Covert and visible lighting for surveillance imaging

Surveillance video systems have been around for several years now, and much attention has been given to the different system components, however the subject of the best way to light a scene has been dodged by the standardised approach of fitting luminaires at the camera position. Lighting engineers have for many years developed luminaires fit for the purpose of providing light in the right direction and at the right level in relation to the surrounding. Many surveillance systems engineers however have ignored the problems that exist in lighting for closed circuit television (CCTV), experimenting on live contracts, giving their companies less than good reputations. The paper provides an assessment of what is required of lighting for CCTV.