In these modern times, CCTV cameras can be found everywhere in homes, in offices, in parks, and streets. The reliability of cameras in helping to maintain home security and to solve multiple problems, like theft and other security threats, has been the main reason we install them. However, have you wondered, “Does CCTV camera record voice or audio?”
In this article, you will learn the answer to that question. Not only that, but you will also know the legal aspects and the use of audio recordings. Read on and find out more about CCTV cameras and audio recording.
Analog vs. IP CCTV Cameras
CCTV cameras can record audio. Both the analog and the IP CCTV cameras have great audio recording quality but have different ways of capturing sound.
Analog CCTV
The analog CCTV camera has many microphones to record audio. The audio input has to be connected to the DVR, which will then process the audio and video digitization.
IP CCTV
The IP CCTV camera has an audio input that goes straight into the IP system. However, in this system, the video feed is transmitted between the microphones and the camera is analog, which will then be transferred to the NVR.
So, does CCTV camera record voice? The answer is, yes, but both analog and IP CCTV cameras still need an extra device for audio to be digitized together with the video. As much as possible, always connect your security cameras to a DVR or NVR before linking it to your viewing monitors. Now you know that CCTV cameras do record voice, but why establishments do not opt to do so has one big reason.
Legal Issues
All countries have their respective privacy laws, whether for video recording or audio recording. It is not always easy to install CCTV cameras or audio recorders. You have to make sure your intentions comply with these privacy laws. These laws are the main reason why owners of security cameras do not record audio not to be penalized.
Just a bit of trivia: privacy laws on the audio recording have existed since telephones were invented. So, again, to answer the question: “Does CCTV camera record voice?” Again, the answer is yes, but owners do not opt to record to avoid legal problems.
Audio Range
Why do we still need to deal with the audio range of the CCTV camera if you do not need to record any audio? This section is to make your learning on the audio recording feature of security cameras complete. High-quality security cameras have a range of 6 meters at most. This distance allows you to record a clear and audible voice still. So, when shopping for CCTV cameras, always consider the brand with most high reviews.
Uses of Audio Recording
Of course, there are also allowable uses for audio recording for CCTV cameras. Like in establishments that have a customer service section, customers are usually notified that the place has a video and audio surveillance installed. The reason for this is to check customer complaints or the like properly.
Also, in places like parks and malls, audio can be recorded or picked up because public spaces are expected to have limited privacy. As mentioned, audio recording can help in legal cases, especially in criminal investigations. The most important thing to consider, though, is that there should be consent. Find out more about Security Cameras.
No Use at All
However, since most surveillance cameras are installed in tall heights or in places that are not visible, audio recording is often useless. So it is better to turn it off.
Turn Off the Audio Recording
Does CCTV camera record voice, we have already answered that question. Also, recording audio can be situational. What do you do if it is illegal, or is there no need to record? The only solution is to turn off the audio recording either manually or through the CCTV camera software. You can access it through your computer or your phone. If you need to turn it on, do so, but make sure it is legal.
Conclusion
Now you know the answer to the question: “Does CCTV camera record voice?” All that is left to do is to apply the things you have learned in this article to avoid having to face legal problems.
Remember that there are two ways security cameras record audio, and it depends on whether it is an analog camera or an IP camera. Bear in mind as well that most audio recordings have no use given the range they are installed. Most especially, there are only a few situations where you can record audio, but make sure there has to be consent. Most of the time, though, turn off the audio recording.