Whether you are a homeowner wanting to check on your residence or are in charge of a nationwide business franchise, a tailored system will be designed and installed to address your needs. We proudly offer most major brands including Honeywell Sony GE Panasonic Samsung and Napco.
We have been providing security services and monitoring since 1984 and our nearly 30 years of experience in the field of video security with thousands of installations can not only benefit you by providing the details required for proper camera system installation but also helping you choose the correct surveillance system components. Most often particular attention is crucial in selecting the system that suits your needs.
We have provided the following technical information so that you can see why security cameras installation is crucial to a proper surveillance system and why you should select a professional installation company.
For example we offer typical small business packages starting at $1499.00 for a complete 4 Day / Night Vision system complete with notification and digital recording and professional CCTV installation!
And it includes LIVE REMOTE VIEWING from virtually any mobile smart phone or computer!
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Here are some of the examples and weaknesses in poor installation, selection of security cameras systems in the past: glance through it and see why you should choose us to install your security cameras.
CCTV SECURITY CAMERAS VCR BASED COMMONLY USED:
•
COMMON FEATURES OF A SECURITY CCTV VCR:- UP TO 30 DAYS RECORDING WITH "STANDARD" VHS TAPE
- TIME / DATE STAMPED ON RECORDED VIDEO
- TIMER RECORDING OPERATION
- AUTOMATIC HEAD CLEANING
- RECORD CHECK
-
GOOD FEATURES TO LOOK FOR:- TEXT OUTPUT
- AUDIO RECORD IN TIME LAPSE
- CAMERA ALARM INPUT
- CAMERA ALARM SEARCH
- CAMERA ALARM PRIORITY
MULTIPLE SECURITY CAMERA INPUTS
SELECTABLE SECURITY CAMERA MANUALLY OR VIA ALARM INPUT
Video Cassette Recorders Types
• TIME LAPSE VCR
The Time Lapse VCR has allowed the CCTV SECURITY industry to use "standard" 2 hour VCR tape, and extend the operation to longer time recording. Typical Time Lapse recorders offer 2, 12, 24, 48, 72, 120, 24( 360, 480, 600, and 720 hours of recording using the standard 2 hour tape).
The Time Lapse VCR is available in standard resolution (240TVL Color/350TVL B&W) and high resolution (400TVL Color and
B&W).Normal security camera recording - 2 Hours
- Sometimes referred as "real time"
- The VCR records each field of information that the camera produces, or 60 fields per second. To do this the VCR has at least two video record/playback heads. The tape is moved across the heads and the information is recorded.
Time Lapse Recording
- In the Time Lapse mode of operation, the VCR will record only a some of the camera's video fields.
During this operation the recorder records less pictures per second, and the tape only advances when recording, allowing longer tape speeds. Refer to the following chart:
Tape Record Speed
2 12 24 48 72 120 168 360 480 600 -741P
Pictures Per Second - Security Cameras
60 10 5 2.5 1.7 1 .71 .3 .25 .2 .17
- Most Time Lapse VCR's have the ability to start recording, and change record speeds with the alarm function. Commonly a simple contact closure is required.
- Some Time Lapse recorders also have the ability to record audio in the 2, 12, and 24 hour modes.
EVENT ALARM VCR
The Event Alarm Recorder combines features of time lapse and real time recording in a economically priced alarm recorder.
- Typically the Event Recorder can operate as a Time Lapse Recorder up to the 24 Hour mode.
- The Event Alarm Recorder will record immediately upon receipt of an alarm.
In the event alarm mode the tape is always loaded up to the record head, ready to receive alarms from security cameras and record. The Time Lapse Recorder could take up to 3 seconds to start recording.
This lost record time is crucial in surveillance cameras.
- Similar to the Time Lapse Recorder, the Event Alarm can record audio in the 2, 12, and 24 hours modes.
TROUBLESHOOTING
VCR RECORDINGS OF SECURITY CAMERAS PLAYBACK - Video Quality
SYMPTOMS:
During Playback of recorded tape:
Horizontal white (noise) line rolling through monitor screen.
Snowy Picture.
No Color.
During Recording and/or Monitor (Passive) Operations:
Picture is o.k. - No Problems.
PROBLEM:
1. VCR Record System Out of Alignment.
2. Bad Video Tape.
3. Dirty or Defective Video Head.
4. Bad Video Output Circuitry.
REQUIRED ACTION: These steps should be preformed by qualified
Service Personnel.
1. Clean Video Head.
2. Play a pre-recorded (known good) tape.
3. Playback is clean - No Problem.
Replace the recording tape with a new tape.Record and replay.
If o.k., TEST COMPLETE
If defect remains GO TO STEP 3
b. Playback continues to display problem (s).
GO TO STEP 3
3. Replace Video Head
a. Playback is clean - No Problem.
TEST COMPLETE
b. Playback continues to display problem(s).
Check Video Head Amplifier Circuitry
Check Drive Belts/Tape Mechanism
Repair/Replace Defective security camera system components.
V C R MAINTENANCE
ROUTINE SCHEDULE:
VISUAL OBSERVATION
Since the primary aim of the CCTV VCR is to record and playback video images from selected security cameras, the quality of these images is vital. One of the first indications of recorder problems is video noise, commonly seen as Little or dots across the screen during
playback. Excessive noise that can not be removed using the tracking control is an indication that the video heads require cleaning. We recommends that the VCR heads be cleaned every 30 days of continuous usage with a liquid head cleaner using a chamois applicator.TAPE LIFE
Compared to standard VCR's, the Time Lapse VCR, while in time-lapse operation, runs at slower speeds. These slower tape speeds cause greater wear on the video cassette tape. The following charts shows recommended maximum tape passes (start recording/rewind/start recording):
Record Speed Complete Tape Passes
02, 12, 24, 48, 72 50
120, 168, 240 50
360, 480, 600 10
720 5
00 2
MECHANICAL COMPONENT LIFE
As with the
VCR tape, the tape mechanism, experiences greater stress than the "standard" security camera system VCR mechanism. A tape head meter is common to all CCTV VCR's. This meter records the total hours that the tape mechanical assembly has been in service. The tape head meter is used to determine when preventive maintenance is required. The following schedule shows suggested maintenance times:Security Cameras - VCR HEAD METER HOURS SUGGESTED MAINTENANCE and INSTALLATION
3500 INSPECT - Replace if Worn
Belts
Drive Mechanism
Capstan Rollers
Video Heads
10000
REPLACEVideo Head
Capstan Motor
Clutch Assembly
Pressure Roller
Belts
FF/ Rew Idler
Head Meter
Rotate upper cylinder while holding chamois swab against head. Chamois Swab
VCR HEAD CLEANING PROCEDURE
Tools requires for cleaning:
Head cleaning kit -Chamois Swab, Cleaning Fluid
Coat the chamois swab with the cleaning fluid. Touch the swab to the video head, and gently Turn the upper cylinder to the right until the video head is clean. DO NOT move the swab vertically (up and down). Make sure that only the chamois swab comes in contact with the head, avoiding contact with the stick. This will avoid damaging the video head. Thoroughly dry the head prior to running a tape. Any cleaning fluid remaining on the video head could damage the tape.
• SECURITY SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM - CCTV TERMS
AGC:
Automatic Gain Control; a circuit that is designed to control the gain of amplifiers within a security camera to maintain a desired output with a varying input.
Airro BEAM: A circuit within a camera that compensates for tube aging, by adjusting the amount of beam current- flowing to maintain a discharged tube.
AUTO BLACK: The ability of a camera to maintain a reference point that is considered to be the blackest from security camera generated portion of the viewed scene.
ASPECT Ratio: The ratio of width to height of CCTV picture, commonly 4:3. the difference between The upper and the lower
BANDWIDTH: The # of cycles per second detailing security camera system operation frequencies. typically, the higher the operation bandwidth, the greater the resolution. Typically set at a level which is 270-300mv
Black t Level: The darkest portion off the video signal from the installed security cameras above the sync level.
BLoomiwo: The overflow of high white signals, appearing as a defocused blur on the monitor screen.
C-Mount • The standard of CCTV for mounting and installation of security cameras system lenses, The C-Mount is a threaded mount consisting of a 1 inch diameter barrel with 32 threads per inch.
CCIR: An abbreviation for Consultative Committee for International Radio. A group that worked to setup the operational requirements for European Radio and Television Standards.
CCTV: An abbreviation for Closed Circuit television, •which is a system that transmits a television signals from the security cameras over a closed ( broadcast) system.
CCD: An abbreviation for Charged Coupled Device. This solid state device is used to transfer light images into electronic information which, in a camera, is used to reproduce the image from surveillance cameras into a video signal.
COAX: The cable used to transfer the composite video signal from the camera to the monitor. This coaxial cable consists of a conductor surrounded by a shield, and isolated from the shield.
COMPOSITE VIDEO SIGNAL: The signal used to transmit picture information from the cameras to the security monitor. This signal is a combination (or composite) of video information, pedestal levels, and synchronization signals.
db: An abbreviation of DECIBEL. A term used to measure the power, or voltage ratios of two signals.
EIA: An abbreviation for Electronic Industry Association, which setup criteria and standards for commercial broadcast television equipment.
FIBER OPTICS: The term used for optical fiber, or glass fibers used to transmit light from point to point. Used in CCTV to transmit camera signals over greater distances, and through high Magnetic, or electrically interfering areas.
FIELD: One half of a complete video image. The U.S. standard for television consists of a Scan rate of 60 fields per second. Two fields are required to produce a complete image, or frame.
Rep OF VIEW: The maximum viewed image achieved by a security camera lens, referred to as an angle of view.
Focal LENGTH:
The measurement Line lens that corresponds to the distance from the imager focal point to the principal point of the lens.Foc At. Pow: The location on an imager where the camera lens focuses.
Foor CANDLE: A unit of measurement used to describe the amount of light being distributed onto a surface. Typically used to describe a source of light.
Fool-lam:tem A unit of measurement used to describe the amount of light reflected from a surface viewed by the surveillance system.
FRAME: A complete picture generated by a security camera / monitor system. The frame consists of two field of information, each being produced at a rate of 60 - 5 fields per second.
F-Stop: A term used to describe the speed of aens, or it's ability to pass light through its camera lensing and 'onto the imager. It is determined by dividing the focal length of the camera lens by the diameter.
GAMMA: A term used to describe the amount of contrast in a picture generated from a camera.
Gamma correction within a camera allows the security camera/monitor system to reproduce accurate contrast levels equal to the viewed scene.
GENLOCK: The
term used to describe the ability of a security camera to lock it's internal synchronization to an external source.GRAY SCALE: A visual chart showing bars varying from white to black, going through steps of gray, commonly in 10 stages.
IMAGE BURN: The term used to describe the result, of excessive light upon a security camera imager's surface. This will appear as an image which persists on the monitor screen after the camera's viewed image has changed. Image bums can be present on both camera image devices and monitor screens.
INTERLACE: Interlace refers to the scanning method used by the two fields that produce the sin le frame of information. Field one Cans the odd, line s, and field two scans the even. Two types of interlacing are commonly used in Cc system cameras, random, and z to 1. K axiom interlacing has a random, and not a defined starting point for the scan line. 2 to 1 interlace has a defined Starting scan point, and will offer a more stable picture.
IRIS: A mechanism within the lens that controls the amount of light that will pass through the security camera lens.
ISIT: An abbreviation for Intensified Silicon Intensified Target. Image pickup tube used for extremely low light security camera installation applications. A SIT tube with an additional intensifier stage coupled to it to increasei ts's sensitivity.
LAG: The presentation of a blurred image typically from a high white object, due to the inability of a pickup device to remove the electrical charge from its surface at the scanning rate.
LOOP THROUGH: The term used to describe the no terminating of a video signal from the installed security cameras A loop through device will allow the signal to pass through unto another device, where it will eventually be terminated. Commonly, loop through devices will provide 2 connection points for the coax cable, and otter a means to terminate (75 ohms) or loop through
MICROWAVE: A transmission medium which uses transmitter and receivers and transmits security video / communication signals through space, with no connection between their transmitter & receiver. A line of sight is required for this medium.
Monitor: A device used to reproduce a visual image from a composite video signal.
MULTIPLEXER: A term used for a device that can combine multiple video signals from the installed security cameras onto a single monitor, transmission medium, or recorder.
N D FILTER: NEUTRAL Density filter, an optical filter
used to evenly reduce the intensity of light.
NTSC: An abbreviation for National Television Standard Committee. The committee that established the standards for the U.S. television industry.
PAL: An abbreviation for Phase Alternating Line. A European standard for color systems where the color reference signal is alternated in phase from one line to the next to minimize color hue errors that could occur in color signal transmission.
PAN AND TILT SECURITY CAMERAS: A device that allows camera movement in both the left/right (pan) and the up/down (tilt) directions.
PEDESTAL: A portion of the composite video security signal That refers to the voltage distance between the upper portion of the sync signal and the blackest portion of the video, also referred to as the black level.
PIXEL: A segment of a imaging device used to convert light- information into an electronic charge, equal to the amount of light striking the segment.
RASTER: The area of a image tube that is scanned by the electron beam.
RASTER BURN: The area of a image tube where due to repetitive scanning has caused a visible outline to form on the tube.
Resolution: The ability of a CCTV system to distinguish and reproduce fine detail in a viewed scene.
SCANNING: The action of moving an electron beam across the imager or display tube.
SENSITIVITY: A term used to describe the required light level needed to produce a desired signal.
SIGNAL TO NOISE: The ratio of the video level to the amount of noise produced during the security camera installation in the signal.
SIT: An abbreviation for Silicon Intensified Target. A imager designed for low light applications. A silicon target imager with a intensifier coupled to it.
SYNC; An abbreviation for Synchronization, reference to the signals produced by the camera, and used by the security camera monitor to accurately reproduce the viewed image onto the monitors screen.
TARGET: The surface of a image tube which collects the light information from the security camer and is scanned by the electron beam, to produce a signal corresponding to the light level.
TERMINATION: The term used to describe the end of line requirements for CCTV cable runs. In CCTV the terrmination is 75 ohms, which corresponds to the characteristic impedance of the coax.
TRANSFER SMEAR: The visual appearance of a white line, typically from the top to the bottom of the screen, due to the inability of a image device (security camera) to handle excessive light.
WHITE CUPPER/LIMITER: The circuit within a surveillance camera that limits the amplitude of white signals.
CCTV INSTALLATION RULES OF THUMB
WIRING
--AC and Coax—Maintain a 1 foot "open air" separation for every 100 volts of AC.
—For optimum coax operation ALWAYS specify a pure copper center conductor with a 95% shield copper braid.
—Total DC resistance for a coax run, from camera to monitor, should not exceed 15 ohms.
--NEVER run high voltage wiring with low voltage wiring, or coax.
—With Pan/Tilt applications, allow enough wire (service loop) to permit full pan and tilt movement. Always use coax with a stranded center conductor.
—ALWAYS terminate the video signal into a 75 ohm load. The security camera system monitor will have provisions to do this. DO NOT double terminate.
SECURITY CAMERA LENSES
--When using a "standard" format lens, for every foot away from the camera, the Horizontal field of view will be approx. equal to 1/2 that distance. ("standard" format lens = 1/3" -8mm, 1/2" -12mm, 2/3 -16mm)
—When using a "standard wide angle" format lens, for every foot away from the security camera, the horizontal field of view will be approx. equal to that distance. ( "standard wide angle" = 1/3" -4mm, 1/2" -6mm, 2/3" -8mm)
—SECURITY CAMERAS INSTALLERS SHOULD ALWAYS focus with the iris in a fully open position to assure correct focusing
day and night. During the daytime, use a filter to "trick" the auto iris into opening.
—Use proper back focusing procedures.
PROFESSIONAL CCTV INSTALLATION RULES OF THUMB ADDITIONAL RULES
—Always position and install the security camera / lens as forward as possible inside a housing to eliminate/reduce reflections.
—ALWAYS use phase adjustable line-lock cameras in multi-camera systems installation.
When coupled into a switcher, the phase adjustment feature will provide roll-free switching.
AVOID the installation of 12VDC cameras in multi-camera security systems, as they do not provide the phase adjustment feature.
—When using Video Motion Detection, REMEMBER: if you can't see it , you can't detect it.
Use and install the correct security camera /lens for the desired viewing area.
—The use of tinted domes will reduce the available light by a factor of 1 f-stop.
This is equivalent to dividing the available light by 2
—The use of mirrored domes will reduce the available light by a factor of 2 f-stops.
This is equivalent to dividing the available light through the surveillance camera lens by 4.7
• Common Security Camera Installation Problems
Improper Coaxial Cable Selection or Installation:
Characteristic complaints:
Poor video
Noisy Picture
Rolling picture
Corrective Actions:
Measure DC resistance of cable with a short across one end.
Resistance should be 15 Ohms or less.
Cable may be too long or not right kind. See recommended cables.
Check for incorrectly installed BNC connectors.
improper Video Termination:
Characteristic Complaints:
Excessive contrast, blooming, ghosting - Failure to properly terminate.
Weak, noisy video, ghosting - Double termination
Corrective Actions:
Ensure that each Video run terminates in a single 75 ohm
termination.
Ground Loops:
Characteristic Complaints:
Horizontal Hum Bar across screen. Distorted video, 'bent pole' effect.
Corrective Action:
Look for AC voltage between the outside shell of BNC connector on video cable and chassis of video equipment. Any AC voltage in excess of a few tenths of a Volt may be a problem. Will usually require installation of a ground loop corrector in the video line.
Other Common Surveillance Camera Installation Problems
Failure to properly Back focus:
Characteristic complaints: Picture focus is fine during daylight but poor focus at night. In extreme situations daylight focus may be poor also.
Corrective Actions:
Perform Back focus procedure as recommended in installation instructions. Lens should be wide open to obtain best possible
back focus. A neutral density fitter is recommended for best results but procedure may be performed under low light conditions.
Important issue is that lens aperture should be fully open.
Incorrect Lens Type ('' vs.*CSN):
Characteristic Complaint:
Complete inability to focus,' No picture'.
Corrective Action:
Check for CS type lens mounted on C mount camera or vice versa.
A key clue is that the camera will produce a sync pulse even though no apparent video is present. Lower the 'blanking bar' on the security camera system monitor. A black bar is present if the camera is producing an output.
To install a C-Mount lens on a CS-Mount camera use a 5 MM adapter ring (available as accessory).
If camera accept both C and CS mount lenses, ensure that he focus adjust cam is in the correct position.
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