Security Surveillance Cameras: Understanding the Jargon

Selecting the right home security camera is can be confusing enough without having to wade through the terms and determine what the abbreviations and names actually mean. If you are researching a security camera and are frustrated with the huge variety of terms that are unknown to the average user, here is a list of the most common terms you will need to know to get started.

Security Camera Systems: General term for the package of devices sold by security companies. They are usually a better value than purchasing the items separately and will include many options. It will typically include a security camera, cables, software, processor, power adaptor, monitor, VCR or DVR, and some come with a warrantee. More deluxe systems often include other accessories.

Dome Security Cameras: Ideal for use in building entrances, stores, and shopping malls; basically, anywhere you want a attractive camera that is designed to blend into its environment. More appealing than common security cameras, a Dome Camera provides increased surveillance capability because it is inconspicuous.

'PTZ' Controllable Cameras: 'PTZ' is an acronym for 'Pan, Tilt, Zoom'. These are cameras which are designed to be controlled by remote or through a DVR. They can move up and down as well as right and left and zoom in or out. You have all the control you need for these cameras which provide excellent surveillance and security.

Bullet Security Cameras: A special type of small, sleek camera that is excellent for both indoor and outdoor use. Sealed and totally protected in cylinders, they are water tight and totally weatherproof. Mountable on ceilings or walls, they provide sharp, detailed video images while maintaining a low profile and an unobtrusive presence.

Mini, Board and Covert Cameras: Mini cameras are tiny cameras that come with wireless options and can be used for increased, quiet security. Board cameras are tiny mini cameras set in small, flat housing, and are also very useful for situations requiring more security and extremely low visibility. Covert cameras are for use when a high level of security and a totally unobtrusive camera are needed.

Pro Security Cameras: Professional security cameras are useful for every purpose. They can be mounted on ceiling brackets, on walls, indoors and outdoors. As a professional line of surveillance cameras, they are usually high resolution with clear, sharp detail and image quality. They are available in black and white or color versions, with SONY being one of the better brands.

Infrared Security Cameras: Designed for optimum security and especially increased protection at night. They are excellent cameras for extremely low or non-lighted areas using heat sensors to detect objects in total darkness.

DVR: This is a Digital Video Recorder and refers to a component of a Security Camera System. You use a DVR to record video from your cameras on a hard disk drive which can then be viewed at a later time. The systems will often come with standard features like motion sensors, time and date stamping, and remote internet monitoring capabilities.

Motion Detection: Many security surveillance cameras and DVRs are designed with motion sensors to track movement securely.

Date and Time Stamping: The DVR records the date and time of an event or recording.

Remote Internet Monitoring: Using a camera like a Network IP Camera to record information gives the ability to see that information live in real time from another location.

Network IP Camera: A type of camera that connects to the internet or a computer network via an IP address. The feed can be viewed remotely from different locations.

DVR Card: Digital Recorder Card. Provides digital video recording functionality so that you can save video files from your security-surveillance system on your PC.

Camera Housing: The outer shell of a security camera that serves as weatherproofing and protection for the camera.

Quad Processor: Four processors in one.

Multiplexer: Takes several separate digital data streams and combines them into a single data stream of a higher data rate. A multiplexer makes it easier to include the data from several security cameras into one information stream making a quicker and more effective method of processing information.

Multiple Output Power Adaptor: Enables multiple outputs and is very helpful for a system that requires a large amount of power.