In the last decade, the number of CCTV cameras in Australia has increased to almost 1 million. In Perth, for example, their system currently has over 600 cameras and is monitored 24/7. The footage is stored for 30 days on the hard drive. Many attribute the lower crime rate in the area because of this security feature.
Although CCTV technology has been available for decades, recent advancements have made it even more effective at catching criminals in the act and prosecuting them. Consider the many features of a surveillance system and how they operate.
SMS Security will cover everything you need to know about CCTV – what it is and how it works in this guide.
What is CCTV?
Closed-circuit television or CCTV is a security monitor system that allows you to keep a constant check on what’s going on in and around your property.
Monitors and cameras let you observe live events, as well as recorders that preserve the footage for later use are all included in CCTV security systems.
The most common application of CCTV is for security purposes. It is used to protect many businesses, schools, pubs, banks, restaurants, country clubs, and homes. While the security system may not be able to stop the bad guy, it can help prevent unlawful activity in the first place because it functions as a crime deterrent.
When CCTV initially appeared on the security scene, the primary feature was the live footage. The technology was turned into a recording device. You can use this approach to secure your premises in real-time while also reviewing archival footage.
CCTV Types and How They Work
Wired Security Camera
It works by transmitting video to a monitor system via a series of cables. When the transmission range exceeds 300 metres, the signal may become unstable.
However, the use of necessary signal boosters, networking connections, and switches help solve the long-range transmission problem. Multiple cameras are typically connected to a security room monitor system.
Digital (IP) Security Camera
It functions similarly to analogue security cameras. However, the IP camera has superior capabilities. For example, this security camera provides greater and sharper image resolution and more versatile functions like remote zoom and repositioning.
A web browser can also be used to monitor surveillance footage. You can receive real-time notifications of anything unusual caught on-site if your security camera is connected to a web browser.
You can view your IP security camera live straight from your smartphone or computer device if it records movement on your property. However, the expensive cost range of IP cameras at $60-$300 is a major disadvantage.
Analogue Security Camera
Now out of date, these were common decades ago and stored their feed on video cassettes. They offer only basic security features with videos saved on-site.
Does CCTV Work Without an Internet Connection?
The internet isn’t required for wireless security cameras. Rather, various security cameras may store their footage locally on micro-SD cards or hard drives, enabling it to be watched later. IP cameras don’t require the internet and may or may not have cellular or landline backup.
While the camera doesn’t need to be connected to the internet, it can be connected to expert monitoring teams that can respond when motion is detected whenever the camera is armed.
To summarise, not all wireless cameras require internet access, but the majority of them do, and it is recommended that cameras should be connected to the internet so that they may be viewed from anywhere.
How Long Do CCTV Cameras Keep Footage?
According to Australian Standard AS 4806.1, CCTV users must store their recorded footage for 31 days.
However, depending on the nature of the incident, this time frame may be modified. For example, instead of the standard 31 days, the retention duration for smaller low-risk properties could be reduced to 14 days.
A high-risk public place such as bars and shopping malls must keep the recording for at least 31 days if it captures significant footage of a major crime or event.
It could be useful to the police if they wish to check the video of the incident as well as the days before and after the incident.
Install CCTV on Your Property
Whether you want to prevent theft, monitor traffic, prevent vandalism or keep an eye on your employees, CCTV could be beneficial to your properties.
SMS Security has years of experience in the local business and can offer you the finest value and service of any security provider in Perth.
With professional security specialists on both residential and commercial security systems on duty with no call-out fee, we are ready to assist you. Contact us today.
