CCTV Video Surveillance

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems are used to monitor and protect buildings, property, and possessions at all times, giving you peace of mind that your valuable assets are guarded and safe. They use cameras focused on a targeted area to transmit signals to a specific place. They can be set up to run continuously, be turned on and off by an operator, or be automatically triggered when something like movement is detected.

At Activo, we work with you to design the integrated video surveillance solution suited to your needs, whether you’re developing a new system or need to retrofit an existing one.

We provide both analog and IP CCTV cameras:

Analog surveillance cameras have a sensor to capture video images, which they the convert into a format that can be displayed on other viewing devices like a DVR or monitor. They have a high rate of compatibility with other devices and offer a greater variety of models. This makes them very convenient if you want to integrate the analog camera into an existing system of devices, or if you have a hybrid that bridges the gap between analog and IP based cameras.
IP cameras have their own distinct advantages. They offer increased flexibility and higher resolution (up to 7K) compared to analog cameras. When they capture images, that data is immediately digitized, which means no further conversions are needed. Since image quality typically decreases with each conversion or digitization or when the signal must travel too far, an IP surveillance camera will give you better images.

We offer a variety of storage solutions, including on-site commercial hard drives and off-site cloud storage. Different analytics tools and options also give you a better sense of what’s going on (motion detection, people counting, facial recognition, etc.) and help you to respond appropriately (detecting intruders, informing customers about promotions, prompting recording, etc.).

CCTV Video Surveillance Key Considerations

What level of resolution do I require from my surveillance camera?

In essence, the resolution tells you how much visual information your security camera will be able to capture. The higher the resolution, the more and better you’ll be able to see. You’ll also be able to do more with the images, zooming in without causing blur or distortion.

The reality is that, depending on how you’ll use it, not everyone needs the highest resolution surveillance camera. High resolution cameras can be costly, due both to the initial cost of the device as well as subsequent costs (hard drives and recorders that can handle the increased load). If you only need to survey a small area like an office or entranceway (versus a larger property), a lower resolution IP or analog camera might be suitable for you.

What type of camera will be best for me?

Resolution: This ranges from 420TVL on the low end to 7K on the high end. Higher resolution cameras are more suitable for monitoring larger areas in greater detail, while lower resolution cameras are better for smaller spaces.
Location: You need to determine how obvious you want your camera to be. Do you want it to act is a visible deterrent or remain hidden so no one knows it’s there?
How It Is Used: Some CCTV cameras will be capable of working when it’s light or dark, while others will be more specifically engineered for use under a specific set of circumstances.
Environmental Conditions: Some cameras will be designed to work outside, while others can only be used indoors. If you do plan to locate your camera in a building, make sure you take into account any risks that could affect it. Industrial manufacturing facilities, for example, might need to consider fire- or explosion-proof cameras.

What type of system will be best for me?

A hardwired system works by physically connecting sensors to the control panel, using a traditional landline to communicate with the outside world (like the monitoring station).
With a wireless system, the sensors are connected to the control panel wirelessly and the control panel to the outside world via a wireless or cellular connection.
Solar CCTV systems run on solar power, making them ideal in remote areas where it’s difficult to run wires or where electricity supply can be unpredictable.
A GSM (Cellular) CCTV system relies on a GSM modem to take and send videos or pictures.

What type and size of storage do I need?

This will depend on both the type of camera you have as well as your personal preferences. The most popular option for primary storage is an on-site hard drive, though it’s not uncommon to use an off-site source (like a public or private cloud) for back up.

In terms of size, the type of camera and the resolution it boasts will be the main determining factor here. The higher the resolution, the more storage you’ll need to handle the increased data it gathers.

How much bandwidth will I need?

This is tied primarily to the resolution of your camera. Like with storage, the higher the resolution, the more bandwidth you’ll need to capture and process the data.

What analytics requirements should I consider?

Analytics options can include:

Motion Detection
Intrusion Prevention
People Counting
Facial Recognition
Object Left Behind

In some situations (like high-profile security applications) you might need three to four of these analytics tools included with your CCTV system. For more low-key surveillance, you might only need one or you might not need any. This will vary depending on your needs.