CCTV Installation lighting

CCTV Intallation: Understanding the light spectrum

Rainbows show all colours humans can see. Violet/blue are short wavelengths of around 400nm (nanometres: billionths of a metre) progressing across the rainbow spectrum to red at around 700nm.We are most sensitive to green light; less so to blue and red. The standard graph of this is the ‘photopic curve’.This is built into light meters (measuring ‘lux’) so figures are meaningful when we’re designing environments for human eyes.For instance, sunny days may be 30,000lx, dropping to 500lx in an office, and only 5lx street lighting.Incidentally, because IR is beyond human visibility your lux meter is, by definition, completely insensitive to it. Be aware that sellers of “zero lux” CCTV might deliver nothing more than a camera which is simply IR-sensitive, like many others, not the best option for a CCTV installation.Cameras’ sensors respond to a wider range of wavelength than our eyes. Much sensitivity is in the infrared region.However, for realistic colour video this IR needs to be suppressed so an IR-cut filter is put over the chip.Consequently, colour cameras and IR lamps are not designed for use together. Nonetheless, when a ‘day/night camera’ switches to monochrome it physically shifts this IR filter so natural IR sensitivity is fully utilised at night.

CCTV installation requires that consideration is given to the lighting, other wise it can render the CCTV installation useless

So why is poor lighting so commonplace in CCTV installation and CCTV systems?CCTV pictures all begin when light or infrared (IR) hits the camera’s sensor. IR is the same as light but its longer wavelength is outside our eyes’ range so we call it invisible. Cameras, however, generally can see both. Let’s begin with the eye-friendly visible stuff.

Ensure that your CCTV installation takes image clarity into account.

For best image clarity our lighting should enable the camera to maximise contrast. Black should appear…well…black. White should be as bright as possible. That means plenty of light on the scene, but how much is plenty?

Night time surveillance lamps, an important aspect of your CCTV installation

At night the colour’s we perceive can be greatly influenced by colour’s emitted by our light source. Compared with perfect daylight, tungsten/halogen lamps give excellent ‘colour rendition’ but running costs can be high.‘White light’ approximations from metal halide, fluorescent and LED lamps are good and more energy efficient.‘Orange white’ from high-pressure sodium lamps is commonplace but colour rendition is worse.Cameras tend to have AWB (auto white balance) active but this doesn’t correct poor colour rendition.Low-pressure sodium lamps are very efficient and commonplace but emit only one colour, yellow, so distinguishing colours is impossible.The same is true of infra-red light which is used with cameras in monochrome mode. Beware, a target reported wearing dark jacket and light trousers under IR light might under visible light appear the opposite – light jacket and dark trousers – because materials reflect wavelengths differently.Wavelengths focus differently, too. IR-corrected lenses are designed to minimise any out-of-focus effects when switching from visible daytime to IR night time illumination. Especially when using non-corrected lenses make sure focus is adjusted with iris fully open (minimum depth of focus) under IR light.When under daylight the iris shrinks and the increased DoF should reduce effects of focus shift.‘Non-covert’ tungsten-based IR lamps (deep red glow around 750nm) need less correction than ‘semi-covert’ lamps (dim orange glow around 830nm) and, again, less than ‘covert’ lamps (nearly invisible glow of 950nm).Cameras’ sensitivity to IR drops as wavelengths increase so more IR light is needed (in watts/m2 rather than lux) to produce your image.Field trials are strongly recommended for your cctv installation, rather than relying on a manufacturer’s vague estimates surrounding IR performance.

LED lighting Considerations for your CCTV installation

LEDs will, doubtless, continue to advance the world of CCTV lighting, both visible and infrared. For instance, flood lamps are improving in output, and some dome cameras now carry lights rather than rely on separately mounted arrays of static lamps.Lighting design has for a long time been a dark art, literally and figuratively.Often CCTV lighting isn’t so much badly designed as not designed at all, relying on what is already in place. I hope a light bulb has just come on above your head signalling some new ideas and important considerations for your CCTV installation.

Why JT Security Recommend You Install CCTV

 

Police Investigators

For CCTV systems to be effective in detecting and investigating crime they must be fit for purpose and easily accessible by police investigators. For digital CCTV there are 4 main areas that must be considered:

• Quality CCTV Cameras – are the pictures good enough? (with all our Cameras: YES)
• CCTV Recorder – are the pictures stored appropriately? (with all our Recorders: YES)
• Exporting data – can the pictures be easily exported from the system? (with all our Recorders: YES)
• Playback – can the pictures be easily viewed by authorised third parties? (with all our Recorders: YES)

Cameras Work! 
Statistics point to major reductions in the amount of crime being committed where there are cameras are installed. An article in ‘New Scientist’ magazine showed that simply installing a system can reduce crime, in the areas covered, by over 95%. As our customers inform us that they are having similar results in all types of business, you will begin to appreciate why CCTV is seen by many as the best system for deterrent and detection. Choosing the equipment can be the biggest part of the process, however to make it easy, the main components you need are the cameras, a Digital Video Recorder and in some cases, a Monitor. The camera is the most visible element of the CCTV equipment, and the thing that is likely to deter any intruders. Cameras can be placed inside or outside the home, and for Internal Cameras you can also get Covert CCTV Cameras which can be disguised as an Alarm PIR or hidden in other objects such Smoke Detectors. External cameras are tested to be waterproof and vandal proof to ensure that they cannot be damaged. Numerous cameras can be placed around the property, but the most popular spots to guard of the external of the property would be any doorways, easy access points and any dark corners. You may also chose a PTZ camerathat allows pan tilt and zoom options which allows you to move the camera using a Joystick Controller and to zoom in on any subjects.

Benefits of CCTV
CCTV Security System technology can be used with both Internal Cameras or External Cameras to watch over and protect people, property, vehicles and valuables. CCTV equipment can provide instant alerts when trouble occurs, ensuring that crime against people, theft and vandalism are all substantially reduced. And when crime does occur,CCTV recordings can provide valuable evidence, improving the likelihood of a conviction.

Covert & Discreet Cameras 
We can supply and install Covert CCTV Cameras hidden inside a variety of everyday appliances and inconspicuous housings. Take a look at how they can improve the effectiveness of your security installations! Hidden cameras are virtually undetectable yet provide high quality picture even through a pinhole. Hidden cameras provide security without creating an oppressive environment. They actually detect crime whereas visible cameras tend to deter crime. Being such an effective solution for eliminating office theft, shoplifting, stock shrinkage and burglary CCTV is now commonplace in most environments with a vast array of equipment available. As a professional installation company, we can provide the best solution to meet your requirements and budget.

What Digital CCTV Recording can do for you
Technology to take your CCTV recordings to a new dimension.

• Instant image retrieval
• Record what you need when you need it
• View your pictures anywhere in the world
• No tapes!
• Quality and Security

Digital recording provides high quality images far in advance of standard video tapes. Images may be easily copied or emailed without degradation. Authentication software ensures images are tamperproof.

Standalone Digital Recorder 
Standalone Digital Recorders offer a simple upgrade for your current system retaining VCR style controls for easy use. Proper Maintenance Metropolitan Police Service Commissioner Sir John Stevens told a recent press conference: “CCTV is a powerful weapon in preventing and detecting crime – just look how it helped us catch the nail bomber in a matter of days. But without proper maintenance, clean lenses and decent tapes it’s a bit like looking at things through a snowstorm.” Whether you are protecting your business or your home against robbery and theft, If you use CCTV to protect your premises you should check your system. There are a few simple rules to ensure that CCTV is not rendered useless: Change tapes daily* Use them no more than 12 times* Keep tapes for at least a month (Check with your Data Protection Policy)* Use good quality tapes and check them by playing them on a different machine* Ensure that the picture is clear Check that the time and date displays are correct Check that the picture is covering the right area Make sure there is enough light for the camera to give a proper picture

www.cctvsuppliersuk.co.uk

Why Install CCTV

Police Investigators
For CCTV systems to be effective in detecting and investigating crime they must be fit for purpose and easily accessible by police investigators. For digital CCTV there are 4 main areas that must be considered:

• Quality CCTV Cameras – are the pictures good enough? (with all our Cameras: YES)
• CCTV Recorder – are the pictures stored appropriately? (with all our Recorders: YES)
• Exporting data – can the pictures be easily exported from the system? (with all our Recorders: YES)
• Playback – can the pictures be easily viewed by authorised third parties? (with all our Recorders: YES)

Cameras Work! 
Statistics point to major reductions in the amount of crime being committed where there are cameras are installed. An article in ‘New Scientist’ magazine showed that simply installing a system can reduce crime, in the areas covered, by over 95%. As our customers inform us that they are having similar results in all types of business, you will begin to appreciate why CCTV is seen by many as the best system for deterrent and detection. Choosing the equipment can be the biggest part of the process, however to make it easy, the main components you need are the cameras, a Digital Video Recorder and in some cases, a Monitor. The camera is the most visible element of the CCTV equipment, and the thing that is likely to deter any intruders. Cameras can be placed inside or outside the home, and for Internal Cameras you can also get Covert CCTV Cameras which can be disguised as an Alarm PIR or hidden in other objects such Smoke Detectors. External cameras are tested to be waterproof and vandal proof to ensure that they cannot be damaged. Numerous cameras can be placed around the property, but the most popular spots to guard of the external of the property would be any doorways, easy access points and any dark corners. You may also chose a PTZ camera that allows pan tilt and zoom options which allows you to move the camera using a Joystick Controller and to zoom in on any subjects.

Benefits of CCTV
CCTV Security System technology can be used with both Internal Cameras or External Cameras to watch over and protect people, property, vehicles and valuables. CCTV equipment can provide instant alerts when trouble occurs, ensuring that crime against people, theft and vandalism are all substantially reduced. And when crime does occur, CCTV recordings can provide valuable evidence, improving the likelihood of a conviction.

Covert & Discreet Cameras 
We can supply and install Covert CCTV Cameras hidden inside a variety of everyday appliances and inconspicuous housings. Take a look at how they can improve the effectiveness of your security installations! Hidden cameras are virtually undetectable yet provide high quality picture even through a pinhole. Hidden cameras provide security without creating an oppressive environment. They actually detect crime whereas visible cameras tend to deter crime. Being such an effective solution for eliminating office theft, shoplifting, stock shrinkage and burglary CCTV is now commonplace in most environments with a vast array of equipment available. As a professional installation company, we can provide the best solution to meet your requirements and budget.

What Digital CCTV Recording can do for you
Technology to take your CCTV recordings to a new dimension.

• Instant image retrieval
• Record what you need when you need it
• View your pictures anywhere in the world
• No tapes!
• Quality and Security

Digital recording provides high quality images far in advance of standard video tapes. Images may be easily copied or emailed without degradation. Authentication software ensures images are tamperproof.

Standalone Digital Recorder 
Standalone Digital Recorders offer a simple upgrade for your current system retaining VCR style controls for easy use. Proper Maintenance Metropolitan Police Service Commissioner Sir John Stevens told a recent press conference: “CCTV is a powerful weapon in preventing and detecting crime – just look how it helped us catch the nail bomber in a matter of days. But without proper maintenance, clean lenses and decent tapes it’s a bit like looking at things through a snowstorm.” Whether you are protecting your business or your home against robbery and theft, If you use CCTV to protect your premises you should check your system. There are a few simple rules to ensure that CCTV is not rendered useless: Change tapes daily* Use them no more than 12 times* Keep tapes for at least a month (Check with your Data Protection Policy)* Use good quality tapes and check them by playing them on a different machine* Ensure that the picture is clear Check that the time and date displays are correct Check that the picture is covering the right area Make sure there is enough light for the camera to give a proper picture

650 TVL vs 1200 TVL footage comparison

The excellent capabilities of CCTV cameras with WDR (wide dynamic range)

Cameras with wide dynamic range capability are commonly used in surveillance cameras, video systems, and some medical applications. In surveillance, WDR is intended to provide clear images even under backlighting, where the intensity of illumination varies a lot—namely when there are very bright and very dark areas simultaneously in the camera's field of view. WDR allows an imaging system to correct for the intense back light surrounding a subject and thus enhances the ability to distinguish features and shapes on the subject. WDR cameras are usually recommended for situations where light enters a premise from various angles such as a multi-window room. A camera placed on the inside of the room will be able to see through the intense sunlight or artificial light coming in. If an indoor security camera is pointed towards a window or an entrance door, you will see the background washed out during daytime. This is a common occurrence in restaurants and stores with large glass windows.

On our Website www.cctvsuppliersuk.co.uk we supply many types of CCTV cameras with Fantastic low capability. Some of our cameras come with WDR (wide dynamic range) this enables you to gain so much more from CCTV with only adjusting settings.

How CCTV works

Wireless home CCTV systems

Images can be transmitted using analogue or digital technology. Wireless systems can suffer from interference from devices such as routers, cordless phones and microwaves, and can be blocked by heavy masonry or metal objects.

Outdoor home CCTV cameras

If you’re using CCTV cameras outside, make sure they’re weatherproof – an IP (International Protection) rating of 66 is recommended. Wireless cameras are available, but you’ll still have to run a cable to a power source. Position cameras where they can’t be tampered with but can be accessed for maintenance and cleaning.

Indoor home CCTV cameras

Indoor CCTV cameras come in three types: wired, wireless and powerline networked (these plug into your electrical sockets and transmit images to a storage device). Wireless cameras are not recommended inside the home unless the signal can be encrypted, as anyone within range and using a suitable receiver would be able to view the images.

Storing CCTV images

Most home systems use a PC hard drive or standalone digital video recorder (DVR). The main advantage of PC-connected systems is that they often come with software to view the images. Some DVR-based systems have this facility. Make sure that your system allows you to store images in a widely used format, such as Mpeg – otherwise there may be problems if images need to be downloaded and viewed on other systems, such as those used by the police.

Remote access

Some home CCTV systems let you check images over the internet using a PC or smart phone. Other options include email or text notifications when cameras are activated.

Night vision

Monochrome (black and white) CCTV cameras tend to be the most effective in low light, particularly when used with integral infrared illumination – a feature found on some cameras. It’s possible to use CCTV cameras that will film in colour during the day and switch to monochrome when it gets dark.

Home CCTV cameras with motion detection

Some CCTV cameras have a sensor that turns them on when they detect movement. This can be handy if you want to reduce the amount of footage you’re storing.

CCTV footage resolution

High-quality images are needed if CCTV footage is to be used as evidence in court. However, for the best detail a high resolution is required, and this can take up a lot of storage space. The minimum recommended resolution is 352x288 pixels. Also ensure that the date and time used to ‘tag’ images is set accurately.

CCTV and Privacy laws

If you’re thinking of getting a home CCTV system for the outside of your property, you must comply with privacy laws. This means making sure that your cameras aren’t pointed at public space or other people’s houses or gardens. 

It’s a good idea to discuss any CCTV plans with your neighbours first – some people told us that they share a system with their neighbours, which might be one way to cut down on costs.

CCTV is just one line of defence against crime, and works best when combined with other measures, such as door and window locks, keeping trees and foliage cut back, security lights and a burglar alarm.