Video surveillance systems used as devices to ensure the security of a home or a business come with a variety of capabilities and functions.

Security cameras within the system also have a number of capabilities, and some are "sharper-eyed" than others.

One of the capabilities a prospective purchaser can look at to determine how clearly the camera can "see" is to look at its horizontal definition.

This capability, which has to do with the quality of the picture display, is usually expressed as a certain number of lines of horizontal definition.

The higher the number of lines, the greater the definition or clarity and sharpness of the picture that the camera can create when it "sees" the image, takes the light in through its lens and then sends an electrical signal to the monitor or other device to be decoded and then rendered as an image.

Think of it like this; a camera is looking at something going on outside in the yard and captures that image.

Let's say that it is capable of rendering 380 horizontal TV lines of horizontal definition ("TV lines" is the standard, along with the number of lines...in this case, 380 of them).

In comparison to a camera which is able to display 320 TV lines of horizontal definition the security camera able to put up 380 lines will feature a picture a bit sharper and clearer.

Today, the typical quality wireless security camera features between 380 and 420 TV lines of horizontal definition. One also sees this standard of the ability of a camera to see clearly and with precision in most mini cameras intended for use in a security setting.

Additionally, many surveillance pinhole cameras (these units are very small) will advertise the number of the lines of horizontal definition as a way to assure a person considering getting one that they're able to see very clearly.

Normally, a picture from a camera of at least 320 TV lines of horizontal definition can create images sufficiently sharp to show more than enough detail.

It will be well-defined and with no evidence of shadows where they don't belong or of any blurriness. Any wireless system should be able to meet this standard before it should be seriously considered by a purchaser.

Anybody who's thinking of purchasing a security system needs to consider a number of factors when it comes to the ability of the system to work well in almost all environmental conditions, including low (or no) light, for one.

They should be able to create a signal strength (which also affects the quality of the picture being displayed) sufficient to ensure captured imagery makes it to the monitor or recorder system in good order.

Nowadays, a great many people are considering some form of video surveillance system in order to bring additional security to a home or business.

There are several different kinds of systems, though, so take the time to learn a bit about them and how they manage their video surveillance duties before deciding on selecting any single one.