoor use and those with vandal-resistant housing. These cameras are often used to serve as a deterrent to illegal and inappropriate behavior in a variety of settings.

H.264

H.264 is the latest video compression standard available for IP security cameras. Using H.264 digital file sizes are significantly reduced without compromising the quality of the images. H.264 optimizes network storage and bandwidth, offers higher resolution and frame rates, and improves megapixel and HDTV security camera performance.

HDTV

Like megapixel cameras, HDTV security cameras provide high-resolution images with outstanding color representation, full frame rate, and a 16:9 widescreen format. Critical details like faces, objects, and license plates can be easily zoomed in on without losing image quality. Images captured using HDTV cameras are formatted for modern screens and TVs.

IP

IP security cameras, also known as network cameras, capture and transmit live video images directly over an IP network. Every IP camera comes with a built-in web server with its own IP address. With an IP security camera it’s possible to view footage remotely from any network PC and record and manage images from anywhere using a web server or video management software.

IR-cut filters

IR-cut filters are used with color day/night security cameras to help correct image color distortion. The filter is an optical piece of glass that rests between the lens and the image sensor during the day. The IR-cut filter removes IR light helping to restore color images to what the human eye would normally perceive. At night the filter is removed to allow the camera to record high-quality images in the dark.

IR illuminators

IR illuminators (infrared illuminators) are used for day/night surveillance in dim lighting conditions and when there isn’t enough ambient light available. Some day/night cameras have built-in IR illuminators that provide an extra source of invisible infrared light by using LEDs to transmit light. Color day/night cameras that switch to black and white at night use IR illuminators for nighttime surveillance to provide true 24-hour surveillance.

Megapixel camera

When a high-level of detail is required, megapixel security cameras provide superior clarity and a broader field of view than traditional security cameras. Larger areas can be monitored using fewer cameras. Using megapixel cameras, surveillance operators can zoom in on specific portions of a scene without experiencing a loss in image detail. Megapixels cameras are ideal for applications where clearly identifying people and objects is crucial.

MJPEG

MJPEG is one of the most common compression standards available for network security cameras. Using MJPEG, the video from a network camera can be presented as a series of individual JPEG images. To optimize network bandwidth and image quality, the frame rate can be adjusted. A frame rate at or above 16 frames per second is considered full motion video.

Motion detection

Motion detection is a feature available on many security cameras and digital video recorders (DVRs). Motion detection can be used for event-triggered recording, high-quality video streaming, and automated alerts. When cameras are programmed to record only when motion is detected, it helps security camera systems optimize network bandwidth and storage space.

MPEG-4

MPEG-4 is a video compression technology used by many IP security camera models and DVRs. MPEG-4 lowers the bit-rate of images to meet whatever level of image quality is needed for a given surveillance application.

Network Video Recorder (NVR)

Network video recorders (NVRs) are dedicated recording devices used in IP and HDTV security camera systems. NVRs provide a platform for video monitoring and recording. The hardware box captures video streams onto a hard disk in digital format. A network video recorder does not have a dedicated monitor and keyboard, and all management takes place remotely using a network PC. Network video recorders are digital video recorders for IP cameras and often offer more advanced features including event-triggered recording, support for megapixel and HDTV recording, increased storage capacity for long term recording, real-time SMS and email alerts and more.

Outdoor cameras

Outdoor security cameras are designed to withstand the rigors of a wide range of weather conditions including extreme cold, humidity, dust, and moisture. Outdoor cameras typically come with protective weatherproof housing and operate using Power over Ethernet (PoE) for flexible installation anywhere along a network. Many outdoor cameras also come with auto-iris lenses to help them contend with shifting lighting conditions throughout the day.

Power over Ethernet (PoE)

With Power over Ethernet (PoE) network devices like IP security cameras are powered by a single Ethernet cable that is also responsible for transmitting video and data from the camera. Power over Ethernet eliminates the need for a nearby power outlet, allowing for much more flexible and cost-effective installations. A PoE switch or PoE injector is required to power the Ethernet cable. IP security camera systems are incredibly easy to install using Power over Ethernet.

PTZ

PTZ, or pan/tilt/zoom, is a feature that is available with most IP security camera models. PTZ can be controlled remotely and allows surveillance operators to follow activity as it occurs and zoom in and focus on specific details within a scene.

TVL

TVL, or TV Lines, is a measure of image detail for CCTV cameras. In analog surveillance the video picture is composed of TV lines, which are active horizontal lines. TVL refers to the number of discernable horizontal lines that show up on the screen.

Analog picture has a 3 x 4 aspect ratio. This means that the amount of detail you can measure in 3/4 of the picture’s width determines the horizontal TVL resolution. Standard TVL resolution is around 380. High resolution CCTV cameras have a TVL resolution of closer to 480, 540, and 600.

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