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Wireless CCTV Glossary
Welcome to our glossary of key terms associated with the Wireless CCTV industry. Scroll down to learn the meaning behind the most frequently used terminology.
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1080p, also known as high-definition, HD, or full HD, refers to cameras with a display resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, (2.1 megapixels). Resulting in high-definition CCTV image quality, providing clear and detailed surveillance footage for effective security monitoring.
ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras capture and recognise vehicle number plates in real-time. The camera takes photos, then the software converts the images to alphanumerical characters, as well as date, time and GPS coordinates. This information is stored in a database for future reference.
Audio voice down is a key component of remote video monitoring systems. It enables video monitoring teams to communicate directly, or issue warnings to an intruder in real-time through loudspeakers.
Auto tracking in cameras function by detecting motion and identifying specific objects, which triggers the camera’s pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) features to automatically follow the moving object. Some PTZ cameras only move side to side, or up and down, while others have a zoom function to capture closer views.
A body worn camera (BWC), also known as body-worn video or body camera, is a wearable camera designed to capture both video and audio evidence.
Typically clipped to uniform at chest height, it allows footage to be captured from the wearer’s perspective, acting as an independent witness. Recorded footage is uploaded to a secure location to be used as evidence at court or other legal proceedings if required.
CCTV (closed-circuit television) is a television system where signals are not broadcast publicly, but instead are monitored privately, mainly for security and surveillance purposes. CCTV is used to deter crime, supply evidence to enforcement agencies and provide peace of mind about community safety to the public.
Rapid Deployment CCTV Towers are all-in-one temporary security solutions. They are stand-alone, moveable security units that combine PTZ cameras, video transmission, local onboard video storage and motion detection solutions.
They can operate independently of power and internet access allowing them to be deployed for temporary or targeted security at construction and demolition sites, vacant properties, traffic management projects, critical infrastructure and major events.
Cloud software manages, analyses and securely stores video surveillance footage online. This allows users to access and control their footage at anytime from anywhere with an internet connection.
Different types of cloud software:
Covert CCTV cameras are discreet recording devices used to capture footage without being identified, detected, or seen by the general public. The cameras are typically deployed where there is a need for discreet surveillance in a specific location. They are used to gather evidence to assist in the identification of criminal activity.
Motion detectors are typically used with CCTV systems to detect human intrusion, they can be used both internally and externally. Motion detectors use various technologies to sense movement such as passive infrared, microwave signals and radar to trigger instant alerts when motion is detected.
Remote monitored systems that are detector activated are particularly effective for large outdoor areas or exposed sites.
Evidence management software (EMS), is a digital platform used by law enforcement and security organisations to securely store, file, and manage digital evidence. This includes CCTV videos, photos, audio recordings, and documents. EMS simplifies the process of accessing and sharing evidence, while ensuring confidentiality, which is crucial for legal proceedings.
IP address stands for internet protocol address; it is an identifying number that is associated with a specific computer or computer network. This label essentially acts as a contact number in which a network device can be reached by other network devices for smooth integration.
An Infrared (IR) security camera captures thermal energy from its surroundings to produce images. It typically features IR lights around the lens, allowing the camera to see at night, so it can record and detect motion in complete darkness or low-light conditions.
Managed CCTV services encompass rapid deployment CCTV systems including CCTV equipment hire, installation, maintenance, remote video monitoring, technical support, diagnostics and reporting.
This service ensures complete protection and peace of mind for various site applications including construction, rail, utilities and town/city centres.
A pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera is a security camera that can pan horizontally, tilt vertically, and zoom in and out.
PTZ cameras are typically managed remotely via Video Management Software (VMS) such as WCCTV View.
WCCTV defines redeployable CCTV as follows: “A mobile surveillance system that incorporates live and recorded video, via an integrated motherboard within one portable housing.”
Key features of a redeployable CCTV camera include:
Video transmission via mobile networks
Remote access to live and recorded video
Integrated hard drive
Quick and easy installation
Fully portable
Remote video monitoring is a professional security service where CCTV systems are monitored by security professionals from an off-site location. This service operates 24/7, offering year-round peace of mind to the end-customer.
When an event is triggered, security professionals receive instant notifications, enabling them to review the footage, verify alarms and take appropriate action such as alerting police or on-site security personnel.
Subscription service that manages CCTV infrastructure, including data storage and security maintenance.
HDD, also known as a hard disk drive, is a type of data storage device that is used for recording surveillance video.
Surveillance drives save large amounts of security data from CCTV cameras. A HDD is a “non-volatile” storage drive, which means it can retain the stored data even when no power is supplied to the device.
A solid-state drive (SSD) is frequently used by video surveillance camera manufacturers to store and archive video footage. They are the preferred option compared to hard disk drives (HDDs) as they contain no moving parts and are less susceptible to failure or corruption.
Time lapse video is a technique that captures video or images at predefined intervals over days, weeks, months, or years. These snapshots are sped up to create time lapse videos, showcasing progress or development in a condensed and highly engaging format.
Thermal cameras, also referred to as thermal imaging cameras, generate images by detecting temperature variations between objects, vehicles, people and their surroundings.
These images may be displayed in black and white or in colour. Thermal cameras are effective in various lighting conditions including shadows, backlighting, and low light, as well as other challenging conditions such as dusty environments.
Video analytics is a software solution that can automatically analyse live or recorded video footage to detect a variety of predefined events or activities.
It is used to determine unauthorised intrusions or break-ins, enabling it to simultaneously trigger automatic alarms, alerts, and responses.
