Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) is a system including cameras, lenses, monitors and recording equipment to enable visual surveillance of live or recorded images. As the name would suggest it is a closed circuit meaning that all components are connected directly and, unlike a television broadcast, can not be viewed by just any receiver.

The primary functions of CCTV are: Surveillance: To detect incidents and co-ordinate a response. Recording events: For use as evidence if required, and to assist with any investigation thereafter. Deterrence: To discourage criminal activity. All achieved with the use of CCTV security equipment.

DS Systems has extensive experience in supplying, installing and maintaining CCTV systems, from simple single camera units, to multi camera systems which integrate with other electronic systems over multi site set ups. We have a proven record of understanding of customers' individual needs and providing cost effective CCTV solutions.

A DVR, or Digital Video Recorder, is a device that records video in a digital format to a disc drive. A DVR is capable of recording images from multiple cameras whilst simultaneously allowing users to view live and recorded images. Any recorded images are stored on the internal hard drive of the DVR for a preset amount of time, to allow the user to retrieve any incidents when required.

All DVR's installed by DS Systems are supplied with CCTV viewing software enabling the user to view images either locally or from remote locations. The DVR is connected via an Ethernet cable to the users router and software loaded on to the users remote PC. The software is then set up with the IP address of the router and the user can view images from the CCTV security equipment from wherever they are.

Remote monitoring consists of integrating a CCTV system with perimeter protection, with a professionally managed remote monitoring service thus providing security 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Digital cameras are installed at strategic locations around the premises and linked to external movement detectors, if one of the detectors is triggered, images from the cameras are instantly sent to the remote monitoring centre. The highly trained operators at the central station can then identify and act on the necessary action. Upon observing anything suspicious or on system activation, the monitoring team reacts immediately by issuing verbal warnings over an intercom link or alerting police or specified personnel.

With motion detection set on a DVR, any camera will record a higher number of frames per second from the particular camera when there is movement on the screen. This saves space on the hard drive by recording fewer images when there is no activity on a site and means that if there is an incident, then a more detailed series of images is recorded.

The Data Protection Act (1998) ensures that all personal data is used in a professional and responsible manner; this relates to CCTV because images of people are classed as 'data'. Information about people which is taken from images, such as vehicle registration numbers is also classed as data. Because of this, the Act is applicable to CCTV systems and covers most uses of CCTV by organisations regardless of the number of cameras. For more information please visit the Data Protection Act section of our website.