Lesson 1Overview of CCTV system architecture: cameras, recorders (NVR/DVR), storage, network, powerLearn how cameras, NVRs or DVRs, storage, switches, and power systems connect to form a complete CCTV setup that enables recording, remote viewing, backup options, and room for growth.
Roles of cameras, encoders, and recordersNVR vs DVR vs hybrid setupsNetwork layout for CCTV dataStorage capacity and retention planningRemote access, viewers, and VMSLesson 2Regulatory and privacy considerations affecting camera placement and recordingDiscover how privacy laws, data protection guidelines, and industry standards impact camera positioning, retention times, audio recording, and signage to keep CCTV systems compliant and robust during audits or legal checks.
Key global and local CCTV legal frameworksData protection, consent, and purpose limitsAudio recording limits 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, HLCFind out how IR and white-light lighting, low-light CMOS sensors, WDR, BLC, and HLC combine to deliver clear images in the dark, backlit areas, and high-contrast settings typical in CCTV installations.
IR LEDs, IR range, and wavelength optionsWhite-light illuminators and deterrenceLow-light CMOS and minimum lux ratingsWide Dynamic Range concepts and adjustmentsBLC and HLC for backlight and glareLesson 4Lens basics: focal length, field of view, fixed vs varifocal, auto-iris, megapixel lens considerationsGrasp how focal length, sensor size, and lens quality determine field of view, identification range, and image clarity, and compare fixed, varifocal, auto-iris, and megapixel lenses for various CCTV uses.
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 housingsLearn how mounting gear, housings, and environmental ratings shield cameras from weather, vandalism, and impacts, and select pole, wall, and ceiling mounts for stability, safety, and proper 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 protectionBuild practical skills in PoE standards, power budgets, cable types, and coax choices, plus surge and lightning protection, to deliver stable, safe, and compliant power and data 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, 4KLook at how sensor size, pixel spacing, and resolutions like 720p, 1080p, 4MP, and 4K influence detail, bandwidth, storage, and low-light results, allowing smart choices for each surveillance need.
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, covertReview key CCTV camera types and shapes, including domes, turrets, bullets, PTZ, panoramic, and hidden units, and see how each affects coverage, deterrence, tamper resistance, and setup ease.
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