One of the most popular security devices that businesses install are CCTV cameras. They are relatively inexpensive, and they can give a sense of security to businesses that they are protected from theft, break-ins and other crimes. But, there is a vast array of CCTV cameras and CCTV technology available, they're not all equal, and they can provide different levels of security, ranging from useless to totally secure.

Installing an off-the-shelf, stand-alone CCTV camera may seem like a low cost security solution, but for most applications it is absolutely not the right solution.

When does a CCTV camera make sense?

CCTV cameras that are not monitored in real-time are little more than video recording devices. They can play an important role in criminal investigations in a country like the UK, where CCTV cameras are installed throughout a city. If you watch any crime dramas, you'll know that junior investigators are often given the onerous task of sifting through hours, and hours, of footage to track the movement of a suspect from one location to another. But this investigative purpose doesn't translate over into quality commercial security, and here's why.

For a commercial business having a video recording of a break-in is of little or no value. A video image of a previously unknown suspect, often with concealed identity, stealing your equipment or product, will not be useful in capturing them after they've fled the scene. The better way is to stop the crime before your business is damaged, goods are stolen, or any harm is brought to your employees - this way you can minimize your business losses. What you need is the police to respond to your alarm while the crime is taking place - so the police can capture them, and get them off the streets.

There is a better way to secure your business - It's Called A Sonitrol Verified Security System

A Verified Security System means that when an alarm is triggered, it is verified by a live Sonitrol trained operator, at one of our monitoring facilities, where they are able to detect if the alarm is false or not. This will ensure that your security system is verified allowing Police to arrive on the scene promptl,y rather than if you were using a non-verified, conventional security system. This ensures that Police time is not wasted.

Sonitrol Western Canada only installs commercial security systems that are verified by our central control operators. They monitor CCTV video feeds and audio feeds in real-time, 24x7.

There simply is no better protection than our combination of integrated security technology and trained security specialists.

The result is an effective security system that the police will respond to. A Sonitrol Verified Alarm System, will get priority response by your local Police Department because Police know that Sonitrol only installs security systems that are verified by listening or watching your facility.

Since 1977 police have apprehended over 176,000 criminals, caught in the act, by responding promptly to Sonitrol calls for alarm service. Basically, your business is not properly protected without a Sonitrol Verified Security System.

Evaluating different technologies and devices is an important part of finding the right option for your specific business and building. Sonitrol can help you make that selection, as the task of finding the right technology and CCTV camera set-up can be daunting, as there are so many options and choices. We recommend you talk to one of our security specialists and get a security plan together.

A CCTV video camera will most likely be part of the solution, as long as it's a fully monitored, and verified installation. But what type of CCTV camera is best for your business?

There are lots of CCTV camera choices - We Can Help You Select The Right One Suited To Your Business

There are lots of CCTV cameras to choose from, they're not all the same, as they have many different features, uses and options. Knowing which one would work the best for your intended business security application is key, and that's where we can help you.

This is what you need to know about CCTV cameras and how they are used for security. Basically there are are 7 different types of CCTV cameras that you should know about.

1. Dome CCTV Camera - Dome CCTV cameras are most frequently used for indoor security and surveillance applications. They get their name from the dome-shared housing in which they sit. The housing is designed to make the CCTV camera unobtrusive but not covert or hidden. A common application is retail where the camera is in full view but not glaringly pointed at someone. This lets customers know security is in place but it isn't too intimidating. The dome shape makes it impossible to tell which direction the camera is recording in, so they are a deterrent because all areas in the room could be in view. Units that allow the camera to pan/tilt/zoom and spin quickly are often called speed domes. Speed Dome CCTV cameras allow the surveillance operator the ability to reposition the camera.

2. Bullet CCTV Camera - This type of CCTV camera has a long, cylindrical, and tapered shape, similar to a 'rifle bullet'. Applications for a Bullet CCTV camera include long-distance viewing, such as pointing to a a gate or an access road. The captured images are from one fixed location. A wall-mounted or ceiling mounted camera can be installed indoors or outdoors if a weather protective casing is used to protect against dust, dirt, and precipitation.

3. C-Mount CCTV Camera - A C-Mount CCTV camera has a detachable lens to fit different applications. A standard lens will only cover distances of 35-40 feet, but the C-Mount CCTV unit will allow for special lenses that increase the distance to greater than 40 ft.

4. Day/Night CCTV Camera - Day/Night CCTV cameras operate in both normal lighting and poorly-lit environments. These cameras do no use infrared illuminators because they are able to capture a clear video image in varying light conditions. This is ideal for outdoor surveillance installations, where infrared CCTV cameras are not optimal. Day/Night CCTV cameras are primarily used outdoors because they can adjust to glare, direct sunlight, reflections and strong back light, 24x7.

5. Infrared/Night Vision CCTV Camera - Night-vision CCTV cameras are able to capture video in pitch black conditions using Infrared LEDS. They can be used inside and outdoors, allowing detection in low light/no light darkness.

6. Network IP/CCTV Camera - These cameras are available in hardwired or wireless modes, and use the internet to transmit video. IP CCTV cameras are easier to install than analog cameras because they don't require separate cables to run or power boost to send video over a longer distance. With internet widely available, IP type CCTV cameras are widespread in security systems.

7. High-Definition HD CCTV Camera - Ultra high definition video CCTV cameras are often utilized in niche markets such as casinos and banks. Surveillance operators have the ability to zoom in with extreme clarity to observe, for example, a poker player or dealers slight of hand. High-definition cameras are installed for applications where it is necessary to observe actions or transactions that may be fraudulent but not large motion crimes such as breaking and entering.

How can I get a Verified CCTV camera system?

It's important to remember that a CCTV camera on its own is not a security system. It is just a video recording device. A CCTV camera needs to be installed as part of an integrated security system, like we provide at Sonitrol. Our Sonitrol security consultants will recommend which Sonitrol CCTV cameras to install, where to place them, and additional alarms that might be needed such as audio detectors. We offer full service CCTV selection, security planning, installation, monitoring and integration with other components of a complete security system such as controlled access management, or audio detectors. We will install the right CCTV camera for your business (including IP, infrared, low-light, HD, verified, wireless, day/night, c-mount, bullet, dome, waterproof), and position the CCTV camera in the right position, for maximum effectiveness.

Other CCTV camera options that might have to be considered include:

• 24/7 CCTV camera monitoring at our remote monitoring station
• DVRs (digital video recorders)
• CCTV camera towers and columns
• CCTV telemetry systems
• Deterrent CCTV systems
• Covert CCTV systems
• Motion detection systems
• Integrated audio / CCTV systems
• Video Analytics/Predictive software
• CCTV camera lenses
• CCTV monitors
• CCTV multiplexors
• CCTV illumination
• CCTV switchers
• Fibre optic CCTV transmission
• Networked CCTV transmission (IP CCTV transmission)
• Wireless CCTV camera systems
• Software systems for CCTV camera control, CCTV management & CCTV diagnostics

You can now get a sense of the vast choice of CCTV technology out there, and you may agree that getting expert help to make the right choices are critical to the implementation of a successful security plan. Sonitrol Western Canada can provide monitored CCTV video surveillance for interior and exterior video surveillance solutions that range in size from small retail to total corporate systems (fully-networked with dedicated fibre optic backbones) to PC-controlled, IP-based, stand-alone remote access verifiers.

Whether stand-alone or part of an integrated security system, CCTV cameras can be called upon to perform a number of functions for organizations: detection, deterrence, reassurance, evidence, access control and facility management. Utilizing our in-house security consultants, we provide expertise in video transmission technology and network/IP communications as part of our core CCTV service; so ensuring we can meet customer requirements to provide CCTV system installation and CCTV system support for our high reliability, multi-functional, tailor-made CCTV solutions.

We're so confident in our technology and responsive service, that no one else in the industry can match our guarantee. Our unique verified audio and CCTV video business security solutions enable our operators to hear and see what is happening in your business before the criminals can rob or cause damage. We verify the actual source of the alarm, and we get the police to attend the scene immediately. To speak with someone about getting a Sonitrol CCTV security system for your business contact us.