CCTV Camera Cable Variations

CCTV Camera Cable Variations

We know that selecting your CCTV cameras and video recorder may have been a little more work than you might have anticipated. We’re sorry to say that the decision making process isn’t over just yet. We can say with confidence that about 90% of tech support related issues are a result of problems with cabling. This makes your choice in cable one of the more important decisions you’re going to make.

Siamese Cable

Siamese cable is really two different cables fused together. You have your coaxial cable (RG59) for video, and power cable. The video portion will serve to relay the video feed from your camera back to your DVR, while the power cable will relay power from your power supply to the camera. Siamese cable is appropriate for any analog, HD-CVI, and HD-SDI security camera system.

This is easily the most popular choice, but there are different levels of quality which can tie into the decision making process. You’ll often see the acronym “AWG” along side of this type of cable. American wire gauge (AWG) is just the unit of measurement that represents the “gauge” or thickness of the wire.

Your standard pre-made Siamese cable will usually be 24AWG or 26 AWG. This is going to seem thin when you hold it in your hand but it’s still very practical. Cable like this is functional for runs up to 150 feet. We don’t recommend going much further than that as you’ll very quickly begin to experience video and/or power loss because of the thinner gauge copper wire. Also, because of it’s thin gauge, pre-made Siamese cable can only be used reliably with standard analog cameras. You will not be able to use this with HD-SDI or HD-CVI cameras.

Pre-made Siamese Cable

The alternative to pre-made is to purchase Siamese cable sold by the spool. This is also commonly referred to as RG59 cable. The coaxial cable that comes off of a spool is normally 20AWG while the power cable is 18AWG. There are two different types of coax in this industry and most of it is copper clad. This means that the center wire is aluminum or silver but cased inside of a copper shell. This type of cable is good for runs up to 300 feet. Some people have been able to push this as far as 400 feet, but usually after 300, you begin to experience video degradation. The other option is solid copper Siamese cable. Unless you have an HD-CVI system, this probably isn’t going to be necessary for you, but you might find that this is a good solution for you if you just need to stretch those 300 foot runs a bit further without video loss.

Siamese Cable from Spool with Various Power and BNC Connectors

Just keep in mind that standard analog and HD-SDI systems are only designed be able to go up to 300 feet. Whether it’s copper clad or solid copper, either one should work just fine for you. Solid copper cable only comes into the picture with HD-CVI systems because there runs can go up to approximately 1600 feet. Without solid copper Siamese cable, you start to experience video degradation pretty early on.

CAT5e Cable

Cat5 and Cat5e are absolutely different no matter what anyone tells you. Ordinary Cat5 cable should not be used with CCTV products. The quality of the cable is too poor for this application and will cause frequent problems if it works at all. If you choose to run this type of cable, it needs to be at least CAT5e (we’ll get to CAT6). You can use this type of cable with standard analog cameras, and it’s required for IP/network cameras.  If you choose to go with Cat5e for your analog cameras, you shouldn't have any issue with runs up to 1000 feet.  If you are using Cat5e with IP cameras that are power over Ethernet (PoE), your cable runs can go as far as 300-1000 feet, while non-PoE cameras will be limited to the power supply being used with them (usually about 300 feet).  The power consumption of your PoE IP camera will ultimately dictate the maximum length of your run but you can usually expect at least 600 feet (12W power consumption).

Analog cameras, as you may have already realized, aren’t really set up for Cat5e cable. The work around for this is to use baluns. Think of baluns like converters that attach to your cameras to make them compatible with Cat5e. There are various types of baluns to choose from depending on your needs.

Network camera, or IP cameras, have a network cable port on their pigtail. Whether the IP camera is power over Ethernet (PoE) or not, the network cable port will be there. You’ll also have a female power terminal on the pigtail very similar to that of any analog or HD camera.

If you have a camera that’s PoE, you can run that single length of Cat5e cable and you’ll have video and power going through the same cable. If your camera is not PoE, you will need a dedicated power source to power the camera. The Cat5e cable will still be good for video, but you’ll most likely need to run a separate power cable in addition to your Cat5e cable unless you have an outlet close enough for the power supply to reach the camera.

The alternative to running two separate cables is to use simple PoE power adapters for non-PoE IP cameras that will essentially convert your non-PoE camera into a PoE camera. They’re identical in purpose to video and power baluns. You’ll still need a dedicated 12V DC power supply for the camera, just like you would any analog camera, but these adapters will enable you to position your power source somewhere much more convenient; for instance, next to your network switch or network video recorder (NVR).

Cat6 Cable

This type of cable is almost never necessary. The fact is that as of right now, there aren’t any IP cameras that require Cat6 cable, but because of the fact that Cat6 is backwards compatible with CAT5e, there is absolutely no harm in using CAT6 or CAT8. Due to the fact that CAT6 is the newer, bigger, and better thing out on the market though, a lot of people choose to go with Cat6 cable in an effort to predict the future in a way. By using CAT6 cable now instead of Cat5e, you may be preventing yourself from having to run new cable later when you upgrade your system. Predictably, cameras will only be getting more advanced and as such will probably require a more advanced cable in the distant future, such as Cat6. Theoretically, Cat6 may be able to lengthen the maximum distance of your runs, but testing for it is so scarce that we wouldn't be able to confirm that with any confidence.

Cat 5 vs Cat 6 vs Cat 8 Ethernet Cables

Designed by integrating cutting-edge technology, the cat 8 cables elevate the performance to the next level. Having a higher bandwidth performance than Cat 5e and Cat 6, Cat 8 cables are the most sought-after ones nowadays.

A comparison of Cat5e, Cat6 and Cat8 Ethernet cables would reveal that cat 8 cables are far more superior than the former two, even though it has a few cons.

Cat8 cables have better frequency characteristics that make them capable of offering higher data speeds than Cat 5e and Cat 6. It can support bandwidth up to 2 GHz for a distance of up to 30 meters. The data speed guaranteed by cat 8 varies from 25 Gbps to 40 Gbps.

On the other hand, Cat 5e Ethernet cables offer a maximum frequency of 100 MHz and Cat 6 supports a max frequency of 250 MHz. The data speed of the Cat 5 cable is limited to 1000 Mbps and that of the Cat 6 Ethernet cable is 10,000 Mbps.

The only major drawback of Cat 8 Ethernet cable is the distance it performs the best. Cat 8 cables are ideal for home installations, LAN in office spaces of small areas etc. Cat 8 Ethernet cables simply assure network speeds from 2500 Mbps to 40,000 Mbps.

The Power of Ethernet or POE is another advantage of using Cat 8 cables. Thereby you can save on cabling expenses at home as well as office. Ideal for space management, reducing clutter, and optimal performance, Cat8 Ethernet cables might be a preferable choice for you.

Twisted Pair Cat 8 Cables

Increased data speed has become a necessity presently. Every minute delay is costing businesses, and individuals offering services their money, time and effort. The electromagnetic field created through the passage of electricity and electromagnetic interference can impede the speed and flawless performance of the network.

Twisted pair cables are a solution used for reducing the effects of the magnetic field. The magnetic field created would be contained in the limited space. Thus high-speed data transmission would occur unaffected.

More twists in the network cabling would provide improved frequency characteristics to the cable. Furthermore, individually shielded pairs of network cables are another method for enhancing frequency.

The categories of cables available in the market presently are:

Cat 5 cables

o   Bandwidth – 100 MHz

o   Data Speed – 100 Mbps

Cat 5e cables

o   Bandwidth – 100 MHz

o   Data Speed – 100 Mbps

Cat 6 cables

o   Bandwidth – 250 MHz

o   Data Speed – 1 Gbps

Cat 6A cables

o   Bandwidth – 500 MHz

o   Data Speed – 10 Gbps

Cat 7 cables

o   Bandwidth – 600 MHz

o   Data Speed – 10 Gbps

Cat 7a cables

o   Bandwidth – 1000 MHz

o   Data Speed – 10+ Gbps

Cat 8 cables

o   Bandwidth – 2500 MHz

o   Data Speed – 40 Gbps

Electronic Guardian Angel That Spots The Bad Guys And Respects Your Privacy

Electronic Guardian Angel That Spots The Bad Guys And Respects Your Privacy

New computerized surveillance cameras detect & confirm threats from one meter to one mile

A former BT communications manager, turned inventor, reckons that his intelligent CCTV surveillance company has developed a “Guardian Angel” video surveillance technology, which can keep us all safe from crime and violence whilst protecting our Right to Privacy. Stuart Thompson was a recognized innovator with British Telecom, where he led in the development of the high speed modems that introduced broadband internet. He has now used his high-speed expertise and ingenuity to develop an award-winning intelligent moving camera system that will passively observe and ignore innocent goings-on, but quickly alert human operators to suspicious or dangerous activity. In addition to crime-busting on Britain's streets, Stuart Thompson claims the system can significantly enhance Homeland Security whilst unobtrusively safeguarding our schools or our elderly and vulnerable citizens in care homes and hospitals.

Thompson is President and owner of Viseum UK. He reminds us how the Director General of MI5 recently warned that thousands of Islamic extremists living in the UK, currently saw their British home as a legitimate target. He adds that the UK Home Office also admitted the E-Borders programme had failed to detect and intercept major crime suspects at our national borders. Elsewhere at another end of the spectrum, the CQC recently recommended surveillance camera installation in care homes to protect vulnerable adults from abuse by a few reckless and abusive members of staff. In a busy, populated area, these all represent significant albeit very different security challenges that have dogged ordinary CCTV providers and the security industry for decade. As Stuart Thompson puts it;

“Discerning suspicious and potentially harmful indicators within a sea of mundane, innocent routine is a needle-in-the-haystack task, that human beings are exceptionally bad at.”

However the London inventor, claims he has the solution in a computer-automated CCTV system, optimised for the complex and busy environments that we live and work in. Viseum UK’s globally patented Intelligent Moving Camera (IMC) is controlled by iVOS (an Intelligent Virtual Operator system). Viseum intelligent CCTV systems can recognize and track suspicious activity and a known hooligan, criminal or terrorist, with far greater reliability than any human CCTV operator. The system uses a ring of automated surveillance cameras to passively gaze in every direction and be aware of all activity around them. The system quickly learns its surroundings and “normal” activity. However, Thompson points out that footage of routine events largely stays within the camera unit – unseen by a human. Only when the iVOS Virtual Operator detects unusual or potentially suspicious and dangerous activity, will a human operator in a central control room, be alerted. The security operator will be shown edited footage of what the Viseum system spotted. He can then alert the authorities, emergency services or security patrols and guide them onto the scene. In the meantime, the Intelligent Moving Camera system has automatically fired into evidence collection mode. It takes control of a high clarity pan, tilt zoon camera to capture forensic quality images of what is going on and who is involved. Thompson explains that his Find, Fix, Follow (F3) capability uses behaviour algorithms, plus face, person and vehicle number plate recognition technology to track a suspect or perpetrator wherever they go within the streets, buildings and corridors covered by the Viseum camera network. Viseum iVOS is just as adept at spotting a suspiciously abandoned holdall, agitated behaviour, a neglected patient, or a harassed lone female late at night. However, should there be nothing untoward going on, then the images stay within the system’s hard-drive to be recorded over at a specified point. “I designed the IMC and iVOS systems to be virtual guardian angels, benignly gazing upon our daily lives, but ready to intervene should we be threatened,” 

Depending on the camera hardware used, each of these Viseum camera units delivers surveillance security from close quarters in a bedroom, through an airport and up to an area the size of an Olympic Park. Viseum's technology is well known to several police forces and borough councils, for the positive impact they have had upon crime and anti-social behaviour in the UK's public spaces. Conviction statistics show that criminals and ASBO offenders have good reason to fear them. Optimised for busy streets and crowded cities, with 360-degree coverage up to extreme distances, the Intelligent Moving Camera never blinks, never gets tired, looks in the wrong direction or gets distracted.

Viseum emphasises that it aims to optimise and supplement the human response to security incidents, rather than replace them completely. Viseum’s military force-protection & security experts, term this as "force-multiplication" freeing up people to do what they do best - interact with other people. Thompson explains, "Our surveillance solutions are the best. We offer security practitioners a continuous 360 degree unblinking stare across any area of responsibility, without the need for hundreds of CCTV cameras and valuable monitoring staff. It will also provide instantaneous forensic analysis of a previously unknown perpetrator's movements before and after the event. We can present patrols, incident commanders and the judiciary with an unbroken golden thread of video evidence, about what happened and who was involved. Viseum adds, "Viseum iVOS can also contribute to and enhance wider security at hospitals and care homes where intruders may attempt access or confused patients might wander off”.

Viseum has recently visited the USA to take part in a technology showcase at “Government Security Expo” in Dallas Texas. It was striking though not surprising that we share so many security challenges with the States,” said Thompson. “Local police chiefs, military base commanders, university campus supervisors, care home providers and Homeland Security practitioners all shared a fear of the low probability but high impact event that could occur within their area of responsibility. To use military parlance, they want perfect “Situational Awareness and Ground Truth” before, during and after an incident. We think that Viseum can deliver this for them and are actively involved in talks to secure an American partner to introduce our technology in this region.

For more information on the Viseum intelligent surveillance systems please visit http://www.viseum.co.uk
For further information on this release and other Viseum news and products, please contact Media contact Ian Cumming Director Business Development & Communication
via: t: +44 (0)1322 405724
e: press.office@viseum.co.uk

The Inner Workings Of CCTV Cameras

With the advancement in technology criminal procedures have also become more advanced. This is why the use of CCTV as a means of security surveillance has increased in recent years. CCTV cameras are used for spy and surveillance purposes. These stealth cameras are sometimes disguised whereas at other times they are placed in obvious locations to ward of the security threat. Nonetheless it is the highly advanced low light monochrome camera that provides the ideal security back up.

Some facts about the CCTV cameras

The CCTV sends out video signals that are directly encoded and fed to a 110 volt power line. You will find all kinds of CCTV cameras out there to come with a companion decoder. This device can plugged anywhere including an ordinary television set at your home. CCTV cameras make use of line level RCA type cables which are the standard cables for all kinds of video output. One of the most advantageous facts about CCTV cameras is the use of infrared technology. This advanced technology gives CCTV cameras the ability to pick up crystal clear video images even in total darkness. The best of CCTV cameras will be able to pick up images in pitch dark up to a distance of thirty feet.

One of the things that have led to the widespread use of CCTV cameras is their durability. You will be able to find CCTV cameras that have the ability to operate when situated at a distance of up to two thousand feet from AC wiring. CCTV cameras will also be able to deliver you top quality picture even when the power lines are loaded with other heavy electronics. Another plus point of the CCTV camera collection is its ability to capture images in an incredible wide angle view.

The technology embedded in CCTV cameras enables them to pick up even the slightest of changes. They are highly sensitive and will be able to deliver you clear images even in total darkness. Some CCTV cameras give you the ability to increase their infrared capability by adding supplemental infrared floodlights.

CCTV cameras are incredibly versatile when it comes to their usability. The fact that you can directly record the captured image onto your home VCR makes it very convenient. Plus the fact that you can use your very own TV set for monitoring purposes.

The latest releases in CCTV cameras provide the ultimate security solutions for home owners and business enterprises alike.  Interested individuals can take advantage of the easy availability of CCTV cameras through the internet. There is a plethora of choices for those seeking CCTV cameras with the different models having varying features. You can check to see which CCTV camera meets your requirements and pick up a bargain deal using the internet. Rest assured you will be able to find one that meets your requirements and fits your budget.

Video Transmission & Compression

During the past 18 years, traffic and freeway management agencies have been integrating the use of CCTV cameras into their operational programs. The heavy use of this technology has created a need to deploy very high bandwidth communication networks. The transmission of video is not very different from voice or data. Video is transmitted in either an analog or digital format. Video transmitted in an analog format must travel over coaxial cable or fiber optic cable. The bandwidth requirements cannot be easily handled by twisted pair configurations.

Video can be transmitted in a digital format via twisted pair. It can be transmitted in a broadband arrangement as full quality and full motion, or as a compressed signal offering lower image or motion qualities. Via twisted pair, video is either transmitted in a compressed format, or sent frame-by-frame. The frame-by-frame process is usually called "slow-scan video".

Full color broadcast analog video requires a substantial amount of bandwidth that far exceeds the capacity of the typical twisted pair analog voice communication circuit of 4 KHz. Early commercial television networks were connected via Coaxial cable systems provided by AT&T Long Distance. These networks were very costly to operate and maintain, and had a limited capability.

Transmission of analog video requires large amounts of bandwidth, and power. The most common use of analog video (outside of commercial broadcast TV) is for closed circuit surveillance systems. The cameras used in these systems use less bandwidth than traditional broadcast quality cameras, and are only required to send a signal for several hundred feet. For transmission distances (of analog video) of more than 500 feet, the system designer must resort to the use of triaxial cable, or fiber optics. Depending upon other requirements, the system designer can convert the video to another signal format. The video can be converted to a radio (or light) frequency, digitized, or compressed.

Cable companies have traditionally converted television broadcast signals to a radio frequency. With this technique, they can provide from 8 to 40 analog channels in a cable system using coaxial cable (more about multiplexing later in this chapter). Cable company operators wanting to provide hundreds of program channels will convert the video to a radio frequency, and then digitize. The cable company is able to take advantage of using both fiber and coaxial cable. These are called HFC (hybrid fiber coax) systems. Fiber is used to get the signal from the cable company main broadcast center to a group of houses. The existing coaxial cable is used to supply the signal to individual houses.

Early freeway management systems used analog video converted to RF and transmitted over coaxial cable. Later systems used fiber optic cable with either RF signal conversion, or frequency division multiplexing (see Multiplexing in this chapter).

With the introduction high bandwidth microprocessors and efficient video compression algorithms, there has been a shift from analog video transmission systems to digital systems. New processes such as Video over IP (Internet Protocol) and streaming video allow for the broadcast of video incident images to many user agencies via low (relatively) cost communication networks. Before looking at the systems, let's take a look at the various types of video compression schemes.

Video Compression

Compressed Video – Since the mid-1990s, FMS system designers have turned to digital compression of video to maximize resources, and reduce overall communication systems costs. The digital compression of video allows system operators to move video between operation centers using standard communication networks technologies.

Video compression systems can be divided into two categories – hardware compression and software compression. All video compression systems use a Codec. The term Codec is an abbreviation for coder/decoder. A codec can be either a software application or a piece of hardware that processes video through complex algorithms, which compress the file and then decompress it for playback. Unlike other kinds of file-compression packages that require you to compress/decompress a file before viewing, video codecs decompress the video on the fly, allowing immediate viewing. This discussion will focus on hardware compression technologies.