Closed Circuit Television is an indispensable element in a variety of security driven applications. In retail stores, experts report that inventory shrinkage typically originates at the point of sale. It is estimated that three times as much shrinkage occurs at the cash register than anywhere else in the store. Shrinkage drops dramatically when point-of-sale data is recorded with a complete picture of exactly what was purchased, by whom, and through which salesperson. Overt cameras on the sales floor act as a deterrence to external and internal theft by shoplifting. In major business complexes, management can use Closed Circuit Television to supervise parking areas, high risk storage facilities, and critical access points. Closed circuit television is commonplace in manufacturing environments where process monitoring is required.

Components of a Closed Circuit Television System vary by application and objective. Typically included are one or more black and white or color cameras, a monitor, and a time lapse video recorder. Use of multiple cameras usually requires a switching device. Systems may require environmental housings for outdoor use and automatic iris lenses to compensate for mechanisms and zoom capability to enhance results. High resolution cameras, monitors and recording devices improve the chances of identification. New transmission formats now allow managers and business owners to remotely monitor activities at designated facilities from virtually any point on the globe where telephone access is present. And new technology has led to the development of video motion sensors that not only detect intrusion but also record the activity on video tape. For more information on Closed Circuit Television, contact any First Alarm branch.