Lesson 1Overview of CCTV system architecture: cameras, recorders (NVR/DVR), storage, network, powerLearn how cameras, NVRs or DVRs, storage units, switches, and power systems connect to create a complete CCTV setup that allows for recording, remote viewing, backup options, and room for growth in the future.
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 recordingUnderstand how privacy laws, data protection guidelines, and industry standards shape where cameras are placed, how long footage is kept, audio recording, and signage, ensuring CCTV systems stay legal and strong during checks or court matters.
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, HLCDiscover how IR and white-light lighting, low-light CMOS sensors, WDR, BLC, and HLC combine to produce clear images in the dark, scenes with backlighting, and areas with strong contrasts, which are common in CCTV use across Zambia.
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 considerationsGrasp how focal length, sensor size, and lens quality determine the field of view, distance for identification, and image clarity, and compare fixed, varifocal, auto-iris, and megapixel lenses for various CCTV needs in local environments.
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 housingsFind out how mounting equipment, housings, and environmental ratings shield cameras from weather, vandalism, and damage, and select pole, wall, and ceiling mounts that provide stability, safety, and proper angles for Zambian conditions.
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 useful knowledge on PoE standards, power planning, cable types, and coax choices, along with surge and lightning safeguards, to guarantee steady, safe, and compliant power and data supply to CCTV equipment in power-variable areas.
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, data usage, storage, and performance in low light, allowing smart choices for each security situation in Zambian contexts.
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 main CCTV camera types and shapes, including domes, turrets, bullets, PTZ, panoramic, and hidden units, and see how each design impacts coverage, deterrence, resistance to tampering, and ease of installation in local sites.
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