This table covers the essential CCTV Camera terms and their definitions, providing a quick reference for anyone exploring CCTV camera technology.
| Term | Short Definition |
|---|---|
| CCTV | Closed-Circuit Television; a video surveillance system that transmits signals to a specific monitor. |
| IP Camera | Closed-Circuit Television: a video surveillance system that transmits signals to a specific monitor. |
| DVR | Internet Protocol Camera: a digital camera that sends and receives data over a network. |
| NVR | Digital Video Recorder: records video footage from analog cameras. |
| PTZ Camera | Network Video Recorder: records video footage from IP cameras. |
| Focal Length | Determines the camera’s field of view; a shorter focal length captures wider angles. |
| Resolution | The clarity of the video image, typically measured in pixels (e.g., 1080p, 4K). |
| Infrared (IR) | Enables cameras to capture video in low-light or complete darkness using infrared light. |
| Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) | Balances lighting in scenes with high contrast, ensuring clear visibility in both bright and dark areas. |
| Motion Detection | A feature that detects movement and triggers recording or alerts. |
| Field of View (FoV) | The area visible through the camera lens, measured in degrees. |
| Bitrate | The amount of data processed by the camera per second impacts video quality and storage. |
| Compression | Reduces video file size for storage efficiency (e.g., H.264, H.265 codecs). |
| PoE | Pan-Tilt-Zoom Camera: a camera that can rotate, tilt, and zoom for flexible monitoring. |
| Cloud Storage | A service to store surveillance footage remotely on the internet. |
| On-Premises Storage | Power over Ethernet allows a single cable to provide power and data to IP cameras. |
| Frame Rate | The number of frames captured per second (e.g., 30 FPS); higher rates result in smoother video. |
| Night Vision | The ability of cameras to capture footage in low-light conditions, often using IR LEDs. |
| Lens Aperture | The size of the lens opening determines how much light enters the camera. |
| Megapixel (MP) | Refers to the resolution of the camera; higher MP provides more detail in images. |
| Vandal-Proof | Video footage is stored locally on DVR/NVR devices or hard drives. |
| Weatherproof | Cameras with protective casings that withstand outdoor conditions like rain and dust (e.g., IP67 rated). |
| Two-Way Audio | Allows communication via the camera, enabling users to hear and speak through the device. |
| AI Video Analytics | Advanced technology that uses AI to analyze video, detect objects, and trigger alerts. |
| Privacy Masking | A feature to block sensitive areas in the camera’s field of view. |
| Bandwidth | The amount of data the camera sends over the network affects video streaming quality. |
| Edge Storage | The ability to store footage directly on the camera using an SD card. |
| Fisheye Lens | Cameras are designed with durable housing to resist tampering or damage. |