Digital CCTV

The benefits of digital CCTV are enormous. The advancements in DVR technology in relation to CCTV has come a long way and Digital CCTV offers a lot more flexibility and freedom compared to the older technology of video cassette recording.

Advantages include:

- The ability to look at what is being recorded at this moment, while the recorder continues to record.

- Excellent image quality
Digital systems provide better still images, clearer moving images, clearer copying of images, zoom, etc

- Increased recording times
DVDs provide longer recording times than video cassettes

- Reduced storage space for recordings
(DVD vs video cassette)

- Reduced installation space, easier installation
Digital CCTV systems take up less space and are easier to install. All the different components from a VCR type of CCTV system, such as a multiplexer, multiple signal inputs and parts of the video server can be streamlined into one small unit. This makes it much more convenient and easier to use than a VCR-based CCTV system.

- Possiblity for multiple security cameras
This is obviously of benefit to those who are looking to keep an eye on several locations at once, such as local police forces that have more than one location in a city to keep an eye on.

- Remote access
It is possible to set up your system for remote access at any time from any place.

- Hard drive
The advantage of having a hard drive available for storage is one of the most important advantages to a DVR based type of CCTV system. Having a hard drive to back up your recordings can make they system more reliable and it will be less likely that you will lose any information.

- Internal web server
Another excellent advantage to this type of system is the internal web server that comes with most DVR CCTV systems. These internal web servers are great back ups and can help you can keep better tabs on what you have, while saving space in the types of images you save. These also make it easier for you to make copies should the need arise and still not lose the quality of the original recording.

- Network capabilities
Something that should also be considered as an advantage to a DVR type of system is the fact that you can hook it up to a network, allowing you to view the images from anywhere at any time. This can also allow you to share the images with other people who may need to be informed of the situation that is captured on the screen. This can also allow more than one person to keep on eye on things. Which is a great plus for police forces that may have more than one person working the system. Having more than one set of eyes to keep an eye on things is definitely a plus when it comes to security.

- Motion triggered systems
Having a motion triggered system can also save you a lot of money and is easily available with a DVR type of system. A motion sensitive system can save power by not letting the recorder work until some type of motion triggers it. It can also help save money by saving space on the disc. This means spending less money on replacing the disc from overuse. Because there is less use from motion triggering type of systems, there is less chance of damage caused by constant use.

- Lighting options
There are also many options to choose from in DVR type technology for CCTV when it comes to lighting and lighting options. These also include options in the way the camera itself works, whether it is fixed or is able to move in many different directions, each kind offers it's own advantages and should be decided upon, based upon what use you are looking for. For example, if you are just looking to watch the flow of people walking by, a fixed camera will work fine for you. On the other hand, if you are using it for crime surveillance, you will probably want to consider a directional camera. Don't forget weatherproofing your camera and protecting it from dust and dirt, which can obscure your view.