There are a number of accessories that are required to build yourself, or business a CCTV network for added security. But there are also a number of accessories that are optional but improve the quality of the picture, or the storage of footage, as well as making things a little less messy (ie. Wireless networking).
Time and date generator
A time and date generator can imprint the time and date of events as they unfold onto the CCTV image. This is useful in case of emergencies because you have an exact moment when the events unfolded, which can be useful if the police are involved. Not all security systems come with this as standard and can be added after the systems is installed and working via a small box connected to the network. They usually come with a back up battery so that even with loss of power the time and date will still be recorded.
Modular TV Aerial
For home use, this addition to the CCTV network will allow images to be received by your home television. It connects to the standard (coaxial) input via the VCR or television and doesn’t require the use of a scart socket because it converts the scart signal into an aerial signal. This would be useful for people without scart enabled tv’s or those that use all of the scart sockets available.
In addition to this you can also get a four way camera switcher, which allows up to four cameras to be viewed on your tv (although this particular item does require a scart socket to function). You can choose from the options available such as manual or automatic camera selection. It also comes equipped with the ability to work with motion detection cameras and will automatically switch to a camera that has been triggered by motion. There is also an optional alarm output trigger to sound an alert if motion is detected.
Wireless IP Cameras
Wireless IP Cameras allow video to be viewed over a network, and even the internet, which means you can check on the cameras at your property from anywhere in the world as long as you have access to a computer and the internet. IP cameras are rapidly growing in popularity due to their ease of installation, flexibility, and low cost of ownership. Furthermore IP cameras offer functionality not available in analogue cameras. This includes:
• Integrated video buffers that record pre and post alarm images (often eliminating the need for local Digital Video Recorders)
• Bi directional audio, including intercom functions, acoustic alarms and audio alarm verification
• Integrated Passive infra red detectors and / or digital video motion detection with ‘double knock’ to help eliminate false alarms
• Megapixel resolution that is higher quality than the best analogue video available
• Integrated scheduling of alarm setting, video access and video recording of activity
• Privacy Buttons to prevent unauthorised remote viewing
• Low cost pan tilt functionality
• Seamless integration of CCTV and existing and new Intruder Alarm systems across IP infrastructure