Do CCTV cameras record sound?

There exists some uncertainty surrounding CCTV cameras and whether they can record sound.

The majority of CCTV cameras are not capable of audio recording, however, some cameras do have a built-in microphone or a built-in audio input, to which a microphone can be connected.

CCTV cameras which simultaneously record audio and video are rather unpopular. This is mainly due to two reasons.

The first is that the extra technology involved increases the cost of the CCTV equipment and many people can not justify the extra spend. The second reason is more complicated and is related to data protection and human rights laws.

Although audio recording is used legally on a daily basis by some businesses (I.e. call centres), CCTV audio recording is a fraught issue and you should first understand the regulations before installing audio recording equipment in your business place or in the grounds of your home.

The Technology

Both analog and IP cameras are available to purchase with audio recording capabilities.

• Analog – the audio input (microphone) is directly connected to the DVR. The audio information is digitalised and transmitted to the DVR (digital video recorder), where it is then available for hearing.
• IP – the audio input is transmitted to the IP Camera where it is digitalised. The audio information is then transmitted to the NVR (network video recorder).

The number of microphones installed on a system depends on different factors for both analog and IP cameras. For analog, it depends on how many audio input connections the DVR has; for IP, it depends on the number of video channels on the NVR, and whether each IP camera has its own microphone.

The Legalities

The issue of CCTV audio recording is discussed in the Information Commissioner’s Office’s (ICO’s) Surveillance Camera Code of Practice.

There are strict guidelines surrounding its use. Business owners and homeowners found to have used audio recording in an incorrect manner could find themselves on the wrong side of the Right to Privacy section of the Human Rights Act 1998.

The following is taken from the ICO’s Code of Practice:

“The use of audio recording, particularly where it is continuous, will, in most situations, be considered more privacy intrusive than purely visual recording. Its use will therefore require much greater justification.”

If you are considering CCTV installation with audio capabilities, we commend you contact ICO; they will tell you exactly what you need to do in order to remain lawful.

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