How to Install a Digital CCTV System?

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A CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) is used to monitor or surveil an area. It is now easy for almost anyone to install an affordable, complete digital CCTV system that comes in a box, ready to go.

CCTVs come in various categories based on their way of transmitting signals. They are analog, digital, wired and unwired. Each of these have unique operating methods. All CCTVs come with generic components like camera and lens. Wired CCTVs use co-axial wires to transmit signals to a monitor; wireless CCTVs broadcast signals.

The signal can be received by your television set, PC, laptop or an internal website. Analog CCTVs use television monitors, since they are wired, while the digital / wireless CCTVs use broadcast technology to relay the signal directly to a computer monitor. Analog CCTVs use a VCR (video cassette recorder ) to record video capturing while digital CCTVs use DVRs (digital video recorder).

How to install a CCTV

Wireless systems might just need an electric outlet and related software installed on your computer whereas analog systems will need cables. You might need to drill holes into your wall to accommodate the analog systems connectivity path to your monitor. So be your own judge and decide if this is feasible.

After you have figured out, start of with the following:

• Decide whether you want to monitor the system via in the Internet. If so, ask your Internet provider for a static IP address. Your wireless-capable computer or a standalone digital video recorder (DVR) gives you recording capability if desired.
• Survey your area and determine how many cameras you'll need. Systems with 1 to 4 cameras are available at many electronic and home stores. Many one- or two-camera systems can expand to accept more cameras. Wireless cameras need an electrical outlet to work. If the outlet is easily accessible it may allow someone to unplug the camera and avoid being seen.
• Install the software on your computer if it is being used or turn on the DVR and allow it to boot up. Click on the setup menu and follow the instructions for that particular software. You'll need your static IP address and a user name and password to protect your security.
• Attach the first camera to a stable surface and plug it into a wall socket or extension cord. Point it in the coverage direction and turn it on. Have an assistant near the video display help you adjust the camera so that maximum coverage is available. Label the camera in the software with an easy-to-remember name such as "Swimming Pool" or "Garage Door."
• Continue to install the other cameras in the same fashion.
• Test the system after the installation is complete by bringing up a browser in an Internet-capable computer. Type the static IP address into the browser address bar. A login page should appear where you enter your user name and password. Once that is done you should be able to see the software, which allows you to choose which camera view to see and even to check what has been recorded.

A complete CCTV system includes the cameras, DVR and software. Alternatively, purchase the cameras and software and use your own wireless-capable computer as the DVR. The installation is identical, but the software will vary slightly for the setup.

Reference:
How to Install a Digital CCTV System By Jack Burton
Installation Instructions.pdf