HowToSurveillance Blog

Here’s a great widget to calculate the lens focal length for a standard CCTV security camera. Input the CCD size, target distance and desired field of view (width), then click calculate.

To download this free widget for your security related website visit:
CCTV Lens Calculator

You may be tempted to think that black & white (B&W) security cameras are extinct with all the great color cameras around us. However, you may want to reconsider that notion, as there are some distinct advantages that B&W CCTV cameras offer. Read this article to find out more:

Advantages of B&W Security Cameras

I’ve received many requests for an introductory text book on video surveillance and after alot of searching, I’ve finally found one! It’s called “Closed Circuit Television” by Joe Cieszynski. This text covers many different aspects of CCTV, such as signal transmission cables, how a security camera works, CCTV camera functionality, lenses, television video signal basics, video compression, video recording equipment, DVRs, networks, etc. etc. The book provides very detailed explanations with numerous diagrams and photos. The text is very thorough but well written and easy to read. I find myself referring back to this text often. It’s a must have for anyone entering the CCTV design and installation field or just wanting to learn about it. You can purchase it here from the HowToSurveillance bookstore:

http://astore.amazon.com/howtosurveillance-20/detail/0750681624

Security camera systems, also known as CCTV (closed circuit television) systems are being utilized by an increasing number of homeowners and small business owners concerned about crime and safety. Video surveillance can provide the homeowner with a knowledge of what that “strange noise” outside is, and the peace of mind in knowing who is on the property at 3:00 a.m. The basics of how to set up a basic security camera system are shown in the following How-To video:
Security Camera Set up

This video shows a PC based video recording system, however, there are many stand-alone DVR (digital video recorder) systems on the market today that can also be used to record surveillance footage.

CCTV Introductory Video – Looking for a good, basic introduction to video surveillance systems? This video provides a good overview of how a basic surveillance system works. This information could be very helpful to do-it-yourself homeowners and small business owners who want to know the basics of how a security camera system works. Just click the link below to watch the How-To video for free:
Introduction to Video Surveillance