Glossary Of Terms A-C - CCTV
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Computers Technology -> subcategory Web Development.
Glossary of CCTV Terms (A-C)
Introduction
This glossary provides an overview of key terms related to CCTV technology, focusing on definitions from A to C. These terms are essential for anyone involved in security consultancy, security services, or designing security solutions.
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A
AC - Alternating Current
The flow of electric charge periodically reverses direction.
Access Control System
An electronic setup that manages entry and exit at a site using individual codes, keys, or cards to activate a locking mechanism.
Activity Detection
A feature in some multiplexers that identifies movement within a camera's view, enhancing the camera's recording rate.
AGC (Automatic Gain Control)
An electronic circuit in cameras that boosts video signals in low light, often resulting in a grainy picture.
Alarm Interface
Integrates external alarm equipment with CCTV to trigger programmed functions like recording a specific camera when alarms activate.
ALC (Automatic Light Control)
Adjusts the balance between peak and average voltage in an Auto Iris lens to highlight details in bright or shadowed areas.
Algorithms
Mathematical formulas used for digital video compression in CCTV.
Aliasing
The effect that appears when an analog signal is sampled digitally at less than twice its frequency, minimized by optical low-pass filtering.
Analog Signal
A signal represented by a voltage directly proportional to the light level of a camera scene.
Alkaline Battery
A long-life DC power source, non-rechargeable.
Amplitude
The strength of a video signal at a given point, measured in volts.
Angle of View
The area visible through a lens, measured in degrees.
Aperture
The lens part that gathers light, controlled by the iris and expressed as an f-number.
Aspect Ratio
The width-to-height ratio of a video picture, typically 4:3 in CCTV systems.
Aspherical Lens
A lens with a non-spherical shape offering advantages over conventional lenses, despite being harder to manufacture.
Attenuation
Signal loss as it travels through a medium, measured in decibels.
Audible Detector
A device that detects sound, which can trigger camera switching in a CCTV system.
Auto Balance
A system in color cameras to automatically correct errors in the color signal amplitude.
Auto Iris (AI)
Automatically adjusts lens aperture size for optimal light exposure on the imaging device.
Auto Pan
Allows a camera to continually pan between two preset points.
Average Video Signal
Indicates average light levels in a picture, used for adjusting the Auto Iris lens.
Back-Focus
A camera adjustment ensuring the imaging device is at the exact lens focal point, crucial for zoom lenses.
Backlash
An effect in Pan and Tilt units causing non-smooth stops, due to mechanical play or abrupt stops.
Balanced Signal
A video signal modified for transmission over twisted pair cables, reducing losses over long distances.
Bandwidth
The frequency range necessary to carry a signal without attenuation.
Barrel Distortion
An image distortion in monitors causing a bulging effect.
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B
Baud
Data transfer rate unit, equivalent to one bit per second.
Bit
Short for "binary digit," the smallest information unit, either 1 or 0.
Black Level
Part of the video signal representing black parts electronically.
Blanking Pulse
A signal added to make return traces invisible on a screen.
BNC
Common connector for coaxial cables in CCTV systems.
Bridging Switcher
A sequential video switcher with multiple inputs and outputs.
Brightness
The intensity level of a reproduced video image.
Brightness Control
Alters monitor screen illumination to vary brightness.
Braid
A woven structure used over wires or flattened into straps.
Byte
A group of eight bits.
Broadcast Camera
High-quality, high-resolution camera used in professional broadcasting.
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C
CAD - Computer Aided Design
Software for creating complex designs, often used in security system design.
Cable Compensated Amplifier
Boosts high-frequency signals based on cable distance to minimize video loss.
Cable Core
Central part of a cable transmitting video, power, and control signals.
Cable Jacket
The protective outer layer covering the cable core.
CCIR
European television signal standards body, specifying 625 lines and 25 frames per second.
CCTV - Closed Circuit Television
A television system intended for restricted personnel with dedicated purposes, not for public broadcast.
CCVE - Closed Circuit Video Equipment
An alternative term for CCTV.
CFA - Colour Filter Array
Pixel filters in CCD cameras for producing video signal color components.
Channel Separation
The separation of signals transmitted at different frequencies on a single cable.
Chromatic Aberration
Image distortion from lens defects, corrected using lens combinations.
Chrominance Signal
Video signal component carrying color information.
Cladding
The outer part of a fiber optics cable preventing signal leakage.
C-Mount
A lens mount standard with a 17.526mm back flange.
Coaxial Cable
Cable type with a single core and outer shield, standard for video signals in CCTV.
Colour Stripe Filter
A filter separating light into basic colors for CCD pixels.
Common Sync
Device that synchronizes cameras with a sync pulse.
Composite Video
Complete video signal with both video and sync information.
Concave Lens
Lens diverging light rays due to inward curved surfaces.
Conduit
Pipe for concealing and protecting cables.
Contrast
Intensity difference between the darkest and brightest image areas.
Contrast Control
Monitor control altering contrast by changing video signal amplitude.
Convex Lens
Lens converging light rays through outward curved surfaces.
Covert Camera
A concealed camera for unobtrusive video recording.
CPU - Central Processing Unit
The core component of a computer or digital device.
Crimping
Joining a cable to a connector without soldering, using a special tool.
CRO - Cathode Ray Oscilloscope
Device for measuring and displaying electronic signals.
Crosstalk
Interference noise between multiplexer signals.
CS-Mount
A modern lens mount standard with a 12.5mm back flange.
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This glossary aims to enhance your understanding of CCTV terminology essential for security professionals.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Glossary Of Terms A-C - CCTV.
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