 Commonly asked questions about CCTV. What does CCTV mean? CCTV is short for closed circuit television. CCTV systems use cameras and monitors to record or view activity in and around the property. This can be used for security purposes, to monitor traffic, or even to provide entertainment. How does CCTV work? Closed circuit television systems work by sending a signal from the cameras to the monitors. The signal can be either analog or digital, and the quality of the image will depend on the type of system you have. What are the benefits of CCTV? Security. It can deter crime and help to catch criminals in the act. Safety. Helps to monitor hazardous areas and ensure that people are safe. Surveillance. The cameras can be used to keep an eye on employees, customers, or students. Investigation. If a crime does occur, the footage can be reviewed to help identify the perpetrator. What are the drawbacks of CCTV? Privacy. Some people may feel that they are being watched all the time and this can be intrusive. Cost. CCTV systems can be expensive to install and maintain. Maintenance. If something goes wrong with the system, it can be difficult to fix. False sense of security. CCTV can give people a false sense of security, and may make them less likely to take other safety precautions. Are CCTV cameras legal in the UK? Yes, CCTV cameras are legal in the UK. However, there are certain regulations that must be followed, such as the Data Protection Act. This act ensures that people's privacy is respected, and that data is collected and used fairly. How long can the footage be stored for? There is no definitive answer to this question as it will depend on the type of system you have, and the regulations in your country. In the UK, most CCTV footage must be deleted after 31 days, unless it is needed for a specific purpose, such as investigating a crime. What are the different types of CCTV cameras? Analog cameras. These cameras use an analog signal to transmit the image. They are typically cheaper than digital cameras, but the quality of the image is not as good. Digital cameras. These cameras use a digital signal to transmit the image. The quality of the image is better than analog, but they can be more expensive. IP cameras. These are digital cameras that use an internet connection to transmit the image. This allows you to view the footage remotely. Wireless cameras. These cameras do not need to be connected to a power source or monitor, making them more versatile. However, they can be more expensive. What is an NVR? An NVR is a network video recorder. This is a type of CCTV system that uses an IP camera to record and store the footage. It can be used to view the footage remotely. What is a DVR? A DVR is a digital video recorder. This is a type of CCTV system that uses a digital camera to record and store the footage. It typically needs to be connected to a monitor in order to view the footage. For DVR vs NVR video, follow the link in description area. Are CCTV Signs Compulsory in the UK? Since the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation Act 2018. Anyone who wishes to use a CCTV system, is required by law to display signage, that is clearly visible and readable. The sign should also show details of the organization in control of the system, and data captured. For further assistance or a free survey, please email or call on the details below, and click like and subscribe if you have enjoyed this video.