Glossary of Terms:

AC an acronym which stands for alternating current electricity.
AC/DC acronyms advising the change between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC).
Alarm/Event Operation allows for interface of alarm sensors with the recording device through an alarm in/out port.
Alkaline Battery - most common battery type in the world. This battery type is dependent upon the reaction between zinc and manganese dioxide (Zn/MnO2).
Amps (A) full term is ampere. The amount of electrical charge per second.
Amplifier a device that can increase signal strength for enhanced performance.
Analog represents a variable electrical signal that is both time and amplitude continuous.
Antenna Element - used to improve “gain” in wireless equipment via a specifically tuned frequency or range of frequencies.  
Antenna Gain generally measured in decibels, gain is the increase or decrease in signal strength.
Antenna Type refers to the design of an antenna
Aperture a hole or an opening in a device that allows light to pass through.
Aspect Ratio refers to the ratio between the width and height of a video image.
Audio generally refers to a device's ability to monitor, transmit or record sound.
Audio Input Plug a devices connector plug for an audio input jack.
Audio Input Type - refers to the type of audio a device will accept for sound recording.
Audio Output Plug a device's connector for an audio output jack.
Audio Output Type – refers to the type of audio a camera or other device will output for sound on another device.
Automatic Gain Control (AGC) refers to a circuit in the camera which controls image brightness levels for best performance and video quality.
Automatic Light Control (ALC) Process by which the brightness upon the camera pick-up device is automatically adjusted according to the brightness of the scene.
Auto-Iris Lens - a device within the camera that automatically controls the lens diaphragm.
BNC A bayonet-locking connector used to terminate coaxial cables.
Bandwidth the amount of data that can be transmitted via a given communications channel in a given unit of time.
Back Lighting Compensation (BLC) A feature of a camera which compensates for high background lighting to give detail which would normally be silhouetted.
Battery An electro-chemical device used to store and generate electrical power.
Battery Run Time indicates the amount of time a piece of electronic equipment can generally be powered by a battery pack.
Black & White (monochrome) Camera – are Cameras that record light in a single color or wavelength.
Brightness Control is a feature found on many monitors. It allows the user to manually select the level of screen backlighting (brightness).
Bullet Camera - A bullet design refers to a camera with a cylindrical shape using an inline video imaging chip
C-/CS-Mount Lenses and Cameras- Cameras built with this type of lens mount can easily be configured with any of a large variety of C and CS mount lenses available for CCTV. Although C and CS are not exactly the same size, most cameras designed for this type of lens can accept either configuration using a simple plastic adapter. These lenses are standardized and will always thread properly, but exchanging C and CS mount lenses does require back focusing. This process requires the user / installer to slowly find the exact right threads position of the lens to ensure a clear video image
CCD stands for charged coupled device. This is a solid-state semiconductor element which uses hundreds of thousands of tiny pixel elements to accept light and translate that information into a vivid, visible picture image. A CCD is one type of camera image sensor. CCDs produce MUCH higher tv res, lower light sensitivity, and better overall video quality than CMOS imagers.
CCIR is the standard monochrome video format used in most of Europe, Israel, and some other places in the world. CCIR products are also generally referred to as PAL because all PAL products can also handle black and white CCIR video.
CCTV stands for closed circuit television: a video system which will only be monitored in a closed environment (as opposed to public broadcast). The realm of video security and surveillance is also referred to as CCTV.
CMOS stands for charged metal oxide semiconductor. This is one type of camera image sensor which uses a charged metal surface to detect light and create a video image. CMOS technology is often smaller than CCD chips are currently capable of, so these cameras can often be quite miniature.
Coaxial Cable is the most common type of cable used for transmitting a video signal through copper wire. This type of wiring has a coaxial cross-section where an outer shielding protects the actual interior signal conductor from electromagnetic interference.
Codec refers to an internal computer component which processes analog information (like a video or audio signal) into a digital format such as MJPEG, MPEG-4, Wavelet, etc. for electronic storage on digital recording media.
Color Camera - Color cameras produce video images bearing the entire visible spectrum of colors.
Composite Video is the standard type of analog video signal utilized by most CCTV video cameras. A composite video signal has the correct phase rate, luminance, and chrominance information to be compatible with a particular video format such as NTSC, PAL, EIA, CCIR, etc.
Compression Method refers to the computer software technique the codec in a DVR video recorder (or DVR card) uses to convert the video signal to digital information so it can be compressed and stored on digital media like a hard disk drive, DVD, or CD. MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 typically offer the highest quality recording (DVDs use MPEG-2), but smaller file sizes can be obtained by using a lower tvres, more efficient compression method like Wavelet or MPEG-4.
Contrast Control is a feature of many video monitors. This allows the user to manually adjust the screen contrast for better picture visibility.
Contrast Ratio is a monitor specification. This number indicates the dynamic range of brightness (difference between darkest and brightest) a monitor is capable of displaying.
Current Delivery describes the amount of "juice" a power supply or other product which outputs voltage can deliver to another product in need of electrical power.
Current Draw indicates the amount of electrical current (measured typically in milliamps or amps) required to safely and effpixelsly power a device.
DC refers to direct current electricity. This type of electricity is used to power many small electronic devices. Unlike AC current, DC flows in only one direction within a circuit and therefore requires the correct +/- polarity.
Digital indicates information which is encoded into ones and zeros (binary code) by some computer processing element.
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) is a level of image correction or enhancement which takes place within a device using a digital computer element. This digital element encodes the information into digital information for the highest level of detail and quality. Cameras with DSP imagers do not necessarily produce "digital video," but they do provide very crisp video images.
Digital Surveillance Camera a camera that takes video digitally by recording images via an electronic image sensor for security and productvity monitoring or for observation.
Digital Video (DV) refers to video which has been compressed into digital information for storage onto digital storage media like a hard disk drive, CD, or DVD. The quality of digital video will vary depending on factors such as the camera quality and compression method.
Digital Video Recorder (DVR) - This device is capable of accepting one or more video (and sometimes audio) input signals for recording onto digital storage media. A DVR is basically a computer specifically designed to gather and compress video into a digital video format for storage on a hard disk drive or other form of digital media.
Directional Antenna - An antenna for wireless equipment which sends or receives a propagated radio signal on the same axis as the corresponding antenna on the other end (with line-of-sight visibility between the two whenever possible).
DVR Card - A DVR card is a device for installation in a PC computer which converts that PC into a DVR digital video recorder by gathering video and compressing it into digital information onto a computer's hard disk drive.
EIA is the standard monochrome video format used in North America, Japan, and some other places in the world. EIA products are also generally referred to as NTSC because nearly all NTSC products like televisions and VCRs can also handle black and white EIA video.
Effpixels Pixels concerns the operation of a camera's CCD image sensor. A CCD is comprised of hundreds of thousands of tiny pixel elements which translate light to a visible video image. The number of effpixels pixels indicates exactly how many of the pixels are actively at work to deliver video. A higher number of effpixels pixels tend to indicate a higher tvres camera, though this number may not always describe actual video quality in the important categories of sharpness, color saturation and vividness, as well as low light performance.
Electronic Shutter This feature automatically changes the speed at which light is captured in fields of video by the CCD image sensor. Automatic electronic shutter determines the amount of light available and helps deliver the best quality video by dynamically adjusting for the current lighting conditions by toning down light levels in very bright situations and boosting brightness in low lighting situations.
Ethernet/Modem indicates a network communication device for computer-type devices.
Exposed Board Camera - This term refers to cameras with electronic board circuitry left exposed on the cameras without a housing or enclosure. These cameras are considered delicate and must be used and handled gently, but are great for some limited applications (like unmanned / radio-controlled vehicles, OEM applications, or body worn video use) because of their slim profile and low weight.
Enclosed Board Camera (a.k.a. module camera) - This term refers to cameras with their electronic board circuitry enclosed or housed inside a protective metal or plastic casing. Enclosed board cameras are not as delicate as exposed board cameras (although all electronics should be handled carefully), but they are also slightly larger and heavier.
Focal Length indicates the distance between the optical center of a lens and a video camera's image sensor device. For practical purposes, lens focal length refers to a camera's angle of view. Lenses with a higher focal length number have narrower, telephoto fields of view. A very low number focal length indicates a very wide field of view. It should also be noted that different cameras (photographic cameras, different imager sizes in video cameras, etc.) will deliver different viewing angles with the same focal length lens.
Field - Video is generally "phased" (speed of real-time display) at a rate of 2 fields per one frame of video. This type of system is referred to as 2:1 interlace. Therefore, fields per second and frames per second do not mean the same thing (this is common misconception in multiple camera processors and DVR recording). The number of fields per second is always twice as high as the number of frames per second.
Field of View refers to the angle at which a camera is able to produce a visible image. This angle can be described in terms of diagonal, horizontal, or vertical degrees. A camera's field of view is determined by its lens configuration. Fixed lenses have set fields of view, while cameras with varifocal or power zoom lenses have adjustable fields of view.
Fixed Lens - A fixed focus lens has one set focal length with a specific field of view which cannot be changed. Any camera without a varifocal or power zoom has a fixed focus lens.
Flat Panel Antenna - An antenna for wireless with a flat antenna element contained inside a protective weatherproof housing. As a highly directional antenna, a flat panel is intended to send or receive a propagated radio signal on the same axis as the corresponding antenna on the other end (with line-of-sight visibility between the two whenever possible).
Frame - a full frame of video is the combination of two image fields interlaced together. A frame is one basic screen capture taken by a camera. 30 frames are displayed in one second of real-time video for NTSC format. PAL format is phased at a rate of 25 frames per second for real-time.
Frames per Second (FPS) describes the number of full video frames displayed or recorded within one second. True real-time video consists of 30 frames / sec. for NTSC format and 25 frames / sec. for PAL format. Be sure not to confuse frames per second with "fields per second" or "images per second". A complete frame of video is compiled of two separate images (or fields), so the number of fields in one second is always twice the number of frames per second.
FPS Display Rate (a.k.a. screen refresh rate) indicates the number of frames per second DVR recorder will display on a monitor for simultaneous viewing. Please DO NOT CONFUSE this specification with FPS Record / Playback Rate. The rate at which each camera is displayed is often NOT the same as the number of frames per second the recorder captures for playback.
FPS Record Rate describes exactly how many frames per second a video recorder can actually capture. Analog recorders like VCRs can easily record in real-time (30 frames / sec. for standard NTSC) or time-lapse (fewer than 30 frames / sec. for NTSC). Many digital DVR recorders, however, cannot record actual real-time video. Many sellers try to mislead consumers by advertising FPS Display Rate instead of actual record rate. For most situations, recording rate is the spec to pay attention to. However, please note specifications for digital video equipment are not the only numbers to rely on. In fact, many DVR recorders outperform their specifications upon real world testing while other low quality units often record at a much slower rate than their specs claim.
Frequency is the number of completed cycles of an electronic signal that occur in a given length of time. Frequency is usually measured in cycles per second (Hertz, Hz). For most CCTV industry equipment, frequency is used to describe the RF radio frequency at which wireless equipment operates. Frequency can also be used to describe the cycles of electrical current for the signal system.
GHz (gigahertz) is a measure of frequency. 1 GHz = 1000 MHz = 10,000 KHz = 100,000 Hz.
GUI Menu stands for Graphical User Interface menu. Products which feature GUI menus can be programmed with on-screen guides similar to a home television.
Gain indicates any increase or decrease in the strength of an electrical signal, often a wireless RF radio frequency signal when considering external antenna equipment. Gain is typically measured in terms of decibels (dB) or a number of times of magnification.
Gamma Correction refers to the correction of linear response of a video camera image sensor in order to compensate for the monitor phosphor screen nonlinear response. Without gamma correction set to the inverse (exact opposite corresponding value) of the monitor's gamma, a video camera would not be able to provide a complete video image for a unified display. Gamma correction is measured with the exponential value of the curve describing the non-linearity. Grade A Chipset - CCD imager chips come in a variety of image and manufacture qualities, but grade A / 1st grade chipsets are always best. These types of CCD chips are are only found in the BEST surveillance cameras. Because of their cost, the newest level of grade A chips are a minority in today's marketplace. Also, older grade A chips do not usually compare to the newest revisions and models.
Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is a magnetic media storage device for recording digital information (like that used by computers or digital DVR video recorders).
HDD Capacity indicates the amount of information which can be stored on hard disk drive. This figure is measured in bytes. 1 GB = 1016 MB = 1032256 KB = 1048772000 bytes.
HDD Speed indicates the speed at which a hard disk drive is capable of encoding information.
Hz (hertz) is a measure of frequency (indicates cycles per second in an electronic or RF signal). 1 GHz = 1000 MHz = 10,000 KHz = 100,000 Hz.
Hybrid Video Recorder (HVR) is a video recorder that has the capabilities of a DVR to support Direct-wired analog cams -AND- the capability of an NVR to support Network-wired digital cams. Although HVRs are a little more expensive than a DVR or NVR, their flexibility can reduce the overall cost of a solution.
Image Sensor indicates the type of semiconductor which handles video processing inside of a camera. Older CCTV cameras used tubes to process light information. CMOS and CCD image sensors are the most widely available for security cameras in today's market. CCD cameras provide by far the highest quality video of any type of image sensor.
Input Voltage indicates the type of electrical current (AC or DC) and the voltage required to safely power a device.
IR Infrared Light is a frequency of light which is lower than the human eye's visible spectrum (in the range of 850 ~ 950 nanometers). Color cameras CANNOT use infrared light whatsoever. However, this special band of light CAN be detected by most any monochrome CCD camera. Therefore, a black and white video camera in combination with Infrared lighting can see in pitch dark conditions where the human eye is unable to distinguish anything. An Infrared light source appears just the same as any visible light source on a black and white camera image.
IR Infrared Wavelength indicates the specific frequency of light (measured in nM - nanometers) an Infrared illuminator emits.
IR Illumination Range indicates the effpixels range at which a monochrome CCD camera can utilize the Infrared light from an illuminator and create an image. Just like visible lights, more intense Infrared lighting sources will provide a larger illumination area and range.
KHz (kilohertz) is a measure of frequency. 1 GHz = 1000 MHz = 10,000 KHz = 100,000 Hz.
Lens - A lens is an optical device which bends light, focusing it on onto an image sensor to create a distinct, visible image. All video cameras (and still cameras) need lenses in order to obtain a clear picture. Lenses come in a variety of focal lengths. The focal length of a lens, in combination with the size of the imager, will determine its field of view.
Line-of-sight (a.k.a. LOS) Range refers to the ideal broadcast range of wireless audio/video link (transmitter and receiver) systems. Line-of-sight means the range when there is a visible pathway between the transmitter antenna and the receiver antenna. As well, the line-of-sight specification indicates performance under absolute best conditions. Please be aware that just like home cordless telephones, TV reception, and cellular phone reception, wireless audio/video equipment can often be less than perfect! All wireless products are subject to limitations and vulnerabilities due to many potential variables.
Linux is a computer operating system platform upon which the software for many high quality standalone / network DVR video recorders is based. Due to reliability concerns and software glitches associated with Windows® as an operating system platform, using a PC-based video recorder for security or surveillance purposes is never recommended.
Low Light (or low lux) Sensitivity refers to a camera's performance under low lighting conditions. Although many camera distributors flash very low light "lux" numbers, these numbers often times have nothing to do with real world performance. Specifications offered by CCD manufacturers list the absolute lowest light level at which some pixels will be altered. However, a human being looking at that recorded video will never be able to distinguish anything under the lowest lighting conditions (near pitch black).
Lux is a measure of light in terms of candle power (measured in foot candles). Lux is often given as a technical specification for cameras to describe the lowest level of light required for the camera to produce any kind of an image. However, this number lists the absolute lowest level of light needed to move ANY of the image sensor's pixels. Since humans cannot detect this change in the image or let alone make out a distinguishable picture, this manufacturer specification is often exaggerated and misleading. Although generally speaking a lower "lux" rating indicates performance in darker conditions, the number listed cannot give a real determination of real-world performance.
MHz (megahertz) is a measure of frequency. 1 GHz = 1000 MHz = 10,000 KHz = 100,000 Hz.
Manual Iris Lens is a lens with a built-in method of manually adjusting lens aperture for the best video quality for a specific lighting condition. Iris control on such a lens is set by hand to a particular fixed aperture, allowing for the best possible (often better than auto-iris lenses) brightness and contrast for a specific camera angle / shot.
Maximum Recording Time indicates the longest continuous duration of time which could be recorded onto storage media using a VCR or DVR video recorder. Maximum recording time for ALL recorders will depend on the user setting for time-lapse or real-time recording and the amount of storage media capacity. Maximum recording time for DVR recorders is also dependent on tvres settings as well as hard disk drive capacity.
Micro Board Lenses These types of lenses are visible (not easily hidden like a pinhole lens) and range in size from 14mm to 25mm in diameter. Because it is physically larger than a pinhole lens, a micro board lens is able to accept more available light to provide the lowest possible low light performance.
Milliamps (mA) is a measure of electrical current power consumption. 1 amp (A) = 1000 milliamps (mA).
Milliwatts (mW) is a measure of RF radio frequency energy output. This term is most commonly applied to the RF output power of wireless A/V transmitters. For these types of devices, a higher number of milliwatts of output power indicates a more powerful (and usually further broadcasting) transmitter.
Modulator refers to a device which is capable of transforming an analog video or audio signal (or other type of electrical signal) into an RF radio frequency for wired installations. Modulating video into RF allows for longer cable runs in hardwired surveillance systems. Modulators, often called wired transmitters, also require a demodulating piece of equipment to reconvert the RF signal into a typical analog audio / video signal for proper display on a television, monitor, video recorder, etc.
Monitor Screen Size indicates the actual physical size of a monitor's viewing screen. However, this measurement is often different than the actual part of the monitor which produces a picture. The monitor viewing size spec describes the size of the picture on a monitor.
Monitor Viewing Size indicates the size of a monitor's actual visible picture.
Monochrome refers to video captured in one monotone color scheme. For practical purposes, monochrome is another word for black and white in the video surveillance camera industry.
Multiplexer (mux) is a video switching device that accepts video input from multiple cameras and converts them to all display on one monitor and / or video recorder, similar to a quad video processor. However, a multiplexer is far more advanced than a simple quad processor. Video multiplexers use time division multiplexing, meaning that a full frame of video from each camera is recorded every few seconds. While multiplexed video does not achieve true real-time display or recording (there is a slight drag to the images on playback), multiplexers do offer the capability to change between a view of several cameras and a solid close-up view of only a single camera's view on playback of recorded video.
NTSC is the standard color video format used in North America, Japan, and some other places in the world. Black and white EIA video products are also generally referred to as NTSC because nearly all NTSC equipment can also handle black and white EIA video.
Network Operation is a feature of many DVR digital video recorders. This allows the user to connect the DVR system to another computer or computer network for dynamic recording control and playback on other computers. Network operation is also interconnected with remote viewing capability for record and playback features over the internet. However, most network operation features are complex and not intended for most novice users. Connecting a DVR recorder to a PC network may require additional hardware such as a WAN or LAN router in addition to some prior networking knowledge and experience.
Omni-Directional Antenna - An antenna for wireless equipment which sends or receives a propagated radio signal in all directions simultaneously. This differs greatly from a directional antenna which is only capable of sending or receiving information on the same axis as the corresponding antenna on the other end.
Operating System (or OS) indicates the basic computer platform a DVR video recorder operates with.
Operating Temperature indicates the temperature at which a device can safely work.
Output Voltage indicates the type of electrical current (AC or DC) and the voltage a device will emit to safely power another device.
PAL is the standard color video format used in most of Europe, Asia, Israel, and many other places in the world. Black and white CCIR products are also generally referred to as PAL because all PAL equipment can also handle black and white CCIR video.
PIR Motion Sensor refers to a motion detector with passive infrared technology. These alarm sensors are often used with alarm/event VCR and DVR video recorders to trigger recording upon the detection of physical movement.
Pan refers to horizontal (side to side) dynamic motion of a camera. Any equipment capable of panning can rotate back and forth along a horizontal axis.
Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) indicates equipment with the ability to pan, tilt, and zoom, usually by remote user control. Much PTZ equipment is completely integrated, meaning there is only one controller necessary to operate all three features.
Parabolic Dish Antenna - An antenna for wireless equipment in the shape of a round concave dish or grid panel (similar to a home satellite dish). Parabolic dishes send or receive a propugated radio signal on the same axis as the corresponding antenna on the other end (with line-of-sight visibility between the two whenever possible). While omni-directional antennas are great for short range broadcasts because of their versatility, high gain directional antennas are recommended for most long range wireless video applications.
Pinhole Camera indicates a video camera with a tiny pinhole lens built-in standard with the camera.
Pinhole Lens A pinhole lens is only 1/16th of one inch in diameter, so cameras with tiny pinhole lenses can easily be hidden for covert video surveillance applications. Cameras with this type of standard lens are typically referred to as pinhole cameras.
Pixel - A camera's CCD image sensor consists of thousands of tiny sensor elements known as pixels. These sensors detect information about light and colors and translate that information into a viewable video image through digital signal processing.
Power Consumption refers to the amount of electrical current an electrical devices requires for operation, usually measured in amps (A) per hour (often seen in mA milliamps, 1 amp = 1000 milliamps). For example, a miniature video camera which draws 100 mA per hour will consume 1 ampere hour for every ten hours of continuous operation.
Power Input Plug indicates the proper size and proper polarity configuration for a device's input voltage.
Power Output Plug indicates the proper size and proper polarity configuration for a device's output voltage.
Power Zoom indicates the ability to adjust a camera's field of view by remote control. Power zoom may also be described as remote zoom.
Quad Processor is a video switching device that accepts video input from four cameras and converts them to all display on one monitor and / or video recorder.
Quality Differences: cameras are different image sensors, each with different levels of performance, that it becomes quite confusing to even the experienced camera shopper. Beyond inspecting technical specifications and even the advertised CCD manufacturer, it is also important to test for actual real world performance.
RCA is a common connector plug for standard consumer video and audio equipment. This type of connector plug may also be described as a "phono" plug. RCA jacks are found on all VCRs and televisions equipped to handle a composite video input. In most cases, RCA jacks are color coded yellow, white, and red.
RF Frequency is a term used to describe radio signals coming inbound to a receiver or outbound from a transmitter (usually wireless). Radio frequency is a term reserved for radio signals at a frequency of more than 150 Hz.
RF Input Plug indicates the connection interface between pieces of wireless equipment. In most cases, the RF input plug refers to the appropriate plug type for connecting an antenna to a wireless transmitter or receiver.
RF Output Plug indicates the connection interface between pieces of wireless equipment. In most cases, the RF output plug refers to the type of plug coming from a wireless antenna for connecting into the RF antenna input plug on a wireless transmitter or receiver.
RF Output Power indicates the effpixels "strength" of a wireless transmitter's audio / video signal. Generally speaking, RF output power (in combination with RF frequency) has a huge effect on the range one can expect from a wireless transmitter. Transmitters with higher output power (operating on the same frequency) will in most cases deliver a longer distance wireless broadcast range.
Realtime (or real time) refers to video recorded at the same speed as action occurs (so it may be played back at the speed of real time without drag). Realtime video is phased at 30 frames per second (60 fields per second) for NTSC video and 25 frames per second (50 fields per second) for PAL format equipment. Basically all VCR recorders record realtime video, but MOST digital DVR recorders do not.
Receiver can refer to two different devices for CCTV. Wired receivers are used to demodulate video for extended video runs of more than one hundred and fifty feet. These receivers convert a video signal (and potentially a power and / or audio signal) from an RF radio frequency signal into composite video for TV display and recording. A transmitter at the opposite end of the wiring first modulates that signal into the RF frequency before sending it to the receiver for decryption. Wireless receivers similarly demodulate video (and sometimes audio) from an RF radio frequency, but this signal is "beamed" from a transmitter through the air without wires. A wireless transmitter sends it video images back to this wireless receiver.
Receiver Sensitivity indicates the sensitivity of a wireless receiver in picking up a good reliable signal from the matching wireless transmitter using the stock antenna. Sensitivity measurements of -75 dB and lower indicate very high gain potential for a wireless receiver.
Recording Media refers to the magnetic storage device used to store recorded video. (i.e. tape cassettes, DVD’s, CD’s, & Hard Disk Drives or HDD)
Recording TV res (resolution or TVL) refers to the maximum number of horizontal lines of tvres a VCR or DVR video recorder is capable of recording. Most consumer recorders do not detect nearly the number of lines of horizontal TV tvres high quality CCD cameras produce. However, using a high quality, high tvres video recorder can yield brilliantly sharp images on playback.
Remote Control is a device used to control the features of a piece of equipment without physically adjusting anything on the equipment. Some products feature a wired remote control. This allows a user to control many functions remotely, but this controller must be plugged directly into the device. Other products can be used with a wireless remote control. These types of controllers allow the user to adjust functions remotely. The information is "beamed" wirelessly to the device using an IR infrared signal from the controller.
Remote Playback is a feature of many DVR video recorders. This allows users to play back recorded video over the internet from virtually any computer in the world.
Remote Viewing is a feature of many DVR video recorders. This allows users to monitor CCTV cameras over the internet from virtually any computer in the world.
Remote Zoom indicates the ability to adjust a camera's field of view by remote control. Remote zoom may also be described as powered zoom.
Resolution (TV lines) refers to the maximum number of vertical lines / pixel elements (horizontal tvres) a video camera is capable of displaying on a monitor or registering with a video recording device. Horizontal tvres indicates the number of pixel elements placed horizontally across each scanning line of tvres (vertical tvres). Horizontal tvres varies based on the abilities of each different camera and each different monitor. Although the number of TV lines of horizontal tvres is generally considered a measure of a camera's level of detail and sharpness, this specification does not always indicate true end video quality.
tvres (Scanning lines) refers to something quite a bit different than what is generally considered to be tvres. Video display on a monitor requires the image to be constantly shifting (scanning) in order to disply in real time. For instance, NTSC format video is based on a 525 scanning lines operating at a frequency of 60 Hz (PAL format is 625 lines, 50 Hz) for transmission and display of video images. This is an interlaced system in which each frame is scanned in two fields of 262 lines, which is then combined to display a complete frame of video with 525 scan lines. Scan lines (also referred to as "vertical tvres") of video are equivalent for each different video format, but every device must comply with these standards. Horizontal tvres, on the other hand, indicates the number of pixel elements contained placed horizontally across these scanning lines. Horizontal tvres varies based on the abilities of each different camera and each different monitor.
S/N (Signal-to-Noise) Ratio indicates the ratio of noise to actual total signal (in a video or audio signal generally speaking). The S/N number measures how much higher the signal level is to the level of background electronic noise, so a higher number means a clearer and crisper picture. Signal-to-noise ratio is expressed in decibels (dB).
Scanning System refers to the method in which video information is processed for display on a monitor. It’s an interlaced system in which each frame of video is scanned in two fields on a horizontal line. This type of system is called 2:1 interlace video.
Signal System refers to the basic electical system frequency a video image is phased on. In the United States and many other places across the world, 60 Hz is the standard for most all types of AC and DC electical devices (including video cameras and monitors). For this reason, standard NTSC video is phased at a frequency of 60 Hz. PAL format video, on the other hand, has a signal phased at a rate of 50 Hz.
Simplex, Duplex, and Triplex concern the operation of video recorders and multiple camera video processors like quads and multiplexers. Simplex, duplex, or triplex capablility reveals the number of device capacities which can be used simultaneously. For instance, a simplex device is only capable of performing one type of task at a time, whether that be recording or playback. A duplex device can perform two simultaneous functions like record and configure the monitor display for a certain closeup view. Triplex devices are capable of three tasks at the same time (usually record, playback, and zoom or other display functions).
Storage Temperature indicates the highest and lowest possible temperature at which a device can safely and effpixelsly be stored or shipped.
Square Board Camera - A square board design refers to a camera with a square shape using a board-style video imaging chip (rather than an inline bullet design). These cameras are usually called "board cameras," though they may have either an exposed board or an enclosed board.
System Surveillance- is the process of monitoring the behavior of people, objects or processes within systems for conformity to expected or desired norms.
Total Pixels concerns the operation of a camera's CCD image sensor. This number measures the complete count of pixel elements on a camera's CCD image sensor.
Tilt refers to vertical motion of a camera. Any equipment capable of tilting can move up and down along a vertical axis.
Timelapse is a feature of most CCTV-industry VCR and DVR video recorders. Timelapse refers to recording one still video image (frame) at fewer than 30 frames per second. The speed of this recording can usually be adjusted. Timelapse video is therefore slower than realtime recording and has a drag when the video is played back. One advantage of timelapse recording is the ability to increase maximum recording time so longer periods of time can be captured on a video tape or digital hard disk drive media. However, a major disadvantage of timelapse recording is missing many frames of video and missing much of what happens during a given period of time. There is no way to recover these missed frames on playback.
Transmitter can refer to two different devices for CCTV. Wired transmitters (sometimes called modulators) are used to modulate video for extended video runs of more than one hundred and fifty feet. These transmitters convert a video signal (and potentially a power and / or audio signal) into an RF radio frequency signal. A receiver at the opposite end of the wiring demodulates that signal back into traditional composite video for compatibility with standard equipment. Wireless transmitters similarly modulate video (and sometimes audio) into an RF radio frequency, but this signal is "beamed" through the air without wires. A wireless transmitter sends the video images back to a wireless receiver.
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is a special type of power supply commonly found in the security industry. This power supply is used to back up the system for ten minutes or more in the event of a main power failure. The time duration of this available emergency power depends on the size of the UPS and the current power consumption of the equipment in use.
VCR stands for video cassette recorder. This is an analog device capable of accepting a video (and usually audio) input signal for recording onto magnetic tape media.
VHS is the most common standard size for VCR cassettes. For normal VHS tape cassettes, there are three generally available recording lengths: T-120, T-160, and T-200. The number indicates the number of minutes recording on the tape in a VCR's highest tvres and fastest recording speed. However, the number of minutes attainable from such a tape is variable depending on the features of the VCR video recorder.
Varifocal Lens This lens allows the user / installer to manually adjust the camera's field of view. Varifocal lenses can therefore be changed to provide wider viewing angles or narrower telephoto viewing angles. Because of their adjustability, varifocal lenses are great when a camera will serve more than one purpose or to ensure proper focus without first determining an exact fixed lens focal length. Varifocal lenses are also typically referred to as zoom lenses.
Video Input Type refers to the type of video a device will accept for display, recording, etc.
Video Input Plug indicates the plug size and configuration used for a device's video input. The most common types of plugs for composite video are BNC, RCA, and 1/8" mini.
Video Motion Detection This is an advanced software feature which can detect motion in a camera's field of view and begin recording based on this motion detection. This type of detection can in most cases be adjusted in sensitivity. As well, a user can select and deselect areas in each camera's view for motion detection function.
Video Output Type refers to the type of video a camera or other device will output for display, recording, etc. on another device.
Video Output Plug indicates the plug size and configuration used for a device's video output. The most common types of plugs for composite video are BNC, RCA, and 1/8" mini.
Video Quality is of course always subjective. However, when most users describe high quality video they are referring to a sharp and clear video image without distortion.
Voltage Requirements generally refers to the amount of input voltage required to safely power an electronic device.
Watts (W) In this circumstance, "watts" is most commonly applied to the RF output power of wireless A/V transmitters. For these types of devices, a higher number of milliwatts of output power indicates a more powerful (and usually further broadcasting) transmitter. However, "watts" can also be used to measure electical power consumption. In order to calculate watts, simply multiply the number of volts a device uses by the number of amps it consumes. 1 amp (A) = 1000 milliamps (mA).
Weatherproof equipment has been specifically designed for safe use in most outdoor weather conditions. However, weatherproof equipment should not be considered waterproof because it is never intended for submersion under water. At the same time, there may also be extreme weather conditions which even standard weatherproof video equipment cannot function properly. Heating or cooling fans are encouraged for these types of conditions.
White Balance Control (WBC) is a built-in automatic OR user-configurable feature of a video camera. This term refers an electronic process used to retain crisp, vivid color saturation in the truest possible hues. The technology balances the image colors against a light colored object in the camera's view.
Wireless Operation refers to "beaming" a video and / or audio signal through the air without wires from a transmitter element to a receiver element.
Wireless Camera Any product touted as a "wireless camera" is simply a camera integrated with a wireless transmitter.
Yagi Antenna - An antenna for wireless with a series of antenna elements placed along a metal rod. As a highly directional antenna, yagi antennas are intended to send or receive a propugated radio signal on the same axis as the corresponding antenna on the other end (with line-of-sight visibility between the two whenever possible).
Zoom refers to an adjustable field of view.
Zero Lux Operation refers to video imaging in pitch black (0.0 lux) lighting conditions.
1/8" (3.5mm) Mini Plug is an audio / video connector plug for some monitors and recorders.