IR illuminators are especially useful for CCTV systems, which use surveillance cameras to monitor banks, shopping malls, government facilities-even private homes.
Since security breaches are likely to happen after hours, it pays to be able to see these facilities clearly in the dark. Of course, if you want IR-illumination to work, you have to use the right cameras. Black-and-white surveillance cameras are the most IR-sensitive; most color-cameras are equipped with filters that block out infrared light to enhance image quality.
Many manufacturers like us have come out with IR-sensitive dual-mode cameras, which offer color images and can switch from daytime to night vision automatically, but the IR-sensitivity of these, too, varies according to the camera. So if you’re investing in a CCTV system and want to incorporate IR illumination, make sure you check the cameras for IR-sensitivity in advance.