1. Choosing a CCTV camera

It depends on the environment the camera is to be installed/used in. Indoor/Outdoor? Will the camera be used indoors or outdoors? Typically all outdoor cameras can also be used indoors, but not all indoor cameras can be used outdoors. Most cameras that are built with exterior metal casings are considered weatherproof. A camera that is classified as weatherproof is one that can withstand freezing temperatures, rain, and heat. The typical operating temperature of a weatherproof camera is 0 F to 120 F. Vandal-proof cameras are also usually considered weatherproof. If the camera will be installed in an area where it is a potential target to be damaged, a Vandal-proof (tamper resistant) camera will offer extra security to help prevent secure the premises against would-be trouble-makers. Infrared (or IR) Cameras typically have outer metal casings, and therefore most of them are considered weatherproof. Indoor cameras, when used in conjunction with an Outdoor Housing, can be used outdoors. Any type of camera with Infrared Illuminators cannot be used inside an Outdoor Housing because the IR LEDs will bounce off the housing’s glass window. For more extreme temperatures, it is usually advised to use an indoor Box camera in conjunction with an Outdoor Housing with a Heater. These enclosures will prevent the camera’s internal mechanisms to freeze or to overheat. Most plastic covered Dome Cameras are designed for indoor use only. On the other hand, the Dome Cameras that have metal casings can be used outdoors. Such casings are typically found in Vandal-proof and/or Infrared Dome Cameras

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CCD (Charge Coupled Device) refers to the sensor chip inside the camera that picks up light. The smaller the CCD chip, the narrower the angle of view. Therefore a larger 1/3 inch CCD will typically yield better picture quality than a smaller 1/4 inch CCD with the same resolution.

Some may argue that a Sony CCD will outperform a Sharp CCD, which justifies the higher price tag on the Sony CCD. However, when comparing the same camera, for example a 1/3 inch CCD 420 TV-Line 1Lux Dome Camera, the side-by-side benchmark test between a Sony CCD and Sharp CCD yielded results that were practically the exact same. The difference between the two CCDs is negligible to the naked eye. Similar results were derived when testing IR cameras, Bullet cameras, etc. Our conclusion is that there is NO PRACTICAL DIFFERENCE between Sony vs. Sharp CCD, and we are not going to pretend that there is, just so that we can sell you a more expensive camera. The Sharp CCD works just as well as the Sony CCD, all other factors remaining equal.

The main determinant of sharp picture quality is the number of TV Lines of resolution. The greater the number, the better the resolution. Beware of unscrupulous supplies though that mark up the resolution on their documentation. Typically the higher the resolution, the higher the cost.

Higher resolution cameras (480+TVL) should be used to capture critical data, such as cash registers, faces, safes, etc.. Lower resolution cameras are usually fine for general coverage, such as shopfloor, walkways, etc.

Specifications for surveillance cameras include a minimum illuminance level in LUX at which the camera will record a satisfactory image. A camera with good low-light capability will have a lower LUX rating. Still cameras do not use such a specification, since longer exposure times can generally be used to make pictures at very low illuminance levels, as opposed to the case in video cameras where a maximum exposure time is generally set by the frame rate.

To give you an idea of various LUX levels in real world, look at the chart and you will see which LUX level would suit your particular application / environment.

Lux Level Chart

2. Choosing a TV wall bracket

VESA is a set of standards for the manufacturing of flat screen televisions and PC monitors. Most manufacturers comply with this standard by adhering to an industry wide “hole pattern” on the back of their displays for mounting purposes.

There are 4 mounting holes on the back of your TV (see below). The distance between these mounting holes determine the VESA compatibility of your TV.

Look for the 4 mounting holes on the back of television (see picture below). Measure the distance between them both horizontally and vertically (in mm). This is your VESA Standard.

A VESA hole pattern is measured in both horizontal and vertical distance between mounting holes. For example: VESA 200 means your TV mounting holes are 200mm apart horizontally and 200mm apart vertically. VESA 200x100 means your TV mounting holes are 200mm apart horizontally and 100mm apart vertically.

Most user manuals indicate the exact VESA standard necessary for mounting. Some just state that VESA mounts are supported. If this is the case, simply purchase a wall mount within the TV size guidelines of your TV. The vast majority of TVs are VESA compliant, there are some models that are not - if your TV is not VESA compliant you can use a UNIVERSAL type mounting bracket.

Remember that if you need any more guidance, you can call us and we will be happy to help you.