Lesson 1Overview of CCTV system architecture: cameras, recorders (NVR/DVR), storage, network, powerGrasp how cameras, NVRs or DVRs, storage solutions, networking, and power systems connect to form a complete CCTV framework that enables recording, remote viewing, redundancy, and scalability for future needs.
Roles of cameras, encoders, and recordersNVR vs DVR vs hybrid architecturesNetwork topology for CCTV trafficStorage sizing and retention planningRemote access, clients, and VMSLesson 2Regulatory and privacy considerations affecting camera placement and recordingDiscover how privacy regulations, data protection guidelines, and sector standards impact camera positioning, data retention, audio recording, and signage, ensuring CCTV systems stay lawful and robust under scrutiny or legal examination.
Key global and local CCTV legal frameworksData protection, consent, and purpose limitationAudio recording restrictions and best practicesSignage, notifications, and privacy maskingRetention periods, access rights, and logsLesson 3Illumination and low-light technologies: IR, white-light, low-light CMOS, WDR, BLC, HLCDelve into how infrared and white-light sources, low-light CMOS sensors, wide dynamic range, backlight compensation, and highlight compensation combine to deliver clear images in dark conditions, backlit areas, and high-contrast settings typical in CCTV use.
IR LEDs, IR range, and wavelength choicesWhite-light illuminators and deterrenceLow-light CMOS and minimum lux ratingsWide Dynamic Range concepts and tuningBLC and HLC for backlight and glareLesson 4Lens basics: focal length, field of view, fixed vs varifocal, auto-iris, megapixel lens considerationsLearn how focal length, sensor dimensions, and lens quality determine field of view, recognition distance, and image clarity, and evaluate fixed, varifocal, auto-iris, and megapixel lenses for various CCTV scenarios.
Focal length, sensor size, and angle of viewFixed vs varifocal lens use casesAuto-iris vs manual iris operationMegapixel lens resolution and MTFLens selection for typical CCTV scenesLesson 5Mounting, housings and environmental ratings: pole, wall, ceiling mounts, IK and IP ratings, vandal housingsUnderstand how mounting fixtures, enclosures, and environmental protections shield cameras from weather, vandalism, and impacts, and select pole, wall, or ceiling mounts for stability, safety, and optimal viewing angles.
Wall, ceiling, and pole mount selectionOutdoor housings and heater–blower unitsIP ratings for dust and water ingressIK ratings and vandal-resistant designsCable routing, seals, and strain reliefLesson 6Power and connectivity: PoE fundamentals, power budgets, cable types (Cat5e/Cat6, coax), surge protectionAcquire hands-on insight into PoE specifications, power calculations, cable varieties, and coaxial alternatives, along with surge and lightning safeguards, to guarantee secure, stable, and compliant power and data transmission to CCTV equipment.
PoE standards, modes, and power classesCalculating and verifying power budgetsCat5e vs Cat6 vs coax for CCTV linksConnectors, patch panels, and terminationsSurge, lightning, and grounding practicesLesson 7Image sensors, resolution standards and their trade-offs: 720p, 1080p, 4MP, 4KInvestigate how sensor dimensions, pixel spacing, and resolutions like 720p, 1080p, 4MP, and 4K influence detail, data usage, storage demands, and performance in low light, allowing smart choices for diverse surveillance situations.
Sensor types, sizes, and pixel pitchCommon CCTV resolutions and aspect ratiosDetail levels for detect, observe, identifyBandwidth and storage impact of resolutionBalancing resolution with low-light needsLesson 8Camera types and form factors: fixed dome, turret, bullet, PTZ, panoramic, covertExamine principal CCTV camera designs and formats, such as domes, turrets, bullets, PTZ, panoramic, and hidden models, and see how each influences coverage, deterrence, resistance to tampering, and ease of installation.
Fixed dome and microdome applicationsTurret cameras and IR performanceBullet cameras for long corridorsPTZ cameras for active monitoringPanoramic and multi-sensor camerasCovert and discreet camera options