An integrated approach to organizing a security system today is impossible to imagine without CCTV cameras. At home, such tasks are accomplished with less labor and financial costs than at commercial facilities, but this does not diminish their importance. There are various methods for assembling video surveillance systems for an apartment, as well as methods for their communication and energy supply.
What is a modern video surveillance system?
The basis of the kit is logically formed by a video camera or a set of them, but the expanded composition also contains other functional components. These may include power supplies, a server, a DVR, a content repository, a router, wiring, etc. Moreover, for each component, several options are always provided, not to mention the technical and operational characteristics of different models.
The organization of a video surveillance system for an apartment with a record will also require the introduction of a computer station provided with specialized software. At a minimum, it will be able to convert the data into a form suitable for storage and transmission.
To record a video stream to a flash card, you should immediately focus on a Wi-Fi-type camera Cube. Such devices are combined with almost all common types of miniature storage media, they themselves are small and inexpensive (about 5 thousand rubles). This will be the most affordable solution for domestic use, but there are also advanced configurations with cloud services, connecting dozens of IP cameras with additional functions.
The principle of operation of a home video surveillance system
The tasks of the cameras differ, as well as the main functions of video surveillance systems. As a rule, cameras shoot material, which subsequently restores the course of events during the absence of the owner of the protected object. At the first stage, the video material is directly recorded, then it is sent to the computer, and then to the storage. This is how the simplest scheme works, but in order to increase reliability, certain adjustments are made to it.
For example, instead of a computer, as a base point for receiving information, a NAS server or DVR can be used. In this case, the video surveillance system for the apartment will provide the possibility of intermediate and automatic processing of the recorded material with its subsequent sending to the network.
Instant storage of a video stream, for example, in cloud storage is important for the reason that an attacker can destroy or take away all physical storage media in an apartment. Modern technologies do allow the owner to view the “picture” in real time from any place where the Internet is available.
Key Features
In addition to the configuration of the interaction between different components of the system, it will be useful to initially determine the capabilities of the camera as such. The characteristics presented below will in principle determine the quality of the material being shot:
- Resolution. This parameter determines the number of active pixels in the video matrix. For surveillance cameras, the FullHD format of 2.1 megapixels is considered optimal. This resolution allows you to count on acceptable detailing with image scaling without noticeable overload of the data volume.
- Type of matrix. For an apartment, a video surveillance system can be assembled from cameras with CCD and CMOS matrices. What is the difference? In the first case, more advanced optics are used, respectively, with high image quality. But such matrices are sensitive to external influences, therefore, for example, it is undesirable to use them on the landing.
- Photosensitivity. The choice for this parameter depends on the nature of the use of the camera by time of day. If emphasis is placed on the possibility of night shooting, then the photosensitivity should start from 0.01 lux.
Types of video surveillance systems
Today, the fundamental differences are in the ways of data transfer, support for digital technologies and the method of energy supply. As for the material transfer channel, wired and wireless systems are distinguished. That is, the video stream is broadcast either over the air with the support of the corresponding modules or in the traditional way through analog wired communication.
Here, differences are also found between digital and analog video surveillance systems for an apartment, the competition between which remains today. So, with all the advantages of new technologies, a conventional cable network wins in terms of data transfer speed and reliability.
An autonomous battery with a generator station and a local power grid can act as a power source. For apartments, of course, it is more convenient to use the main line of electricity, but this solution is not always combined with high requirements for masking communications.
Features of CCTV
The main difference between such systems is the use of miniature cameras, almost invisible to prying eyes. These are the so-called point lenses with a coverage angle of 12-78 °. The dimensions of mini-cameras usually fit in the format of a matchbox. From the point of view of operating CCTV systems for an apartment with a recording, it is worth highlighting two nuances:
- Cameras almost always work in full autonomy mode. Both signal transmission and power supply are carried out wirelessly. Batteries (less commonly batteries) are used for power, and material is transferred via wireless modules - for example, Bluetooth.
- The design of the camera suggests the possibility of integration into various equipment, appliances, household appliances, etc. For this, special fasteners and clips with fittings for flush mounting are included in the kit.
Installation methods of video surveillance systems in the apartment
Service and processing equipment is located in hardware units, as part of computer stations or data storage modules. In turn, the installation of network cameras may involve several installation options:
- On the bracket. A universal and most profitable way in terms of ensuring the functionality of the device. The bracket is usually mounted in the upper corner of the room with hardware, after which the camera is fixed to it through the slots of the standard connectors. The main advantage of this method is that the housing can be adjusted according to the viewing angle.
- Installation in a false ceiling. If it is supposed to install video surveillance systems in an apartment with a minimal change in the interior look, then this solution will be optimal. The camera integrates into the suspended ceiling, and all communications are hidden in a subceiling niche.
- Wall mounting. For this method, dome cameras should be used. They are also mounted according to the principle of installation, but unlike a ceiling installation, they may require wall shredding for laying cables.
Organization of a power supply system for equipment
If you use a wired power principle, you will need to organize dedicated network circuits. Experts recommend using a coaxial cable (type RG-59) or twisted pair for such purposes. The magnitude of the current is calculated with a small margin of about 20%, since manufacturers often underestimate the actual current consumption.
Special attention is paid to the power supply. It is more expedient to use pulse adapters, since they ensure the equipment operability in a round-the-clock mode without special control. Before installing a video surveillance system in an apartment, they also consider the risks of external influences on the communication passage areas.
The same twisted-pair power supply unit malfunctions if it is affected by climatic equipment - thermal or refrigeration. Therefore, it will be useful to think through reliable isolation of circuits.
Conclusion
Providing housing with protective equipment with cameras will not be difficult if you initially think through all the operational nuances. They will also allow you to determine the optimal type of equipment. In some cases, it will be justified to use a CCTV system for an apartment, usually indoors.
Outside, in the vestibule and on the landing, full-format network cameras with a wide viewing angle are more suitable. But it is most effective to apply an integrated approach, installing several video surveillance devices of various types.