CCTV security systems were introduced in the US and the UK during the 60s and 70s.
CCTVsecurity systems are in excess of a thousand times superior to the basic camera and monitor configurations that first appeared in the 1960s. Systems from the 60s were basic, comprised 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 required 16 monitors. New applications of camera security systems include : underground trains and stations, sports stadiums, retail store , plaza , public facilities, community parks, garages and car park.
CCTV Technology Evolution The basic technology evolved in the 60s. Foremost, 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 seen 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 dispersion. Solid state cameras assisted improve reliability and the integration of VCRs.’First generation’ CCTV security technology was initially impeded by some fairly major functioning related problems .
In the 80s we found out that VCR recorders had many troubles. VCR recorders were erratic. The quality of the recordings was very poor . The combination of low resolution camera images , poor caliber 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 permit the operator to review and record occurrences at the same time and it was a very time consuming process to find and go over specific happenings.There was no motion sensing capableness and no way of looking at events from a removed location.
Pricey for what you get Even though early CCTV systems furnished only relatively basic functionality and moderate functioning, they were very costly – 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 skilled installers.
The Next Generation CCTV security systems arrived in the mid 90s. The fresh technology was a computer based Digital Video Recorder (DVR) DVRs allow images to be recorded at much higher resolution than in the past. DVR extinguished 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 tape. Images are time and date stamped and are very easy to review. DVRs using IP (Internet Protocol) technology allow authorized remote users to view , convey two way audio, fully command the cameras and system itself over a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) or over the web. With such flexible access, the New generation of CCTV cameras may be controled remotely from a control center or, in 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 evolved 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 synchronise motion established video events with audio analysis. Two way audio transmitting allows the operator to question possible intruders , give directions to staff and to record search replay in both audio and visual form. Next generation DDTV DVR systems are interchangeable with early camera technology, and are scaleable, flexible and can be integrated 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 helps keep to develop to meet the needs of the surveillance market.