CCTV security systems were brought out within the US and the UK during the 60s and 70s.

CCTVsecurity systems are over a thousand fold better than the basic camera and monitor configurations that first appeared in the 1960s. Systems from the 60s were basic, composed of very low resolution black and white cameras connected by coaxial cable. Each camera was attached to a black and white monitor. A 16 camera configuration necessitated 16 monitors. New applications of camera security systems include : belowground trains and stations, sports stadiums, sales outlet, shopping mall, public facilities, community parks, garages and car park.

CCTV Technology Evolution The basic technology developed in the 60s. First , cctv switch boxes were added. A switchbox would allow the operator to switch between cameras. Operators now could see multiple camera views on one monitor. Only one camera could be watched at a time . The 70′s brought Multiplexers, VCRs and solid cameras. Multiplexers allowed the screen to be broken into numerous frames on the same monitor. VCRs allowed easy recording and video distribution . Solid state cameras aided improve dependability and the integration of VCRs.’First generation’ CCTV security technology was impeded by some fairly major performance related problems .

In the 80s we learnt that VCR recorders had many troubles. VCR recorders were erratic. The quality of the recordings was poor. The combination of low resolution camera pictures, poor quality video tapes and low tech solutions meant that grainy and ill defined images couldn’t be relied on even for conclusive recognition purposes.

VCR technology couldn’t allow the operator to review and record events at the same time and it was a very time consuming process to find and review specific events .There was no motion detection capableness and no way of looking at events from a distant location.

Pricey for what you get Even though early CCTV  systems supplied only relatively basic functionality and moderate functioning, they were pricey – both in terms of the initial equipment price and the installation . Since this is still a fresh growth industry, there is still a lack of qualified and experienced installers.

The Next Generation CCTV security systems arrived in the mid 90s. The new technology was a computer grounded Digital Video Recorder (DVR) DVRs allow images to be recorded at a great deal higher resolution than previously . DVR did away with a major problem with first generation CCTV systems Video Tape! Worn out, forgot to change the tape, VCR recording tape.

DVRs are automatic and never necessitate user intervention. When it is time to look at recorded images, the DVR continues to record . Images are clock time and date stamped and are very easy to review. DVRs using IP (Internet Protocol) technology allow authorized distant users to see, convey two way audio, fully control the cameras and system itself over a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) or online . With such flexible access, the New generation of CCTV cameras may be operated remotely from a control center or, in point of fact anywhere with internet access.

Equally, high quality digital images may be streamed anywhere and captured at a convenient and secure location. But it is n’t only the operating platform that has developed significantly ; camera technology too allows far more functionality. 

Today’s generation cameras can PTZ – pan, tilt and zoom, have higher resolution options, a large variety of lenses and are also capable of operating in ‘ night sight . Audio is too now part of CCTV DVR technology. An operator is now able to sync motion based video events with audio analysis. Two way audio transmitting allows the operator to question possible intruders , give directions to faculty and to tape search replay in both audio and visual form. Next generation DDTV DVR systems are compatible with other camera technology, and are scaleable, flexible and can be incorporated with a wide range of other management systems, such as access control and building management systems.

CCTV has certainly come a long way since the 1960s ; it’s clear that the future of CCTV is secure and that technology will continue to develop to meet the necessities of the surveillance market.