Glossary of Terms
Reading technical support articles can be daunting if you do not know all the terminology. Speco attempts to provide clarity within the article, but in those instances a terms needs to be defined, the Glossary of Terms is designed to support.
A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z
A
Access Control
Access Control (ACS) is a set of software and hardware security tools that provide restriction and registration of the entry and exit of objects (people, vehicles) in a given area thru the access points: doors, gates, checkpoints.
Access Card
A physical credential (e.g., proximity card, smart card) used to gain entry through an access control reader
Anti-Passback
A feature that prevents users from re-entering an area without first exiting, preventing misuse of access credentials.
Amplifier
Analog Camera
A traditional camera that transmits video over coaxial cable to a DVR (Digital Video Recorder).
Analytics
An analysis of patterns, statistics or data by a system or program often used to find specific or meaningful data more easily.
Angle of View
The area visible through a camera lens, usually measured in degrees. A wider angle covers more area but with less detail.
AVI
Audio Video Interleave - A format that contains uncompressed multimedia such as audio and video.
B
Badge
Another term for access card; usually carried or worn for identification and door access.
Bandwidth
The amount of data that can be transmitted over a network in a given time, usually measured in Mbps (Megabits per second). Important for streaming high-resolution video.
Bitrate
A measurement of how much data is flowing or processed within a given time. Typically measured in bits per second.
BLC
Backlight Compensation - Balances exposure between the foreground and background. Brightens the darkest area of the image.
Bullet Camera
A cylindrical-style camera ideal for outdoor use; typically mounted to walls or ce
C
CCTV
Closed-Circuit Television - Also Referred to as Video Surveillance. A private video surveillance system where video signals are transmitted to a specific set of monitors or recording devices.
Cloud
A service that provides servers to be accessed over the internet.
Cloud Storage
A method of saving video recordings on internet-based servers instead of local devices.
CMS
Content Management System - Computer software to help users easily create, modify, or manage their systems video files.
Coaxial Cable
A type of cable used to transmit video signals from analog cameras to DVRs.
Compression
Refers to techniques cctv used to reduce the size of the video files captured by surveillance cameras while maintaining quality
Credential
The item or information (card, key fob, biometric data, PIN) used to verify identity and allow access.
Codec
A technology that compresses and decompresses digital data, such as video and audio files, to make them smaller for storage or transmission and then restores them for playback
Controller
The hardware that connects readers, doors, and the main access system software. It makes the decision to unlock doors.The process of reducing the size of a computer file for storage or transmission.
CVBS
Composite Video Baseband Signal - A type of analog video format.
CVI:
D
DDNS
Dynamic Domain Name System - Automatically updates a DNS. Useful when a system doesn't have Static IP address.
DHCP
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol -
Digital Deterrent
A Speco patented term for an advanced technology integrated into video surveillance systems designed to proactively deter crime before it occurs. Digital Deterrent creates an environment that discourages criminal behavior, enhances security, and provides peace of mind for property owners. It acts as a first line of defense, reducing the likelihood of crimes such as theft, vandalism, and trespassing.
DLL
Dynamic Link Library -
DNS
Domain Name System - Translates a domain name into an IP address.
DST
Daylight Saving Time - The practice of advancing the clock forward an hour for seasonal time keeping purposes.
Dual Streaming
Video recorder capable of generating multiple instances of the same video feed at a different rate.
DVR
Digital Video Recorder - A device that typically utilizes analog cameras and records video in a digital format to a storage device.
E
Encrypted
Information or data that is concealed or hidden by encoding or converting it into a code so that it can only be read by those with proper authority.
Ethernet
Used to connect devices within the Local Area Network.
eSATA
Stands for External Serial Advanced Technology Attachment. It’s a type of high-speed connection interface used to connect external storage devices—like hard drives or solid-state drives—to an NVR.
Export
Taking data or information from a system or a program.
F
Facial Detection
An algorithm used to detect faces (ANY faces) in the video image
Facial Recognition
Compares detected faces against a database for identification purposes
Factory Reset
Restores your camera / recorder to its original settings.
Firmware
Software built into the hardware that provides instructions and a level of control over the device
Fisheye
Extreme wide-angle optic lens. Typically covers a range of 180-degrees or more.
Flexible Intensifier
A Speco patented term for the technology of displaying a picture in color in extreme low light conditions and providing monochrome in complete darkness.
FOV
Field-of-View - An area of an image that is observable at any point in time. Typically measured in angular degrees.
FPS
Frames-per-Second - A unit to of measurement for Frame Rate
Frame Rate
The rate at which frames, or images, are displayed. The higher the frame rate, the smoother the video will appear.
FPS (Frames Per Second)
Number of video frames captured per second. Standard is 25–30 FPS; lower FPS may result in choppy video.
FTP
File Transfer Protocol -
G
Gateway
Hardware or software that allows devices on one network to communicate with devices on another network.
GUI
Graphical User Interface - A visual platform where users interact with various graphical elements like icons, buttons, and menus to navigate and control the system efficiently.
H
HDD
Hard Disk Drive - A data storage device that utilizes magnetic storage on several rotating disks.
HDMI
High-Definition Mulitmedia Interface - An audio/video interface used to transmit video data and digital audio data.
Headroom
Refers to the extra power capacity of an amplifier beyond the total tap wattage, recommended for handling audio peaks and preventing distortion (typically 20-30% above the calculated load)
HFR
High Frame Rate - Typically refers to content recorded above 24 FPS.
HLC
Highlight Compensation - Helps decrease the brightness and glare of the brightest areas of the image.
HTTP
Hypertext Transfer Protocol - An application-layer protocol mainly designed for web browser and web server communication.
HTTPS
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure - A Secure version of HTTP. Utilizes encryption and authentication.
H.264 / H.265
Video compression standards that reduce the size of video files, helping save storage space and bandwidth.
Hybrid System
A security system that supports both analog and IP cameras on the same platform.
I
Impedance:
Resistance to AC current and is frequency dependent. Typically 4 to 8 Ω (ohms). Cannot be measured with a multi-meter.
Import
Uploading data or information into a system or program.
Infrared (IR)
Ingress Protection (IP) Rating
A two-digit code (e.g., IP66, IP67) that rates a camera's resistance to dust and water.
Image Sensor (CMOS/CCD)
The component that converts light into electronic signals. CMOS sensors are more common in modern cameras. A wavelength of light just outside the red end of the human visibility spectrum range. Typically used in cameras to see in the dark.
Image Stabilization (EIS/OIS)
How stable an optical system of a camera is during capture. Without a stable system, images will appear blurry and affect the overall image quality.
IP66 Rated
Can be installed outdoors they resist dust and water from the rain.
IP67 Rated
Can resist temporary water immersion from 5 -30 inches.
IP Address
A unique number used to identify each device on a network.
IP Camera (Internet Protocol Camera)
A digital video camera that sends and receives data over a network or the internet.
IP Rating
IP (or 'Ingress Protection') ratings are used to define levels of effective sealing of electrical enclosures against intrusion from foreign bodies (tools, dirt, etc.) and moisture. The numbers that follow IP each have a specific meaning. The first digit indicates the level of protection that the enclosure provides against access to hazardous parts (e.g., electrical conductors, moving parts) and the ingress of solid foreign objects. The second defines the protection level of the equipment inside the enclosure against harmful ingress of water.
IP Whitelisting
A security strategy that restricts access to a system or network to only a pre-approved list of IP addresses. it allows only "trusted" IPs to connect, making it an effective way to prevent unauthorized access by limiting the attack surface
J
JPEG
K
KGB
Known Good Board - A part that is confirmed to be functional.
KBB
Known Bad Board - A part that is confirmed to be faulty.
L
LAN
Latency
The delay between when video is captured and when it’s displayed or recorded.
License Plate Recognition (LPR)
Software that detects and reads vehicle license plates using camera footage.Local Area Network - A group of devices that are connected together within the same general location, such as a home or office.
Line Cross detection
When cross line detection is activated, a virtual tripwire is drawn across any live IP camera feed, eliminating the cost and hassle of installing external sensors. When the line is 'crossed' by a person or object, the system will trigger an alarm.
M
Megapixel
A unit of measurement equal to 1 million pixels.
Motion DetectionA camera feature that triggers recording or alerts when movement is detected in a defined area.
N
NAT
(Network Address Translation) is a networking process that allows multiple devices on a private network to share a single public IP address when accessing the internet. Often used in Speco Blue Recorders to show if an NVR is successfully reaching the Public Internet
NDAA Compliant
Means a product or service that adheres to the requirements of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), primarily concerning security and supply chain restrictions.
NFC (Near Field Communication)
A wireless technology used in phones and access cards to securely transmit access data at short range.
NTP
Network Time Protocol - A networking protocol that synchronizes a systems clock to the networks time.
NTSC
National Television System committee - The analog television standard for the U.S as well as other countries including Canada, Japan and parts of South America.
NVR
Network Video Recorder - A device that typically uses IP cameras and records video in a digital format to a storage device.
Night Vision
The capability of a camera to capture clear images in low-light or no-light conditions, often using infrared.
O
ONVIF
Open Network Video Interface Forum - A generic 3rd party protocol that allows devices to connect to other 3rd party devices.
OSD
On-Screen Display - A menu that overlaps the main image/screen that allows the user to quickly see data and/or choose specific options.
OTA
Over-the-Air - The distribution of information wirelessly, generally in reference to “updates”.
P
P2P
(Peer-to-peer) connection is a type of network connection where two or more devices (peers) communicate directly with each other without going through a central server or intermediary. Often used to refer to the QR code connection of Speco Blue NVRs.
PAL
Phase Alternating Line Analog - A standard for analog television/video signals that displays at 625 lines and has a framerate of 25FPS.
Parallel Circuit
A type of wiring having components connected across the same two points, creating multiple paths for current to flow. (see Series)
Parallel Wiring
The industry standard for 70V systems, where all speaker transformers are connected in parallel to the amplifier output; this method ensures each speaker receives the full voltage, maximizes reliability, and allows easy expandability.
Phoenix Connector
(Often called a Euroblock or pluggable terminal block) is a type of electrical connector commonly used for audio, control, and signal wiring—especially in professional equipment like security systems, amplifiers, and industrial controls. These are commonly used on Speco Recorders to manage Alarm In and Alarm Out connections.
PIR
Passive Infrared Sensor -
Pixel
The smallest element of a digital image.
PnP
Plug and Play - A device or software that contains a set of rules to configure a device upon activation without the need for user interference or manipulation.
PoE (Power over Ethernet)
A technology that allows both power and data to be transmitted through a single Ethernet cable, simplifying camera installation
PoE Injector
Device that adds electrical power to an Ethernet cable, allowing it to carry both data and power to a single device. Can be used to provide more power than a PoE port generally outputs.
Point-to-Point Wireless Bridge
A network connection that uses two wireless radios or antennas to create a direct link between two locations, without needing physical cables like Ethernet or fiber.
Port Forward
A procedure that allows external devices to access other devices or services on a private network.
Protocol
A standardized set of rules and instructions made for networking devices to safely and effectively communicate with each other.
PTZ
Pan-Tilt-Zoom - The three basic movements a camera can make. Horizontal Panning, Vertical Tilting, and Zoom.
Q
QoS (Quality of Service)
QoS technology gives IP cameras (network camera) the ability to prioritize critical traffic over less vital traffic, managing bandwidth resources for better network reliability. By taking advantage of QoS, users can set desired video quality levels for each service to run multiple applications smoothly on the same network.
QSG
Quick Start Guide - A handy document designed to assist users in quickly setting up and using a product or service. It can be used as an alternative to a detailed user manual for a more streamlined and efficient start-up process.
R
RAID
Redundant Array of Independent Disks -
Rated Power:
Nominal (or even continuous) power and peak (or maximum short-term) power a loudspeaker can handle (This refers to the maximum input power a loudspeaker can handle before sustaining damage, rather than the sound output it produces. It is important to note that this rating does not necessarily need to match the power rating of the amplifier.)
Reboot
To shut down and power on a unit. A power cycle.
Remote Viewing
Watching live or recorded footage from a camera system using a mobile device or computer.
Resolution
The clarity or detail level of a video image, typically measured in pixels (e.g., 1080p, 4K).
ROI
Region of Interest - Allows a camera to focus on a specific area on its image. The camera will attempt to improve the image quality of the selected area, while decreasing the quality of the unselected area.
RTMP
Real-Time Messaging Protocol -
RTSP
Real-Time Streaming Protocol - A networking protocol made specifically to stream media data.
S
Series (wiring)
Siamese Cable
Bonded with an additional cable on the side to connect the 12 volts power that feeds the camera.
Smart Detection
Advanced camera features like line crossing, intrusion detection, or facial recognition using AI.
Snapshot
A screenshot taken of a camera's image.
SMTP
The internet's standard communication protocol for sending emails. It is a set of rules that allows email clients and servers to transfer messages across networks.
SNMP
Simple Network Management Protocol -
Static IP Address
A fixed IP address assigned to a device, useful for remote access to a camera system.Type of electrical circuit in which components are connected end-to-end to form a single path for electric current to flow. (see parallel for other circuit type)
T
TAA Compliant
Means a product is made in the U.S or a designated country to comply with the Trade Agreements Act (TAA).
TB
Thermal Imaging
Cameras that detect heat rather than visible light, useful for perimeter security in total darkness.
TVI
Transport-Video Interface - A type of analog video format that allows HD video.
Two-Way Audio
With Two-way audio communication support, IP cameras (network cameras) can capture sounds coming from a monitored site through a built-in/external microphone and relay it back to security personnel remotely monitoring the site. The security personnel can then verbally communicate with people around the camera via attached speakers to issue instructions, warnings, etc.
U
UPnP
Universal Plug and Play - A networking protocol which allows devices on the same network to easily discover each other and establish proper communication between such devices.
UPS
Uninterruptable Power Supply - A battery backup that powers your system during a power outage.
USB
Universal Serial Bus - Connects a computer or other device to an external peripheral device.
V
Varifocal Lens
A camera lens with adjustable zoom and focus, allowing flexible field of view.
VGA
Video Graphics Array - An old display Standard. Utilized a 15-pin connector.
Video Analytics
Smart software features that analyze video content for patterns, movement, or behavior to provide real-time alerts.
70 Volt System
An audio distribution system widely used in commercial settings to power many speakers from a single amplifier. Each speaker has a step-down transformer that matches the system’s high voltage and allows flexible power settings per speaker.
100V and 25V Systems
Other constant voltage standards used outside North America (100V) and for smaller, shorter cable runs (25V). The same principles and terminology apply as with 70V systems
VMS
Video Management Software - Computer software to help users easily create, modify, or manage their systems video files, as well as manage additional systems settings.
W
WAN
Water Mark
An image, design or pattern intentionally inserted onto another image intended to make copying the original image harder.
WDR
Wide Dynamic Range - A technology that balances lighting in high-contrast scenes (e.g., bright window + dark room).
Wiegand
A wiring standard for connecting card readers and biometric scanners to access control systems, known for its simplicity and reliability.
Wire Gauge
With the higher voltage and lower current, cable gauge (thickness) can be smaller in 70V systems compared to traditional high-current setups
X
XLR
External Line Return -
Y
Z
Zip File/Folder
A type of archive file format that contains compressed data.