CCTV Glossary & Terminology Guide – Complete Dictionary for CCTV Installers
The security industry uses a wide range of technical terms, acronyms, and system-specific language. Whether you're taking a CCTV installation course, working as a technician, or simply trying to understand how CCTV systems work, this comprehensive CCTV Glossary explains every important term used in HD CCTV, IP CCTV, NVRs, DVRs, and VMS platforms.
This glossary is designed for beginners and professionals alike, and it supports your CCTV installation training by giving you clear, simple definitions of the terminology used across the USA security industry.
A – CCTV Terms Beginning With A
Access Control
A security system that controls entry to buildings or rooms using keypads, cards, biometrics, or mobile credentials. Often integrated with CCTV.
AHD (Analog High Definition)
A type of HD CCTV technology that sends high-definition video over coaxial cable. Common in budget-friendly systems.
AI Detection
Artificial intelligence features in IP cameras that detect people, vehicles, faces, or objects.
Analogue CCTV
Older CCTV technology that uses low-resolution analogue video signals. Often upgraded to HD CCTV.
Angle of View
The width of the area a camera can see, determined by lens size and sensor type.
B – CCTV Terms Beginning With B
Bandwidth
The amount of data a network can handle. Important for IP CCTV systems to prevent lag or video loss.
BNC Connector
A twist-lock connector used for coaxial cables in HD CCTV and analogue systems.
Bitrate
The amount of data used to encode video. Higher bitrate = better quality but more storage.
Bullet Camera
A long, cylindrical camera often used outdoors. Easy to aim and highly visible.
C – CCTV Terms Beginning With C
Cat5e / Cat6 / Cat6A
Types of Ethernet cable used for IP CCTV installations. Higher categories support higher bandwidth.
CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television)
A video surveillance system where cameras send video to a private recording system, not broadcast publicly.
Coaxial Cable
Cable used for analogue and HD CCTV systems. Includes RG59 and RG6.
Compression (Video Compression)
Reduces video file size using formats like H.264, H.265, or H.265+. Essential for storage efficiency.
CVI (Composite Video Interface)
A high-definition analogue video format used by some manufacturers.
D – CCTV Terms Beginning With D
DVR (Digital Video Recorder)
A recorder used for analogue and HD CCTV systems. Connects to cameras via coaxial cable.
Dynamic Range (WDR)
A camera’s ability to handle bright and dark areas in the same image.
Day/Night Camera
A camera that switches between color (day) and infrared (night) modes.
E – CCTV Terms Beginning With E
Ethernet
The networking technology used for IP CCTV systems. Carries data and sometimes power (PoE).
Exposure
Controls how much light reaches the camera sensor. Affects brightness and clarity.
Edge Recording
Recording video directly on the camera using an SD card instead of an NVR.
F – CCTV Terms Beginning With F
FPS (Frames Per Second)
The number of video frames captured per second. Higher FPS = smoother video.
Focal Length
Determines how zoomed-in or wide a camera’s view is. Measured in millimeters.
Fixed Lens
A lens with a set focal length. Cannot zoom in or out.
H – CCTV Terms Beginning With H
H.264 / H.265 / H.265+
Video compression formats. H.265+ offers the best storage efficiency.
HD CCTV
High-definition CCTV using coaxial cable. Includes HD-TVI, HD-CVI, and AHD.
Hybrid DVR/NVR
A recorder that supports both coaxial (HD CCTV) and IP cameras.
I – CCTV Terms Beginning With I
IP Camera
A network-based camera that sends digital video over Ethernet.
IR (Infrared)
Light used by cameras to see in the dark. Invisible to the human eye.
IP Address
A unique identifier for devices on a network. Essential for IP CCTV configuration.
L – CCTV Terms Beginning With L
LAN (Local Area Network)
The internal network used to connect IP cameras, NVRs, and VMS systems.
LPR / ANPR
License Plate Recognition. Cameras designed to read vehicle plates.
Lux Rating
Measures how well a camera performs in low light. Lower lux = better night performance.
M – CCTV Terms Beginning With M
Motion Detection
A feature that triggers recording or alerts when movement is detected.
Megapixel (MP)
A measure of camera resolution. Higher MP = more detail.
Monitor
A display used to view live or recorded CCTV footage.
N – CCTV Terms Beginning With N
NVR (Network Video Recorder)
A recorder used for IP CCTV systems. Connects to cameras over the network.
Network Switch
A device that connects multiple IP cameras and network devices.
Noise
Visual distortion in low-light video.
O – CCTV Terms Beginning With O
ONVIF
A global standard that allows IP cameras and NVRs from different brands to work together.
Outdoor Camera
A weatherproof camera designed for external environments.
P – CCTV Terms Beginning With P
PoE (Power over Ethernet)
Technology that delivers power and data to IP cameras through a single Ethernet cable.
PTZ Camera
A camera that can pan, tilt, and zoom remotely.
Pixelation
Blocky or distorted video caused by low bitrate or network issues.
R – CCTV Terms Beginning With R
Resolution
The clarity of video, measured in pixels (e.g., 1080p, 4MP, 4K).
RAID
A storage configuration used in NVRs and VMS servers for redundancy and performance.
Remote Access
Viewing CCTV footage from a phone, tablet, or computer.
S – CCTV Terms Beginning With S
Static IP
A permanent IP address used for remote access and stable network configuration.
Storage Retention
The number of days video is stored before being overwritten.
Smart Events
Advanced analytics such as line crossing, intrusion detection, and object removal.
V – CCTV Terms Beginning With V
VMS (Video Management System)
Enterprise-level software used to manage large CCTV systems across multiple sites.
Varifocal Lens
A lens that allows manual zoom adjustment.
Video Loss
When a camera signal disappears due to power, cable, or network issues.
W – CCTV Terms Beginning With W
WDR (Wide Dynamic Range)
A camera feature that improves visibility in scenes with bright and dark areas.
Wireless CCTV
Cameras that connect via Wi-Fi instead of Ethernet. Less reliable than wired systems.
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Understanding CCTV terminology is essential for installers, technicians, and anyone working with surveillance systems. Our complete CCTV installation course covers all of these terms in detail, with real-world demonstrations and practical examples to help you master HD CCTV, IP CCTV, NVRs, DVRs, and VMS platforms.
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