Commercial security camera technology, also known as close-circuit TV or CCTV is evolving rapidly to meet the growing security needs of companies – the self-contained camera systems that integrate not only cameras, but displays, sensors, recorders and other components that ensure the permanent surveillance of company premises are continuously refined and developed. The technology has come a long way since it was invented – here is a little history of camera surveillance and a few of the most common features and benefits of modern CCTV.
A Little History
The first cameras suitable for recording motion pictures were invented in the 1880’s by two inventors, Thomas Edison and William Dickinson. Initially, the two worked on different concepts, but then they joined forces and in 1893 they made the first public demonstration using a motion picture camera they developed together. The invention became quickly popular and was further developed – in 1939, the first portable cameras appeared and in 1942 the first CCTV system was developed by German scientists to monitor rocket launches. In 1951, the first video recorder was assembled and it took only five years to make the device an integral component of CCTV surveillance systems.
The technology was initially adopted by the police to monitor the streets and to make the identification of criminals easier. Individuals and corporations started to see the benefits of surveillance camera Denver area systems soon, so the technology quickly spread to the non-government market. The first companies that had such systems installed were banks, initially using the cameras to monitor high-profile locations, but soon the systems spread and were used by other businesses and in homes as well.
The first IP cameras that were able to send video images using computer networks appeared in 1996 and have since become the standard for surveillance systems all over the world. Now, even the most advanced, connected systems are available for smaller companies as well as for homes, increasing the security of properties, corporate premises and assets.
The Benefits of Security Cameras
The most important benefit of deploying CCTV cameras is, obviously, enhanced security, but it is not the only one – here are some more:
- Deterring crime – having CCTV cameras installed in places where they are visible is known to be very effective in deterring crimes against property, such as stealing, robbery and vandalism as well as assaults in public places;
- Monitoring public places for enabling quicker response – monitoring the streets, the roads and the highway allows first response teams to arrive at accident sites more quickly, thus making intervention more efficient and human lives safer;
- Retrievable records – CCTV camera systems usually record the images captures and the footages are stored for a certain amount of time before they are deleted. The records can be used to reconstruct events and to aid the work of police officers and detectives;
- Peace of mind, wherever you are – IP cameras have made remote monitoring possible, allowing company managers and homeowners to see what is going on the monitored property anytime, wherever they are, even if they are thousands of miles away.