A Glossary Of Security Definitions
Every industry has its own language and terms. These words and phrases can be confusing to anyone who is not part of the daily operations of a specific sector, and the security and access control business is no exception.
So, to help you understand the terms, acronyms, and phrases regularly used when liaising with a security professional, Imperial Communications has created this handy reference guide. Here you’ll find valuable information allowing you to comprehend and communicate your security and access control needs effectively.
A network video recorder (NVR)
It’s a specialized computer system that includes a software program that records video in a digital format to a disk drive, USB flash drive, SD memory card, or other mass storage device.
Digital video recorder
It’s an electronic device that records video in a digital format to a disk drive, USB flash drive, SD memory card, SSD, or other local or networked mass storage device.
Access control system
It determines who is allowed to enter or exit a space, which entrance they can come in and leave from, and what time they can enter or exit.
1080p (1920×1080 px)
It’s also known as Full HD and is a set of HD High-Resolution Video modes characterized by 1,920 pixels. It’s displayed across the screen horizontally and 1,080 pixels down the screen vertically. The “p” stands for progressive scan, i.e., non-interlaced. The term usually assumes a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9, implying a resolution of 2.1 megapixels. It is often marketed as full HD to contrast 1080p with 720p resolution.
Back-up
In CCTV, DVR context back-up refers to saving a selected video clip to an external device to review it on a standard PC. It’s also called export.
CAT6
It’s a sophisticated cable comprising four pieces of twisted-pair copper wire and has a longitudinal separator. It allows the cables to get separated from each other and, in turn, allows not only for an increased data transfer speed but less crosstalk and double the bandwidth. CAT6 cabling is a good choice for an IP camera and NVR, especially those evolving and might need more options in the future. CAT6 is perfect for ten Gigabit Ethernet and can work at up to 250 MHz
Coaxial cable (COAX)
It’s a type of shielded cable capable of carrying a wide range of frequencies (video or radio) with low signal loss. It is used in CCTV and HD CCTV applications with BNC connectors.
Covert camera
A covert camera is a camera that is not visible or noticeable. It’s intentionally obscured from view and often used for surveillance of employees. Covert cameras can get hidden in a variety of devices, including PIR sensors and smoke detectors. These types of cameras also get referred to as hidden cameras, nanny cameras, and concealed cameras.
HDD
It’s An acronym for Hard Disk Drive.
HDMI
It’s an acronym for High Definition Multimedia Interface. It’s a single cable connection used in consumer electronics providing a high level of clarity. This type of connection is now common in CCTV products and is capable of higher resolutions than VGA or composite.
IP (IP address)
It’s an acronym for Internet Protocol. IP is a unique number/ address assigned by an internet authority that identifies a computer on the internet. The number consists of four groups of numbers between 0 and 255, separated by periods (dots). For example, 192.168.1.254 is an IP address.
Network
A network allows two or more computers to exchange information quickly and easily. Also, it’s a term used to describe IP cameras (IP network cameras) in surveillance.
Network switch
It’s a hardware device used to connect multiple devices to a network. These devices usually have four to thirty-two inputs. They can be connected to make any size network.
We hope these definitions made you more confident to seek expert security assistance. If you’re looking for a security or access control professional, reach out to the experts at Imperial Communications. With over a decade of industry experience in these areas, our mission is to provide highly professional service to clients at all times. Our services include the repair and installation of CCTV cameras, alarm systems, surveillance, intercom, telephony, access control, and network cable networks. All of these services are available to clients across Hackensack, New Jersey, New York, and the surrounding areas.
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