Components of CCTV and Each of Its Functions

There are several types of CCTV that you can use, but the most commonly found on the market are two types, which are Analog CCTV and IP CCTV. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages.

The difference between the components of IP CCTV and Analog CCTV is the use of DVR on Analog CCTV and the use of NVR and Switches on IP CCTV. In addition, the analog CCTV cable used is a coaxial cable, while the IP CCTV cable used is the Cat6 or Cat5e type.

Analog CCTV is a type of CCTV that is simpler than IP CCTV. Analog CCTV is more suitable for small-scale surveillance purposes such as surveillance around the house or property that is not too large.

Analog CCTV Components

Analog CCTV requires several components such as an Analog Camera, DVR, Analog Monitor, network cable and coaxial cable. Here is the explanation:

  • Analog Camera

Analog cameras have a lower resolution than IP cameras with resolutions up to 8 megapixels. You can use an analog camera with up to 16 camera channels in one analog system depending on the type of DVR you are using.

  • DVR

DVR is short for Digital Video Recorder which functions as a component for storing recordings from analog cameras.

Currently, many DVRs are equipped with advanced features such as remote access when connected to a LAN or the Internet, equipped with software that can help you analyze videos, as well as a multiplexing feature that can display split screen recording simultaneously.

  • Analog Monitor

Just like a monitor in general, which functions to display the results of camera surveillance. It’s just that the analog monitor must have the same connector as the DVR using a coaxial cable.

  • Coaxial Cable

A type of copper cable covered with a metal shield that can block interference with the transmission signal. This cable has a transmission speed of up to 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps with a maximum length of 500 meters and can be connected to a maximum of 30 devices.

  • Network Cable

This is the cable used to connect the CCTV system to a LAN, so it is also called a LAN cable.

IP CCTV components

IP CCTV requires several components such as IP cameras, switches, NVRs, monitoring stations, and Cat6 or Cat5e type cables. Here is the explanation:

  • IP Camera

IP camera stands for Internet Protocol camera which does not require a DVR like Analog CCTV, but still requires an additional device called a switch.

Once connected to the switch, the digital signal will be stored in the NVR, which is also equipped with software that can help you analyze videos. Suppose finding a vehicle number plate which cannot be done on a CCTV analog device.

You can access the IP Camera if you are connected to the internet as well as download it with the help of the built-in software. The image resolution displayed by the IP camera is much higher than analog CCTV, which is up to 30 megapixels or more.

In addition, the IP camera is also more compact and less complicated than analog CCTV, it is even more compact if you use a wireless camera. However, wireless cameras are often disturbed by bad signals so that the image display becomes distorted.

  • Switch

A switch is a component that converts the camera signal into digital data which will then forward the data to the NVR and monitor.

  • NVR

NVR or Network Video Recording is a component used to store data and contains software that can help you analyze the recordings.

  • Cat Type Cable

Cat cable is a transmission medium used in IP CCTV systems that have data transmission capabilities of up to 100-1000 Mbit/s. This cable also has the advantage of having a low delay response time when transmitting data.

This cable has a high transmission speed and minimal interference due to the twisted cable structure inside and is isolated with a nylon spline to help eliminate crosstalk interference.

CCTV Installation Mistakes

Before installing CCTV, it’s good to know the mistakes that are often made when installing the following CCTV so that you can anticipate them:

  1. The results of the CCTV camera cannot be zoomed in because it results in resolution breaks. Therefore, use a high camera resolution if you need high clarity when analyzing video.
  2. Not putting the camera in the right position. For example, installing an indoor camera in an outdoor area exposed to water and bad weather can damage the device.
  3. Pay no attention to point of view. So that the captured image does not face the area that should be monitored.
  4. Poor cable management blocking CCTV signal.
  5. Using a DVR with too few sockets so you have to buy a new DVR when you want to add a camera.

Apart from the difference in components, there are several other things that you should consider before installing one of these CCTVs, starting from budget considerations, technical mastery, and the scale of surveillance needs that suit you.

For small-scale users such as homes or boarding houses, the use of analog CCTV will be more suitable due to cheaper installation and maintenance costs, easier installation, and smaller scale of supervision.

For a wider commercial scale such as office buildings, factories, farms, and wider properties, the use of IP CCTV will be more suitable. This is because IP CCTV can be used to cover a wider area and can be accessed remotely, and is equipped with software that can analyze videos with a higher resolution