Extreme Security |
www.2SeeYou.com |
1.213.500.3456
|
Southern
California
Cities We
Service
Orange
County
Aliso Viejo,
Anaheim,
Anaheim Hills,
Atwood,
Brea,
Buena Park,
Capistrano Beach,
Corona Del Mar,
Costa Mesa,
Cypress,
Dana Point,
East Irvine,
El Toro,
Foothill Ranch,
Fountain Valley,
Fullerton,
Garden Grove,
Huntington Beach,
Irvine,
La Habra,
Ladera Ranch,
Laguna Beach,
Laguna Hills,
Laguna Niguel,
Lake Forest,
Los Alamitos,
Midway City,
Mission Viejo,
Newport Beach,
Newport Coast,
Orange,
Placentia,
Rancho Santa Margarita,
San Clemente,
San Juan Capistrano,
Santa Ana,
Seal Beach,
Silverado,
Stanton,
Sunset Beach,
Surfside,
Trabuco Canyon,
Tustin,
Villa Park,
Westminster,
Yorba Linda,
Los
Angeles
County
Alhambra,
Arcadia,
Artesia,
Azusa,
Baldwin Park,
Bell,
Bell Gardens,
Bellflower,
Cerritos,
City of Industry,
Claremont,
Compton,
Covina,
Culver City,
Diamond Bar,
Downey,
Duarte,
El Monte,
Glendora,
Hacienda Heights,
Hawaiian Gardens,
Huntington Park,
La Mirada,
La Puente,
La Verne,
Lakewood,
Long Beach,
Los Angeles,
Monrovia,
Montebello,
Monterey Park,
Norwalk,
Paramount,
Pasadena,
Pico Rivera,
Rosemead,
Rowland Heights,
Santa Fe Springs,
San
Dimas,
San Gabriel,
San Marino,
Signal Hill,
South gate,
South Pasadena,
Temple City,
Walnut,
West Covina,
Whittier,
Riverside
County
Corona,
Norco,
Riverside,
San
Bernardino
County
Claremont,
Crafton,
Chino,
Chino Hills,
Colton,
Fontana,
Grand Terrace,
Highland,
Loma Linda,
Montclair,
Ontario,
Rancho Cucamonga,
Redlands,
Rialto,
San Bernardino,
Upland,
Yucaipa,
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Glossary of Security Terms
(More Info)
Security
Term
|
Definition
|
AC adaptor
|
Also called a power supply.
All CCTV devices needs power
of some sort. Each device
has its own power
requirements (usually 12
volts with a minimum
amperage). The power coming
out of the wall (in the
US) is 110 to 120 AC. The
adaptor converts the AC
power to DC power and will
adjust it to a specified
amperage. The power supply
should be included with each
item - you usually don't
have to buy these
separately.
|
alarm input
|
An input connection to a
security VCR or DVR that
triggers the unit to start
recording if the alarm is
triggered.
security
cameras
|
analog
|
There are two main ways of
doing things electronically,
analog or digital. An analog
signal can be represented as
a series of sine waves. The
term originated because the
modulation of the carrier
wave is analogous to the
fluctuations of the human
voice or other sound that is
being transmitted.
|
analog system
|
Most
cameras used in cctv
applications are analog.
Security VCRs, switchers,
multiplexers and quads also
are analog devices. Any cctv
system that consists of
analog devices are
considered analog systems.
Compare to 'digital
systems'.
|
angle of view
|
For
security cameras, this
refers to the angular range
in degrees that you can
focus the
camera
on without
distorting the image. When
focusing close up, you can
generally see a wide angle
of view. If the focus is
distant, the angle of view
is smaller or narrower.
security
cameras
|
aperture
|
The opening of a lens which
controls the amount of light
let into the
camera. The
size of the aperture is
controlled by the iris
adjustment. By increasing
the f stop number (f1.4,
f1.8, f2.8, etc.) less light
is permitted to pass into
the
camera.
|
armor dome
camera
|
These
cameras are designed
to resist vandalism by using
a hi-impact reinforced
polycarbonate dome casing.
security
cameras
|
audio
|
Most
cameras capture 'video'
only (what you can see) -
some come with audio too
(sound). You can add a
microphone to a security
system to capture audio if
needed. To record the sound,
your recording device needs
to support audio (must have
at least one audio input).
security
cameras
|
auto electronic shutter
|
The ability of the
camera
to
compensate for moderate
light changes in indoor
applications without the use
of auto iris lenses.
|
auto iris control
|
A lens in which the aperture
automatically opens or
closes to maintain proper
light levels on the
faceplate of the
camera
pickup device.
|
auto gain control
|
An electronic circuit used
by which the gain of a
signal is automatically
adjusted as a function of
its input or other specified
parameter.
|
auto white balance
|
A feature on color
cameras
that constantly monitors the
light and adjusts its color
to maintain white areas.
security
cameras
|
back light compensation
|
A feature on newer CCD
cameras which electronically
compensates for high
background lighting to give
detail which would normally
be silhouetted.
|
bullet
camera
|
A type of
camera
with a
bullet like shape. Can be
used inside or out. Some
come with infrared lighting.
security
cameras
|
c-mount
camera
|
C-Mount
cameras are designed
to accommodate custom
lenses. The lenses can be
removed and replaced.
|
cable
|
The wiring used to connect
electronic devices. Cables
transmit different kinds of
signals such as video,
power, data, and audio
signals. Refer to plug and
play cable and RG59 siamese
cable for more information.
|
ccd
|
Stands for "charge-coupled
device". First invented in
the 1970s, this technology
uses a shift register
combined with photodiodes to
create the modern day
imaging device. Used in
cameras, scanners, fax
machines, etc.
|
cctv
|
Closed-circuit television.
|
compression
|
Refers to taking an incoming
signal or image, which can
be analog or digital, and
compressing the data so it
can be stored or transmitted
faster and using less
resources. There are many
different algorithms and
techniques that are used to
compress data.
|
covert
|
A covert application refers
to a situation where you
don't want the person to
know that they are being
watched or recorded. Also
known as 'hidden'
cameras.
|
day / night
camera
|
"Day/Night
Cameras" are
regular
cameras with an
especially sensitive CCD
chip that allows a good
image to be captured in very
low ambient lighting
(regular lighting - not
infrared). Do not confuse
these
cameras with "Night
Vision" cameras which is
another name for infrared
cameras.
|
digital
|
There are two main ways of
doing things electronically,
analog or digital. The
digital method is to
consider a circuit either on
or off. A digital voltage or
signal refers to the
discrete nature of digital
voltage potentials in
digital circuits. TTL
(Bipolar
Transistor-Transistor Logic)
defines 0.0 Volts as a logic
0 or low, and 5.0 Volts as a
logic 1 or high; These are
single values for clarity -
there are actually ranges of
voltage potentials around
0.0V and 5.0V which are
recognized as low and high
logic levels, respectively.
|
digital system
|
CCTV systems are just lately
coming into the digital age.
Most security
cameras are
still analog. There are some
digital cameras available
but they are extremely
expensive. Where digital
technology is really making
ground in CCTV is with
digital video recorders (or DVRs). Any CCTV system that
includes a DVR is considered
a digital system.
|
digital video recorder (dvr)
|
A
digital video recorder is
basically a computer that
converts the incoming
(analog) signal from the
cameras to digital, and
compresses it, and stores
it. The DVR replaces the
function of a multiplexer
(or quad or switcher) and a
security VCR. There are many
advantages of
digital video
recorders over their analog
counterparts.
|
dome
camera
|
A type of
camera
with a dome
like shape. Usually used
inside only. Some come with
infrared lighting and some
are designed to be
tamper-proof.
security camera
|
duplex
|
A duplex device can transmit
data into and out of the
electronic device at the
same time. For example, a
full duplex
digital video
recorder can continue
capturing and recording
images even while a
different image is being
displayed.
|
frames per second (fps)
|
In digital video
applications, refers to the
number of video images that
can be captured, displayed,
or recorded in a second.
Also referred to as the
'frame rate' or 'refresh
rate'.
security camera
|
housing
|
Special covering or
container to protect a
camera
from extreme
temperatures or weather
conditions.
|
infrared
|
The region of the
electromagnetic spectrum
bounded by the
long-wavelength extreme of
the visible spectrum
(approximately 0.7 m) and
the shortest microwaves
(approximately 0.1 mm).
|
infrared
camera
|
Infrared cameras (aka night
vision
cameras) have special
infrared lights installed
around the perimeter of the
camera
lens. This provides
special light that the
camera
uses to capture a
good picture even in total
darkness.
|
iris
|
The iris (on some lenses)
controls how much light is
let into the
camera
lens.
|
jpeg (or jpg)
|
Pronounced "jay-peg" and
stands for "Joint
Photographic Experts Group"
who designed the standard.
This is a standard way of
compressing images which
works particularly well for
photographic images (as
opposed to graphic art).
|
lens
|
The lens of the
camera
determines the angle of view
and the focus of the
captured image. There are
many different lens options.
|
low light
|
Refers to very dim lighting,
even 'normal' darkness.
Complete darkness is 0 lux.
Infrared
cameras work well
in very low light
conditions.
security
cameras
|
lux
|
Refers to the amount of
light required for a
camera
to capture a good image.
Infrared
cameras have very
low lux.
|
micro
camera
|
Very small
cameras designed
to work in covert
applications where you don't
want people to know that the
camera is there. Also called
'hidden
cameras'.
|
monitor
|
Security monitors are used
to display the images from
your
cameras (or captured on
your recording device).
There are two basic kinds
used today in CCTV
applications. Analog or
composite video monitors are
used to display images in
analog systems. They are
just like a TV screen
without the TV receiver.
These are the monitors we
have for sale on our site.
Digital or VGA monitors
(just like on your computer)
are used with digital
devices like the
Digital
Video Recorders. We don't
include the monitor with our
digital video recorders
because you can pick one up
more affordably at your
local computer store (and
not have to pay the shipping
cost for such a heavy item).
|
motion detection
|
Refers to the feature in
some VCRs and DVRs to only
record video if something in
the image moves or changes.
Therefore you don't have to
look through hours of taped
video looking for something
to happen. It also saves a
lot of space on the tape or
hard drive.
security
cameras
|
mounting bracket
|
Various different kinds of
mounting brackets are used
to install
cameras to the
wall or ceiling.
security
cameras
|
mpeg (or mpg)
|
Pronounced "em-peg" and
stands for "Motion Picture
Experts Group" who designed
the standard. This is a
standard way of compressing
audio and video files. (It's
also the technology behind
the now world-famous MP3
music files.)
|
multiplexer
|
A device that can accept a
number of
camera
inputs and
almost simultaneously
display them on a single
monitor and/or record them.
Multiplexers can also be
used to transmit multiple
cameras over the same
transmission medium.
|
outdoor
camera
|
Outdoor
cameras come in
special weatherproof
housings that allow them to
stand up well in tough
weather and temperature
conditions.
|
pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ)
cameras
|
PTZ
cameras allow you to
adjust the position ('pan'
is side-to-side, 'tilt' is
up-and-down) and focus
('zoom') of the
camera
using
a remote controller. Due to
this added functionality,
these
cameras tend to cost
much more than non-PTZ
cameras
|
pin-hole
camera
|
Pin-hole
cameras have a very
small lens that can see
through a small hole. These
types of
cameras are used in
covert applications. A
disadvantage of pin-hole
cameras is that they require
more lighting than normal
cameras to capture a good
clear picture.
|
plug and play cable
|
A cable that makes wiring
cameras easy. Each
camera
needs to have a power wire
and video wire (and
sometimes an audio wire
too), plus the connectors at
the end of the wire to plug
it in. The plug and play
cables have all three wires
built into one cable with
the connectors already
attached. The only
disadvantage of plug and
play cable is that the
signal tends to degrade if
run distances. For DVRs -
plug and play cables can be
run reliably up to 100 ft.
For analog systems - plug
and play cable can be run up
to 400 ft. If you need to
run longer distances then
you need to use the RG59
siamese cable.
|
power supply
|
Also called an AC adaptor.
All cctv devices needs power
of some sort. Each device
has its own power
requirements (usually 12
volts with a minimum
amperage). The power coming
out of the wall (in the
US) is 110 to 120 AC. The
power supply converts the AC
power to DC power and will
adjust it to a specified
amperage. The power supply
should be included with each
item - you don't have to buy
these separately.
|
quad
|
An analog device used to
display 4
cameras
simultaneously on a single
monitor.
|
RG59 Siamese cable
|
This type of cable combines
the power wire with the
video wire. You have to add
your own connectors to each
end of the cable. Use this
type of cable when you need
to run distances longer than
100 ft with a digital
system, or more than 400 ft.
with an analog system (see
the plug and play cable
above). The RG59 Siamese
cable can be run reliably up
to 1000 ft.
|
real-time recording
|
In digital video
applications, 30 frames per
second per camera (see
above) looks just like
real-time. There is no
hesitation or jerkiness in
the video.
security
cameras
|
remote surveillance
|
The ability to view your
cameras from a remote
location. Information is
transmitted via phone line
or internet.
security
cameras
|
resolution
|
Refers to how much detail
can be captured on a
camera
or displayed on a monitor.
cameras typically capture
about 380 horizontal lines
of resolution. High
resolution
cameras may
capture 450 lines of
resolution or more. The
higher the resolution, the
more detail that can be
captured in a picture. The
monitors and recording
devices can generally handle
at least as much resolution
as the
cameras can capture.
|
Smart Search
|
This is a feature of our
digital video recorders that
allows you to search for
changes in a particular area
of an image over time. For
example, if a wallet was
stolen off of a table, you
could go to a point on the
video where the wallet is
there, draw a virtual box
around that area, then
search the video recording
for changes to that
particular area. This would
allow you to locate the
exact point on the video
where the wallet was
removed.
security
cameras
|
s/n ration
|
signal to noise ratio; this
number represents how much
signal noise the
camera
can
tolerate and still provide a
good picture. The higher the
number the better.
security
cameras
|
switch
|
A switch will take multiple
camera
inputs and will show
them on the monitor one at a
time. Unlike a quad it will
not display them all at
once, instead it sequences
through them showing one
camera
at a time. It will
also allow you to select a
particular
camera
to view.
|
time-lapse VCR
|
A VCR that can be set to
slow down its recording rate
in order to extend the
length of time that can be
recorded on a standard tape
up to as much as 960 hours.
This is possible by
recording one frame at time
at set time intervals. Most
units have an alarm input
signal so it can be
automatically switched to
real time mode in case of an
alarm.
security
cameras
|
transformer
|
A device used to transfer
electric energy from one
circuit to another,
especially a pair of
multiply wound, inductively
coupled wire coils that
effect such a transfer with
a change in voltage,
current, phase, or other
electric characteristic.
|
varifocal lens
|
A
camera
lens in which the
focus is not fixed, it can
be manually or automatically
adjusted.
|
VCR
|
Videocassette recorder; an
electronic device for
recording and playing back
video images and sound on a
videocassette.
|
video capture card
|
Computer cards that you can
install on the motherboard
of your own computer to
create your own video
recording computer. Due to
compatibility issues with
this type of device, we do
not sell these separately.
|
video gain
|
An increase in video signal
power by an amplifier,
expressed as the ratio of
output to input. Also called
amplification.
security
cameras
|
video input
|
A connection in a video
controller or recording
device that you can plug a
camera into. The more video
inputs (also called
camera
inputs) available on a
device the more
cameras you
can connect to it.
|
watch dog timer circuit
protection
|
If problems are detected in
the
DVR computer the system
will automatically reboot to
correct the problem.
security
cameras
|
waterproof
|
A device that can be
immersed in water and still
function properly.
security
cameras
|
weatherproof
|
A device that is
weatherproof can be
installed outside and stand
up to harsh weather
conditions and temperatures.
However, it does not mean
that it is waterproof.
security
cameras
|
wireless
camera
|
Wireless
cameras allow the
transmission of video and
audio data to be transmitted
to the receiver without
having to run wires (using
radio waves).
|
|
CCTV Abbreviations
CCTV Acronym |
Definition
|
A/V |
audio
/ video
|
AVI |
Audio
Video Interleave -
An audio-video
standard designed by
Microsoft.
|
AES |
auto
electronic shutter -
the ability of the
camera to compensate
for moderate light
changes by adjusting
the camera shutter
without the use of
auto iris lenses.
|
AGC |
automatic gain
control - this
feature adjusts the
brightness level of
the video to keep it
at a consistent
level.
|
BLC |
back
light compensation -
a feature on newer
CCD
cameras which
electronically
compensates for high
background lighting
to give detail which
would normally be
silhouetted.
|
BNC |
Bayonet Nut Coupling
- A commonly used
connection for
audio/video (A/V)
applications. Uses a
mount similar to the
way a bayonet knife
is mounted onto the
end of a rifle, BNCs
are used to connect
a variety of
different coaxial
cable types. After
the plug is
inserted, it is
turned, causing pins
in the socket to be
pinched into a
locking groove on
the plug.
|
CAT5 |
Category 5 (cable) -
the type of cable
that is used in
networking
applications.
|
CCD |
CCTV
security
cameras produce
images using CMOS or
CCD (Charge Couple
Device) chips. CCD
chips are higher
quality and produce
a better image than
CMOS.
|
CMOS |
complementary metal
oxide semiconductor
- Pronounced
see-moss, CMOS is a
widely used type of
semiconductor.
|
CCTV |
Closed-circuit
television
|
DVR |
digital video
recorder - a digital
video recorder is
basically a computer
that converts the
incoming (analog)
signal from the
cameras to digital,
and compresses it,
and stores it. The DVR replaces the
function of a
multiplexor (or quad
or switcher) and a
security VCR. There
are many advantages
of digital video
recorders over their
analog counterparts.
|
FPS |
frames per second -
in digital video
applications, refers
to the number of
video images that
can be captured,
displayed, or
recorded in a
second. Also
referred to as the
'frame rate' or
'refresh rate'.
|
GHZ |
gigahertz
|
JPEG
(or JPG) |
Pronounced "jay-peg"
and stands for
"Joint Photographic
Experts Group" who
designed the
standard. This is a
standard way of
compressing images
which works
particularly well
for photographic
images (as opposed
to graphic art).
|
MHZ |
megahertz
|
MPEG
(or MPG) |
Pronounced "em-peg"
and stands for
"Motion Picture
Experts Group" who
designed the
standard. This is a
standard way of
compressing audio
and video files.
(It's also the
technology behind
the now world-famous
MP3 music files.)
|
POE |
power
over ethernet - an
adaptor that allows
you to transmit
power to a
security
camera through CAT5
(aka ethernet)
cable.
|
PTZ |
pan-tilt-zoom - PTZ
cameras allow you to
adjust the position
('pan' is
side-to-side, 'tilt'
is up-and-down) and
focus ('zoom') of
the
camera
using a
remote controller.
Due to this added
functionality, these
cameras tend to cost
much more than non-PTZ
cameras
|
RG59 |
An
RG-59 is a common
coax cable used in
CCTV applications.
|
S/N
ratio |
signal to noise
ratio; this number
represents how much
signal noise the
camera
can tolerate
and still provide a
good picture. The
higher the number
the better.
|
VCR |
Videocassette
recorder; an
electronic device
for recording and
playing back video
images and sound on
a videocassette.
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(More Info)
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