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Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) is a technology commonly used in security cameras that balances the light in high-contrast images to produce a crisp, high-quality image. WDR is often applied in outdoor security cameras where there is greater unpredictability in lighting.

Unlike a wide or narrow angle lens, a varifocal lens is a camera lens that can be adjusted to provide either a wide or narrow field of view. Varifocal lenses have more versatility than other types of lenses as they can be adjusted for the environment they are in, making them suitable for open spaces like parking lots and tight areas like hallways or alleys. They are often found in standard dome cameras which are the most widely used type of dome camera.

A fixed lens is a wide-angle lens that cannot have the position adjusted. This type of lens provides a broad field of view and can be great for monitoring large areas such as parking lots. The position of the lens will be set by the technician during installation and can be adjusted manually later.

Thermal cameras are intrusion devices that detect and capture thermal radiation emitted by objects and individuals. Unlike traditional cameras that rely on visible light, thermal cameras use thermal imaging. Thermal cameras detect and measure the heat energy emitted by objects and convert it into a visual representation called a thermogram. Thermal cameras excel in challenging lighting scenarios, including near darkness or adverse weather conditions such as fog, smoke, or haze. This capability makes thermal cameras particularly valuable in applications such as outdoor perimeter surveillance.

A wide-angle lens is a camera lens with a short focal length, providing a broad field of view. It captures a wider perspective, making it suitable for surveillance applications for more expansive spaces like parking lots, where capturing a wide field of view is important for comprehensive surveillance coverage.

A telephoto lens is a type of camera lens with a long focal length, allowing for magnification and capturing distant subjects in detail. It has a narrow field of view, which results in a close-up view of the subject, making it ideal for surveillance applications where long-range monitoring is required. Telephoto lenses are commonly used in security cameras to monitor focused areas such as hallways or alleys.

Infrared (IR) security cameras can capture black-and-white images even when there is little visible light. This technology is crucial in enhancing visibility and capturing images in low-light or nighttime conditions. IR security cameras are equipped with infrared LEDs that emit infrared illumination. This illumination can then convert the reflected IR light to a grayscale image visible to the human eye, which can then be displayed or recorded for surveillance purposes. By leveraging IR technology, security cameras can effectively monitor areas with little or no available light, such as nighttime scenes or dimly lit alleys and rooms. This enables round-the-clock surveillance and enhances the overall security of a location by providing visibility in challenging lighting conditions.

Dome cameras are a popular type of security camera characterized by their darkened plastic dome-shaped housing. The dome housing serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. It provides a discreet appearance and makes it difficult for individuals to determine the direction the camera is pointing. The dome housing also protects against vandalism and tampering. Dome cameras are commonly used in indoor and outdoor environments to monitor a wide range of areas, including retail stores, office buildings, public spaces, and more.

Digital zoom is a feature in security cameras that allows for the selective enlargement of a digital image or video without physically moving the camera lens. Unlike manual zooming, which uses the lens to magnify, digital zoom relies on software processing to enlarge the pixels in the image. For this reason, digital zoom can be easier to use since it doesn't require a technician to come and adjust the lens and can be completed at the tap of a button. However, it's important to note that digital zoom may result in losing image quality and detail. It can be useful for obtaining a closer view of an object or area of interest, but for clear imaging, manual zoom is generally preferred.

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a trusted resource known around the world for product safety and service certification. Since being founded in 1894, UL examines and tests devices, systems, and material to determine how their performance affects life, fire, casualty, hazards, and crime prevention.

CCTV, or closed-circuit television, is a type of surveillance system that uses security cameras to monitor and record activities in a specific area. The term CCTV (closed-circuit television) is thrown around a lot when it comes to security cameras, but it isn’t a catch-all term. CCTV refers to an older type of technology in which camera video is stored locally, if at all. Compare this to IP cameras, a more modern alternative in which video is sent over a local private network to be stored on an intelligent video server. This allows for cloud storage, higher video resolution, and even advanced features like video analytics. With IP cameras, video can also be accessed live remotely from a mobile app or desktop browser.

After a video surveillance security camera captures live video, it is processed and sent over a local private network for storage on an integrated video server (IVS). In some instances, integrated video servers also employ cloud storage of video events. With cloud storage, IVS makes it possible to view and share video clips remotely from your mobile device or personal computer, such as with DGA's OneVIEW system. Depending on your system, your video server may also come with cloud-based system health monitoring and event reports. Integrated video servers integrate easily into existing IT infrastructure and communicate with cloud-based servers for a secure and reliable video surveillance system. With advanced system management capabilities, large amounts of internal storage space, and compression ability, they are designed to meet the needs of virtually any business.