Video System Test Equipment

This chapter reveals that the professional design, implementation, and maintenance of closed circuit television (CCTV) and networked analog or digital video systems require a large variety of test equipment. The electrical test equipment takes the form of analog waveform monitors, vector scopes, digital timing and frequency meters, as well as many other specialized types of equipment for analyzing digital signals. When a wireless transmission system is part of the video surveillance network, specialized radio frequency (RF) and microwave test equipment are required to determine the suitability and functionality of the analog and digital transmission equipment. At the front end of the video system, light measuring equipment to determine illumination levels from visible and near-IR natural and artificial lighting are required. In analyzing the environment for a covert video application or for a rapid deployment, video equipment for personnel (VIP) protection and assessment scenarios, electronic and optical interrogation equipment are required to measure signal strength and to locate covert cameras or other clandestine imaging devices.