What Is CCTV?

By: Nahshon Roberts

CCTV stands for closed circuit television. It is a system where the circuit is closed and all the elements are linked. This is different from broadcast T.V. where tuners pick up the signals from the airwaves. For purposes of this article, linked means connected by wiring, microwave, infrared, etc.

What's It Used For?

The most obvious and common use for CCTV is for security. This type of installation is used in a variety of locations such as stores, banks, and government buildings. However, there are so many other uses. It can be used for monitoring traffic. It is used in sports stadiums to focus on the audience. It can be hidden in trains and buses to detect vandalism. It can be used to monitor animals in a zoo. It can even be used to reproduce infrared vision. The applications are almost limitless.

What's In It?

It all starts with the camera. This creates the picture that is transmitted to the control area. Most CCTV cameras are not fitted with lenses. They must be obtained separately and screwed on. There is a standard screw thread although there are different mounts. Not all lenses have focus adjustment. Most have iris adjustment. Some wide angle lenses do not have a focus ring. There is a BNC jack for connecting the video cable. In the case of line powered cameras, this coaxial cable also provides power. The monitor is what receives the signal that the camera creates. A CCTV monitor is similar to a television set but it does not have tuning circuits.

Simple CCTV systems consist of a camera connected to a monitor with coaxial cable. This cable also carries the power needed for the camera. This is called a line powered camera. The Pye Observation System was such a system and was popular during the early days of CCTV. It was affordable and could be set up with a minimum of difficulty. The next big step in the technology was allowing for four cameras to be connected to the monitor simultaneously. The view could be programmed to cycle through the available cameras or go to a particular camera chosen by the user.

Record For Posterity

Another big advance was when footage could be recorded and stored. The footage would be played back according to the viewing cycle the user chose. Once the footage is recorded, it cannot be changed to go to a different camera. The next step would be cameras that were able move and swivel. Simple platforms that move on a horizontal plane are called scanners. If a platform moves on both vertical and horizontal units it is called a pan, tilt unit.

The concept of CCTV is simple enough to understand. It is the application of such technology that still holds many undiscovered gems. Such a simple concept can be tapped for its limitless potential. And for the end user, it can serve as a great tool to accomplish many different things. In the end, that is the most important thing.

Beginning Photography Tips, Buying A Digital Camera

By: Mick Legg

The different variety of cameras that are in use these days, range from the normal manual camera, to the automatic camera and to the digital camera. And the best place to find all of these is in the range of Canon digital camera models which are available on the market today. .

Canon is constantly updating its products and you have a wide range of styles and features available when you go in for a Canon digital camera. These features can be found in many different digital cameras like that of the Canon Digital SD550, the Canon Digital PowerShot S2, and others of its ilk.

The features to be found on the different canon digital cameras can range from a larger than average LCD display, to stereo sound recording, to low image noise resolution and others. To see what the various features are for the different camera models you might have to compare them as you go when you shop around.

For instance you will find that the Canon digital camera PowerShot S2 has a 5 Mega pixel CCD, and a new Night Display which allows your LCD and EVH to become brighter in low light. You will also find movie options in this Canon digital camera like mic level, and a wind filter which you will not find on the earlier models.

With the Canon digital camera SD500 features like a continuous shooting mode can be found, as well as a redeye reduction option which has been designed into the camera via a built-in illuminator. This Canon digital camera also has a 1.8 low temperature LCD, a Flash Exposure Lock function to help you in your photography.

Some of the features to be found in these more expensive Canon digital cameras can also be found in the less expensive digital compact cameras. This diversity in features and models is also reflected in the price of the many Canon Digital cameras as they can start from about $100 and go upwards.

The actual price of the cameras should be looked into at the time you are thinking of buying your camera, as the prices will be subject to fluctuation and advances in technology.

When you’re looking at the range of Canon digital cameras besides finding out what are the various functions and features you might also want to find out what accessories are part of the camera, and which ones you’ll have to buy separately.

These accessories for the Canon digital cameras include things like a telephoto lens, a wide angle lens, a battery charger or kit, an A/C power adaptor, external flash, and a carrying case amongst other things.

As you can see from the number of options available to you, buying a camera isn’t what it used to be fifty years ago, there are a number of things that you will want to look into first before buying your camera. But with the Canon digital camera range the world can be at your fingertips as you can choose the perfect camera to suit you.

Surveillance Cameras And These Dangerous Times

By: Nahshon Roberts

You have reasons to be afraid, really afraid. Terrorists and criminals are real. They're ready to pounce where you think you are safe. The proliferation of surveillance cameras in public places is proof of this.

Terrorists and Criminals

Terrorists and petty criminals are getting more and more ruthless every second. They won't let anybody pass. They can and they will harm anybody. Standing your guard is always a must. You can never be too careful.

There are times when going out is inevitable, you have to go out to work, school, or to run errands and staying safe and out of harm's way isn't an option anymore. You can't always rely on surveillance cameras and the police because they aren't always there to help. You should know what to do in case you have an encounter with the bad kind.

Criminals aren't choosy in selecting their victim; they will harm the ones who look vulnerable. Don't count on anybody else and don't count on coming across surveillance cameras on the streets. As they say, it's every man for himself, out on the streets that is. Some people will be scared to help.

There are various ways on how you can protect yourself aside from carrying pepper spray or hiring a big-muscled bodyguard. There are various means of self-defense and there are a lot of places you can learn them. Aside from learning how to kick-butt, you also have to know what to do or what precautions to take in case something disastrous happens.

When You're On Your Own

These tips will help you stay on the safe side and stay alive:

* Be discreet in making your bank transactions (ATM's, withdrawals etc.) especially on the 1st and 15th of the month.

* Avoid wearing excessive jewelry.

* Walk confidently. Never show that you are tense and afraid that something might happen (because in one way or another, someone will sense your fear).

* Be cautious of approaching strangers.

* Avoid carrying too much stuff; you have to have a hand free in case someone tries to assault you.

* Try waiting for public transport in places where there are a lot of people, police or surveillance cameras.

* Always walk on the lighted part of the streets; some sidewalks aren't equipped with streetlights.

* When you're driving, drive with your car doors locked.

* Vary your driving habits and routes. You wouldn't want anybody to be stalking you.

* Always check the backseat of your car before entering.

* Have your emergency numbers on speed dial.

There are other ways to stay safe. When you sense that something bad is about to happen or you feel that somebody is tailing you, trust your instincts. Hurry to a crowded place or places with police, guards or surveillance cameras.

Though you can't always depend on others, surveillance cameras or anything that help you when it counts most; it's important to have emergency numbers on the ready - police, a friend, or your parents. Never take chances when it's your life on the line. Terrorists and criminals show no mercy when they strike, but will think twice before harming you if they know help is coming fast.