Highly visible and effective, one of your safest bets when considering your CCTV system is to consider installing domes and enclosures. Because most domes are tinted, the ability to see inside is hindered. And in some cases, it isn't essential to put a camera inside the dome. Using such equipment is advantageous to the end user because CCTV domes utilize cameras made specifically for domes. These are referred to as block cameras and are small enough to fit inside. They also employ a self-contained zoom lens so that optical zooming of up to 25X can be made with a relatively small lens. New technologies in dome housings include more durable shells, which can be utilized in the harshest of conditions-cold and hot temperatures, as well as very wet, such as on piers or ships. Technologies in plastics and polycarbonate domes for the viewing bubble now allow for extra ruggedness to prevent damage from vandalism. Also, "Newer technologies in image processing now allow for such things as 'privacy masking' where certain areas can be blocked from viewing. This is particularly important when being used in areas that may be installed near private dwellings or offices where privacy must be protected," says Michael Bolotine, dome product manager at Philips, Lancaster, Penn.
Domes are effective in any installation where the viewing area is large enough that one camera cannot cover every viewing angle needed. Domes are excellent for situations where a wider field of view is required. They offer the most flexibility with their 360-degree by 180-degree adjustment capability.