Frequently Asked Questions bout CCTV

 

1-What's the difference between Hardware Compression and Software Compression?

Hardware Compression: Both Capturing Video Signal and Compressing Video Signal are done by DSP chipset integrated on DVR Board. It doesn't need the computer's CPU to do this work. It's low cost of CPU and RAM resources. In this system the computer CPU's task focus on answering network request, streaming the video/audio to network and saving recorded data to local hard disk.

 

Software Compression: The DVR Board only capture video signal but doesn't compress it, it is the computer CPU and RAM to do this compression work. It's high cost of CPU and RAM resources. In this system the computer CPU and RAM are often overloaded. It is easier to crash than hardware compression system.

 

2- How do I choose the correct camera for my application?  

This in general is a comparatively difficult decision. Many aspects of the installation must be taken into consideration in order to obtain the correct performance that meets your requirements.

 

A high-resolution camera should be considered where greater detail of scene is required. E.g. Color 460 TVL, Monochrome 570 TVL. Choosing a more sensitive camera will improve reproduction in poorly lit areas. The sensitivity of a camera is indicated by the minimum amount of light in order for the camera to produce a usable picture. e.g. Color 1.0 Lux at F1.2.

 

A conventional camera produces a pale backdrop when an object is shot against a bright background. BLC (Back Light Compensation) will counter strong light sources retaining picture quality.

 

Concentrated light sources directed towards the camera (e.g. car head lamps) can be inverted by an optional peak white inverter or an eclipser function. This has the effect of bringing detail to areas and making an object clear, that would otherwise be shadowed.

 

 

3- How do I set up a camera and lens for use in Low Light conditions and or with Infra Red Lighting?  

When setting the back focus of a Color camera for low light conditions you should place an ND1 (Neutral Density) filter in front of the lens. When setting the back focus of a Mono camera for low light conditions you should place an ND3 (Neutral Density) filter in front of the lens. When setting the back focus of a Mono camera fitted with I/R lighting for low light conditions you should place an IRP (Infra- Red Pass) filter in front of the lens.

 

4-Should you not have any of the above filters you may have to attend site during the hours of darkness.

 I have installed a new camera and lens why I am unable to obtain a sharp image? 

The most common resolve to this is to ensure that both camera and lens are the same mount i.e. 'CS' mount lens on a 'CS' mount camera and a 'C' mount lens on a 'C' camera.

 What are OSD cameras?  

OSD (On Screen Display) cameras have a menu system within the camera assembly that can be accessed in order to set functions such as Iris levels, AGC on/off and most features of standard and advanced cameras.

 

5- Why do I have a clear sharp picture during the day and it is out of focus at night?  

This is due to the depth of field changing as the light conditions change and can be easily overcome by following set procedures.

 

6-When can I use a manual iris lens?  

A general rule of thumb is only to use a MI lens in an internal application. This is because you are reliant on the electronic circuitry of the camera compensating for light changes in the scene and this is not able to compensate to the same degree as that of an Auto Iris lens.

 

7- How do I back focus a camera fitted with a fixed focal length lens?  

This is achieved by following five simple steps.

 

Set the physical focus of the lens to infinity (clockwise from the front).

Aim the camera at the subject to be viewed.

Release the camera back focus mechanism.

Adjust the back focus to obtain the best possible picture.

Secure the cameras back focus mechanism.

 

8- Can I fit a 1/3"e; Lens to a 1/2"e; camera?  

The simple answer is NO. 

 

9- How do I connect an Auto Iris lens to a camera?  

This is usually performed by a simple plug-in connection to the rear or side of the camera. However you should always refer to the relevant camera handbook.

 

10- What is the difference between Auto Iris and Direct Drive Lenses?  

An Auto Iris lens is one that automatically adjusts its iris for changes in the scene lighting levels. The motor that opens and closes the iris is driven by an Amplifier that processes a small electronic signal changing with the light level.

 

A Direct Drive 'DD' lens does not have this Amplifier and can only operate with a camera fitted with one.

 

A camera specification will indicate the available output options.

 

 11- Does the 'f' stop matter when choosing a lens? 

Yes, lenses are usually specified as having a minimum and maximum 'f' stop rating; the 'f' stop is a measure of how efficiently the lens allows light from the scene, to pass through the lens and onto the camera CCD sensor. The maximum aperture (when the lens is fully open), is the minimum 'f' stop number and the minimum aperture, (just before the lens completely closes) is the maximum 'f' stop number.

 

A low minimum 'f' stop number means that the lens can pass more light through during dark conditions, which will produce better pictures at night.

 

A high maximum 'f' stop number may be necessary where there is a high level of light or reflection. This will prevent the camera ‘whiting out’.

 

 

12- How do I Back Focus a camera fitted with a ZOOM Lens?  

This can be achieved by following these steps.

 

Set the lens to full wide angle view.

Set the physical focus of the lens to infinity (clockwise viewed from the front).

Aim the camera at an object at least 30 Meters away.

Release the camera back focus mechanism.

Adjust the back focus to obtain optimum clarity.

Zoom the lens in to full telephoto and focus on a nearby object.

Keep this object in view as you slowly zoom out and if all is set correctly it should remain in focus (track).

Secure the back focus mechanism.

 

13- How do I set up an Auto Iris lens?  

An Auto Iris lens has two 'pots' on the side commonly marked ALC (Automatic level control) and LEVEL.

 

The ALC control has settings of PEAK and AVERAGE (P+A).

 

The LEVEL control has HIGH and LOW settings 'H+L'.

 

ALC

 

The adjustment allows control over any bright areas in the scene e.g. sun reflection through windows, street lighting etc. There are two settings PEAK and AVERAGE.

 

If set to PEAK, bright areas in the scene are taken into account more, reducing the contrast in the surrounding area. This allows more detail to be seen in the bright areas.

 

If set to AVERAGE the lens takes the bright areas less into account which usually causes over brightness or flare in these areas, but raising the contrast of the surrounding area.

 

LEVEL

 

The only correct way to set the VIDEO LEVEL is by the use of an oscilloscope, for most Engineers this is not an option.

 

A more practical method is to use a service test monitor and a camera that you know has been set up correctly to 1 volt peak to peak.

 

Put the video output from this tested camera into the test monitor and adjust the contrast and brightness until you are satisfied with the picture. Mark the contrast and brightness controls so that you can set them to this position again.

 

Set up each camera adjusting the ALC (as above) then adjusting the LEVEL to obtain a picture similar to that achieved with the test camera. (Making sure that your test monitor is set to your marked positions)

 

NB: On most zoom lenses the ALC adjustment is a speed control for the Iris motor and is best left in the mid position. The Amplifiers on Auto Iris lenses are sensitive; so adjust the LEVEL and ALC with a proper trimming tool instead of an ordinary screwdriver, which can induce small voltages.

 

 

14- What size monitor should I be using?  

The correct size monitor is dependent on its use e.g. the number of images to be displayed at any given time, the viewing distance and the available space. 

 

15-What is Video Termination?  

This is the end of line resistance of any CCTV system and this should be set to 75 ohm. Should you encounter any double image or ghosting this is more often than not caused by two pieces of equipment in series both having the 75-ohm switch set on. Only the last piece of equipment should be set at 75-ohm.

 

16- What camera housing should I use and at what IP Rating?  

Camera housings come in various shapes and sizes. With regard to the correct IP rating protection, this will range from dust and water ingress. This system is governed by a number of European and British standards.

 

IP55

 

Protected against dust - limited ingress.

Protection against low-pressure jets of water from all directions - limited ingress permitted.

IP655

 

Protection against low pressure jets of water from all directions - limited ingress

permitted

 

 

17- What is the difference between simplex and duplex multiplexers?  

Video multiplexers are designed to allow recording of several cameras onto one recorder.

Simplex

 

A simplex machine is best suited to applications where recording only is the priority. Simplex machines cannot display multi screen images (i.e. quad, 9 way and 16 way split) while in the record mode.

 

Duplex

 

If an operator is monitoring the system (i.e. security guard) then a duplex machine is more suitable. A duplex machine can provide screen splits and user selectable images without affecting what is recorded onto the recorder. Should you use two recorders, it becomes possible to record and playback simultaneously.

 

 

18- Which pan and tilt unit should I use?  

The choice is wide and varied dependent on the system requirements. You may require Top mount, Side mount, 230V AC or 24V DC to name just a few.

 

TOP MOUNT

 

Pro: Can fit two IR lamps on the side of the Pan/Tilt. These act as a counter balance enabling you to use a lighter duty Pan/Tilt head.

Pro: Compact size.

Con: Restricted tilt often -45 to 0 dependent on the housing fitted.

Con: Cannot be inverted.

SIDE MOUNT

 

Pro: Can be inverted.

Pro: Often cheaper.

Pro: Large tilt often +or- 180

Con: Difficult to mount IR lamps.

Con: Generally large size.

 

19- What type of illumination can I use with color cameras?  

Only lighting within the visible wavelength should be used with color cameras. Tungsten Halogen is often the recommended source of lighting.

 

20- Can I use I/R Lamps with color cameras?  

The answer to this is a definitive NO. Color cameras are typically fitted with an IR cut filter and will not allow IR light in excess of 700Nm to pass resulting in the camera performing poorly in these circumstances.

 

21- Do I have to use a Regulated Power Supply?  

In general the answer is yes. Most manufacturers will recommend the use of such power supplies as standard with their equipment. You should always consult the manufacturer’s specifications prior to the connection of any power supply.

 

22-What is the maximum distance I can run 12vdc when powering a camera?  

This is a commonly asked question and there is no simple answer. Some manufacturers may recommend that their cameras can be run over (X) distance with (Y) cable. This however should still be considered as a general guide. Cable conductor size and installation route must also be taken into consideration. If you are unsure, we would recommend that you contact Technical Support for guidance.

 

23-What is Digital CCTV?

Digital CCTV, or Digital Closed Circuit Television, is the technology used in modern surveillance systems. Traditional ,VCR, CCTV pictures are sent via cctv cameras to a closed area, e.g. a CCTV Monitor, this type of CCTV is likely to produce lower resolution images and have to be displayed via cabling in the workplace. Modern Digital CCTV Systems can be operated remotely via a pc or mobile phone, can monitor various locations and can be monitored from wherever there is internet or GPRS Access.

 

A History of CCTV Systems

The saving of CCTV footage has changed in the last 5 years. The industry move has been away from analogue to Digital CCTV Systems:

 

Analogue CCTV

In the past, all CCTV Cameras were attached to a Multiplexor (A device that will split multiple camera pictures onto an individual CCTV Monitor). The Multiplexor then sends the analogue camera images to a Time Lapse Video Player. These are special CCTV recording devices that can record up to 960 hours of footage on a three hour Video Cassette. This method is still used today for simple CCTV installations but the quality of recording is usually very low (1 Frame Per 12.8 Seconds).

 

Digital CCTV

Currently the majority of CCTV systems use Digital technology. Digital CCTV Surveillance uses current PC technology to digitize the CCTV camera images and compress them into a PC friendly format. These digital images can then be stored on a PC's Hard Disk Drive. As the digital cctv images are stored on computers Hard Drives it is possible to save digital cctv footages and access them speedily and easily. Digital CCTV also has the advantage over Analogue CCTV systems that the image is of a far higher resolution.

 

There are two types of Digital Surveillance Systems:

 

Digital Video Recorders

A Digital CCTV Video Recorders, (DVR), are stand-alone units that are capable of saving digital CCTV images to a PC. DVR look similar to a standard Video Cassette Recorders (VCR's).

 

CCTV Cameras are connected to the back of the unit via standard CCTV Camera connection referred to as BNC. By connecting a CCTV Monitor or standard Television to the DVR you are able to view your CCTV Cameras in different screen divisions (single camera, 2x2, 3x3 etc) and also playback footage at the touch of a button.

 

Some DVRs can have built in Motion Detection Technology. This means that digital footage is only recorded when someone or something walks in front of your CCTV Camera.

 

It is also possible with some DVRs to view your cameras remotely via an ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line).

 

PC Based Digital Video Surveillance Capture Cards

PC Based Digital CCTV Surveillance systems are a reasonably new technology in the CCTV Industry. This type of Digital CCTV system works in two stages. You then install the digital cctv surveillance card and software on to your PC. This Software (or program) will allow you to view your Digital CCTV Cameras, search through previously recorded footage, backup footage to CD/DVD, control PTZ Cameras either on the PC system or remotely and much more.

 

Cameras are attached to the back of the Geovision PCI Card using the standard BNC connection used in all CCTV Cameras.

 

Geovision Surveillance cards come in a variety of formats depending on 1) The amount of cameras required (2-16)

2) The Frame Rate per Second (FPS) Quality required (16 FPS - 400 FPS)

 

Frame Rate is important, as the higher the Frame Rate, the higher the quality of recording and the more Real Time your cctv recording will be.

 

Real Time Recording for 1 camera is 25 Frames Per Second (PAL). In order to capture 16 cameras in Real Time, you would need:

 

25 FPS x 16 Cameras = 400 Frames Per Second PCI Surveillance Card

 

How to choose a CCTV Camera?

Choosing the correct CCTV Camera for your digital surveillance system is very important. The Digital CCTV Camera, together with a CCTV Lens, uses a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor that captures the image and turns it into a signal that is sent to the monitor or surveillance system.

 

You will need to decide the following when choosing a cctv camera & lens for a digital cctv system:

 

 

The Digital Camera Location: Will the camera be situated Indoors / Outdoors

The amount or variance of light conditions for the digital cctv camera: Will the camera have to record in low-light conditions such as at night?

The Field of View required for the camera: How wide or narrow an angle of vision is required

The Focal Length - How far away objects you wish to record will be from the camera

Your budget

 

24- What is a ground loop?  

An AC current that can be produced in a cable. This is usually caused by parts of the system being fed from different electrical sources resulting in different earth potentials at each end. The result is interference on the signal, usually in the form of dark bands across the monitor and on occasion tearing in the top third of the image.

 

25- How can I eliminate ground loop faults? 

This can be achieved in a number of ways, the easiest of which is the installation of a Ground Loop Isolation Transformer. This is best installed at the monitor or recording end of the system.

 

26- What is the correct level for a video picture?  

The correct level is 1 volt peak to peak. This can only be accurately set either with an oscilloscope or with a video level meter.

 

27-Manual or Auto Iris Lens?  

The iris is the part of the lens that determines how much light falls upon the camera CCD sensor.

 

The Manual Iris 'MI' lens has this fixed at the time of installation. As the light levels change in the scene, the lens can do nothing to prevent either too little or too much light entering the camera. Virtually all cameras employ an Automatic Electronic Shutter 'AES' to compensate for these variations when fitted with an MI lens. However they are only able to cope with a relatively small change in light levels.

 

An MI lens should never be used in an external situation, as the camera will be unable to cope with large changes in light levels. Use an Auto Iris ‘AI’ lens in this case, or where large scene illumination changes take place.

 

The advent of new sensor technology such as PIXIM may result in a change to this situation in the future