Covert digital video camera monitoring and recording is sometimes referred to as spy camera CCTV. Although the term “spy” may conjure up images of secret agents, under cover operatives and the like, a spy camera CCTV system can have very practical applications suited for every day residential and commercial applications.
It is possible to describe process of digital video monitoring and/or recording as either overt or covert. Overt digital video systems operate without an attempt to disguise or hide the equipment in any manner. In fact, many systems are installed in such a way as to be obvious, since there is an added advantage of deterrence of criminal acts associated with video security systems.
However, there are many applications where the process of digital video monitoring and/or recording is required without the subject being aware of the presence of any video security equipment. These are called covert video systems or spy camera CCTV (Closed Circuit Television). Sometimes the interpretation of the words “spy camera” are so loosely interpreted that some use it to mean any type of video security type camera.
The acronym “CCTV” in spy camera CCTV is basically a term that originated to describe or differentiate the system from an “open” broadcast system. When video cameras were first used for security systems, the cameras were analog cameras that were basically miniature versions of the video cameras used in television stations to record live shows and newscasts. Television cameras however, sent their signal to a powerful transmitter and antenna that openly broadcast the video to anyone that could receive it (owned a television).
Video security systems including modern digital video security systems send their video signals via a video transmission cable, usually an RG-59 type coaxial cable. These cables carry the signal from each camera to the video recorder or Digital Video Recorder (DVR) and are not openly broadcast, hence the term “Closed” Circuit Television. Spy camera CCTV is covertly designed video monitoring and recording that is wired in a closed circuit.
With ever increasing technological advances, including wireless digital video cameras and Internet Protocol (IP) ready cameras, it may be necessary to broaden the definition of CCTV a bit. Since these cameras do broadcast a signal using radio waves or utilize the Internet as a networking medium, it is difficult to say they are working in a closed circuit. However, the intent is still the same and that is; the video signal is only intended for a specific receiver or receivers and is not intended for open broadcast to the public.
Spy camera CCTV systems today are exceptionally good and disguising or hiding themselves. That’s because the digital video cameras have been able to take advantage of the tremendous technological innovations in computing and electronic circuitry. Sensors, lenses, and Integrate Circuit (IC) chips can be integrated into unusually small packages making the camera easy to hide or disguise.
For example, Security Camera King offers an ink pen (our product # HC-PEN) or a wrist watch (our product # HC-WATCH) that contain a color spy camera CCTV complete with a color video camera, audio recording, and a Digital Video Recorder or DVR!
Other spy camera CCTV systems may include several hidden or disguised cameras or a combination of covert and overt camera types. Security Camera King offers a huge selection of spy camera designs including cameras disguised as:
• Wall clocks;
• Exit signs;
• Buttons;
• Screw heads;
• Speakers;
• Telephones; and
• Many other objects.
These cameras can be connected to typical digital video monitors and DVRs to create custom designed spy camera CCTVs. Not only have these systems benefited from technology that permits them to be incredibly small, but they have also benefited from technology to improve in function.
For example, there are two different types of electronic sensor chips used in digital video cameras today that transfer the light from images into electrical energy that can be used to create video images. Not only can these sensor chips create video images, but they are inherently able to detect infrared light (light that the human eye cannot see) as well. With the proper filters and lights, these cameras can record video in total darkness conditions.
If you are looking for specific type of spy camera CCTV check out Security Camera King’s wide selection of cameras and equipment. Spy cameras and equipment can be found by clicking on the left hand side of our web pages, “Security Cameras” then “Hidden Security Cameras” or “Hidden Camera Systems.”
