CCTV Operator Interview Preparation Guide

Both Capturing Video Signal and Compressing Video Signal are done by DSP chipset integrated on DVR Board. It doesn't need the computer's CPU to do this work. It's low cost of CPU and RAM resources. In this system the computer CPU's task focus on answering network request, streaming the video/audio to network and saving recorded data to local hard disk.

OSD (On Screen Display) cameras have a menu system within the camera assembly that can be accessed in order to set functions such as Iris levels, AGC on/off and most features of standard and advanced cameras.

Yes, lenses are usually specified as having a minimum and maximum 'f' stop rating; the 'f' stop is a measure of how efficiently the lens allows light from the scene, to pass through the lens and onto the camera CCD sensor. The maximum aperture (when the lens is fully open), is the minimum 'f' stop number and the minimum aperture, (just before the lens completely closes) is the maximum 'f' stop number.

A low minimum 'f' stop number means that the lens can pass more light through during dark conditions, which will produce better pictures at night.

A high maximum 'f' stop number may be necessary where there is a high level of light or reflection. This will prevent the camera ‘whiting out’.

This is the end of line resistance of any CCTV system and this should be set to 75 ohm. Should you encounter any double image or ghosting this is more often than not caused by two pieces of equipment in series both having the 75-ohm switch set on. Only the last piece of equipment should be set at 75-ohm.

The answer to this is a definitive NO. Color cameras are typically fitted with an IR cut filter and will not allow IR light in excess of 700Nm to pass resulting in the camera performing poorly in these circumstances.

Security guards have little to do during periods when no threat occurs -- the job is mostly to be on hand in case something happens.

Your interviewer will want to assess whether you are likely to become distracted or even cause trouble during these periods. Tailor your answer to show that you’re able to react quickly when required.

The best option is to connect a USB video capture adapter to the machine and then, use a standard BNC to RCA adapter to convert the plug from the camera.

Using a thick paper or your finger, cover the unit’s light sensor. This will activate the night mode in the device. If the night vision LED appears to glow, then the camera is receiving power and recording. Additionally, check for a clicking sound from the Auto Mechanical IR Cut Filter on the camera for further confirmation.

The best way is to feed the ‘Video Out’ on the camera to the ‘Video In’ on the VCR or DVD recorder using a video modulator or a Scart adapter:

Video Modulator:
☛ Connect the ‘Video Out’ on the camera to a mini TV transmitter.
☛ Then, tune the receiver to the channel outputted by the modulator to get the camera’s signal as a regular TV channel or station.

Scart Adapter/Converter:
☛ Route an RCA to RCA cable from the camera to the receiver.
☛ Then, connect the RCA to the adapter.
☛ Finally, insert the adapter to the top ‘Scart’ input to record the video.

I do have an interest in criminal justice. I get upset when I see people getting away with crime, and I see my job as a surveillance operator as one way to try to prevent that. The cameras are always going to be recording everything, but it's up to me to monitor the video feed and report any suspicious activity. I also have to provide solid documentation because this might be used in an investigation from law enforcement. They don't have time to watch hours of footage, they depend on me to point them in the right direction. Criminal justice is very interesting to me and I want to be a part of the system.