20 technical terms about security cameras explained in simple English. A tool to understand what every brand offers before you buy.
An NVR (Network Video Recorder) is the recorder that receives the signal from IP cameras and stores all video locally on a hard drive. TVIGILO includes one with every installation at no extra cost. It enables 24/7 recording without paying cloud subscription fees, and keeps recording even if the internet drops.
Color night vision is a camera technology that allows recording in color at night using low-light sensors, instead of the black-and-white images of traditional night vision. It matters because it allows identifying clothing color, vehicles, and license plates in total darkness. All TVIGILO cameras include color night vision as a standard feature.
An IP (Internet Protocol) camera is a digital camera that sends video over a data network instead of analog coaxial cable. This allows higher resolution, two-way audio, remote controls, and connectivity with mobile apps. TVIGILO installs only professional IP cameras to ensure quality and compatibility with modern systems.
PoE stands for Power over Ethernet. It is a technology that allows sending electricity and data over the same network cable, so a camera only needs one cable to work. It makes installation cleaner, reduces failure points, and lets you place cameras where there is no nearby outlet. TVIGILO uses PoE cameras in most installations.
The IR Cut Filter is a mechanical filter inside security cameras that moves automatically between day and night. During the day it blocks infrared light so colors look natural. At night it moves aside to capture more light and enable night vision. This is what makes a camera work well 24 hours a day.
Two-way audio lets you talk and listen through the camera from your phone. It is useful for talking to a delivery person, scaring off an intruder, or telling someone at your front door something. The TVIGILO Doorbell model includes two-way audio as a main feature.
A wide-angle lens is a camera lens that captures a wide field of view (typically 110-180 degrees). It allows covering more area with fewer cameras. The TVIGILO Premium 180 camera uses a dual lens to reach a full 180 degrees, ideal for entrances, garages, and large back yards.
A PTZ camera is a motorized camera that can pan horizontally, tilt vertically, and zoom optically, all controlled remotely. Some modern ones have auto-tracking: they detect motion and follow the subject. TVIGILO's Premium Tracking is an example of an auto-tracking camera.
A fixed camera is a static camera that always points at the same place, with no motor to rotate or zoom. They are more reliable, cheaper, and easier to install than PTZ cameras. Most residential installations use fixed cameras because covering specific areas is more effective than having one camera that moves.
4K resolution means 3840 x 2160 pixels, about 4 times more detail than Full HD (1080p). On security cameras it allows digital zoom without losing quality and identifying faces and license plates from farther away. TVIGILO professional cameras record in high resolution compatible with all modern displays.
Motion detection is a camera's ability to identify when something changes in its field of view and trigger an alert. Modern smart cameras distinguish between people, vehicles, and animals to reduce false alarms. TVIGILO configures motion detection during installation so you only get relevant alerts.
Local storage is when video is saved on a physical hard drive inside your home (in the NVR), instead of being uploaded to a cloud server. It has 3 advantages: you do not pay monthly cloud fees, it keeps recording without internet, and no one else can access your video without permission. TVIGILO uses 100% local storage in all installations.
Cloud storage is when your camera video is uploaded to external servers (Amazon, Google, etc.) and stored there. It is what Ring, Nest, and Arlo use. It requires permanent internet connection and a monthly subscription ($4-30/mo). TVIGILO does not use the cloud: everything stays in your house, in your NVR, with no recurring fees.
ONVIF is an open standard that allows cameras from different brands to work together in the same system. An ONVIF camera can connect to any ONVIF NVR regardless of manufacturer. TVIGILO cameras are ONVIF-compatible, which protects your investment: if you want to expand the system in the future you have many options.
Smart home integration lets you control your cameras from devices like Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit. You can ask Alexa to show the front camera on an Echo Show, or set rules like 'turn off lights if the camera detects everyone is asleep'. Ask TVIGILO about the available options for your system.
Minimum lux is the measure of how much light a camera needs to record useful images. The lower the number, the better in darkness. A camera at 0 lux can record in total darkness (needs IR or special sensor), while 0.01 lux works with moonlight. TVIGILO cameras have very low minimum lux ratings to record well even in tough conditions.
IP66 and IP67 are international ratings for dust and water resistance. IP66 means protection against strong water jets. IP67 means it can be temporarily submerged. TVIGILO outdoor cameras have IP66 minimum rating, perfect for Florida's climate with heavy rain and hurricanes.
A deterrent siren is an audio alarm built into some security cameras that activates when intruders are detected. The purpose is not just to alert, but to scare off the intruder before they cause damage. The TVIGILO Premium Siren camera includes a deterrent siren that can be activated manually from the phone or automatically by motion detection.
RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) is a protocol that allows viewing live camera video from almost any software or app, not just the manufacturer's app. TVIGILO cameras support RTSP, giving flexibility: you can view your cameras from Blue Iris, Synology Surveillance, Home Assistant, or other platforms.
TVIGILO's extended warranty covers 5 years: the first 2 years at 100% coverage (TVIGILO pays everything in case of equipment failure), and years 3 to 5 at 60% partial coverage. It does not cover damage from misuse, negligence, or natural disasters like hurricanes. It is one of the longest warranties in the residential camera market.