Everything you need to know about security surveillance systems

Cables (Camera to DVR)

All maximum lengths are determined by cable quality. For good to high-quality cabling, you should opt for listed lengths. You can connect more than one cable, but this may cause degradation of the video quality or loss of video altogether. Therefore, it is best to purchase a longer cable that suits your needs; but make sure not to exceed the length per Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications.

The lengths below are approximations. Please follow the OEM specifications for the maximum length to use for your system.

• Standard Video Cable
  • The maximum length of cable is 180 feet per specifications for CCTV.
• RG59 – good for analog video signals.
  • The maximum length of cable is 1,000 feet per specification for CCTV.
  • It is recommended not to exceed 750 feet in length for best signal quality.
• RG6 – good for digital signals.
  • The maximum length of cable is 1,500 feet per specification for CCTV.
  • It is recommended not to exceed 1,000 feet in length for best signal quality.
• Cat5E – must attach video baluns.
  • The maximum cable length is 100 feet per specifications.
  • It can be used to send power to the camera via Cat5E.
• BNC – may be called 10Base5
  • Two types are offered: With or Without Power. You should have With Power.
  • The maximum length of cable is 1,500 feet per specification for CCTV.
  • It is recommended not to exceed 1,000 feet in length for best signal quality.

Cables (DVR to TV / Monitor)
 There are two types of cables you can use:

• VGA

Generally, this cable has a blue or black head and two twist-on screws – one on either side – and a series of pins on the male adapter end.

• HDMI

This cable has a trapezoid-shaped male adapter for high-quality video. 

Audio
 Some security cameras do not come with audio. However, certain OEMs will allow for the purchase of add-on microphones. Before proceeding, there are two things to check. First, ensure that your OEM is compatible with an add-on microphone. Second, check with your local sheriff’s office to know the laws and regulations in your city for audio and/or video recording.

How much video can the unit store?
 How much the security system can hold is dependent upon a few variables:

• Hard disk drive storage size
• Number of cameras
• Recording resolution
• Quality setting
• How are you recording?
  • 24 hour (extreme pull)
  • Set schedule (for example, 9:00 PM – 9:00 AM; moderate pull)
  • Motion detection (least pull)

When combined, all these variables can determine how much time you have before the hard drive disk (HDD) is full. On a standard 1TB HDD, settings can range from the most extreme ‘pull’ setting to the least ‘pull’ setting, giving you approximately anywhere from 7 days to 21 days.