Question 1

What does CCTV stand for?

Accepted Answer

CCTV stands for closed-circuit television, a term used for video surveillance systems.

Question 2

Is CCTV the same as a security camera?

Accepted Answer

A camera is one component of a system that can also include recording, monitors, networking, and viewing software.

Question 3

How long should security footage be stored?

Accepted Answer

Choose retention around operational needs, storage capacity, privacy obligations, and applicable rules.

Question 4

Is CCTV the same as an IP camera?

Accepted Answer

No. CCTV is a broad name for a video-surveillance system; an IP camera is one type of camera that communicates over an IP network.

Question 5

Is PoE a type of camera?

Accepted Answer

No. PoE is a way to supply power over Ethernet cabling. A compatible IP camera may use PoE, a separate power supply, or another supported method.

Question 6

Can I use PoE cameras with an existing DVR?

Accepted Answer

Only if the recorder supports those network cameras and required features. Many analog DVRs do not accept IP cameras, so confirm the exact model and channel limits first.

Question 7

Is 4K always better for security cameras?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Resolution helps only when lens, lighting, distance, compression, and storage preserve the detail needed for the task.

Question 8

Should I choose wired or wireless cameras?

Accepted Answer

Compare reliability, available power, signal quality, installation constraints, and network security. Many professional systems use wired Ethernet or coax for predictable connectivity.

Question 9

How many cameras do I need?

Accepted Answer

The number depends on the scenes, coverage overlap, and detail required. A site walk and camera-view plan are more reliable than choosing a count by floor area alone.

Question 10

Does PTZ mean automatic tracking?

Accepted Answer

No. PTZ describes pan, tilt, and zoom movement. Automatic tracking is a separate feature that depends on the camera and system.

Question 11

Can a PTZ camera replace fixed cameras?

Accepted Answer

It can cover some wide-area tasks, but it cannot maintain multiple simultaneous directions. Fixed cameras are often retained for continuous coverage of priority areas.

Question 12

Can a PTZ camera read license plates?

Accepted Answer

Some systems support license-plate analytics with compatible models and settings, but the camera must be positioned and configured for that task. Check the analytics vendor’s exact compatibility requirements.

Question 13

Is every security camera an LPR camera?

Accepted Answer

No. Plate reading needs a suitable image, lens, angle, exposure, and compatible analytics. A general-purpose camera may miss or blur plates.

Question 14

Can an LPR camera cover multiple lanes?

Accepted Answer

Some products support more than one lane under defined conditions, but coverage depends on the model and installation. Confirm the manufacturer’s tested setup for lane width, speed, and distance.

Question 15

Are license plate records private information?

Accepted Answer

They can be sensitive and may be treated as personal data under applicable rules. Determine local requirements for collection, access, sharing, and retention before enabling LPR.

Question 16

Are Axis cameras IP cameras?

Accepted Answer

Axis sells network cameras that communicate over IP networks. Power, recording, analytics, and compatibility still vary by model.

Question 17

Do Axis cameras work with other brands of recorders?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. Verify the exact camera, recorder, ONVIF profile, and required features before purchase or installation.

Question 18

Does the Axis name tell me which camera to buy?

Accepted Answer

No. Choose a specific model based on the scene and requirements, then verify its current datasheet and support lifecycle.

Question 19

Does every Avigilon camera include license plate recognition?

Accepted Answer

No. LPR availability depends on the product line, camera compatibility, software, and license. Verify the exact proposed configuration.

Question 20

Can an Avigilon PTZ camera be used for Alta LPR?

Accepted Answer

Avigilon’s Alta Video documentation says Alta LPR cannot be configured with PTZ cameras. Check current platform documentation for the specific deployment.

Question 21

Is Avigilon cloud-only?

Accepted Answer

Product lines differ. Ask whether the proposal records on-premises, in the cloud, or through a hybrid arrangement, and confirm network and subscription requirements.

Question 22

Does Hanwha Vision sell dedicated LPR cameras?

Accepted Answer

Yes, its catalog includes LPR-labeled models. The exact capabilities and supported conditions are model-specific and should be checked in the latest documentation.

Question 23

Does every Hanwha PTZ model have AI tracking?

Accepted Answer

No. Analytics and tracking features vary by model and firmware. Confirm the specific feature list for the proposed camera.

Question 24

Can Hanwha cameras be mixed with another VMS?

Accepted Answer

It may be possible when the device and VMS support compatible interfaces and features. Check exact ONVIF conformance and test required events and controls.

Question 25

Are Verkada cameras cloud-managed?

Accepted Answer

Verkada markets a cloud-managed platform, but details such as local recording, cloud functions, and outage behavior can vary by product. Confirm the current design for the selected model.

Question 26

Do all Verkada cameras support LPR?

Accepted Answer

No. LPR is available only on selected camera models and configurations. Check the current compatibility list and analytics settings.

Question 27

What should I ask about a Verkada subscription?

Accepted Answer

Ask about included retention, licenses, warranty, support, renewals, export access, and which functions stop if the subscription expires.

27 security camera questions, answered.

What Is CCTV? Meaning, Camera Systems & Installer Checklist ↗