CCTV Cameras Explained: from Invention to Modern Security Solutions

Today, security cameras are becoming a vital part of our everyday life. Today, when the world is so crazy and sometimes threatening, they provide a sense of security and return the peace of mind many of us so desperately need. Though there are still those who don’t even know what CCTV stands for, the majority of home and business owners have already installed video surveillance for their property or at least explore the market trying to fund solutions which cover all their needs.

That’s why we think it would be interesting to know more about the history of CCTV. This article describes its invention and evolution for you to see the 80-year-long way from monitoring military territories to deterring crimes and providing serenity to all who wish to.

Video Surveillance as Innovation – at the Dawn of CCTV History

The ideas of monitoring objects and territories lingered in the air at the beginning of the 20th century. However, the groundwork for future development of video surveillance was laid during World War II by Walter Bruch, an engineer from Germany. He developed a unique closed-circuit television system which allowed to monitor V-2 rocket launches. So, it was in the early 40s, when humanity knew what CCTV was.

Switching to Commercial Field

The technology drew the attention of many companies which began to look for opportunities to transit CCTV to civil use. They were a success there; thus, in the late 40s, the Vericon engineers invented their own commercial video surveillance systems to enhance security for institutions and businesses. This version was enthusiastically received by the experts, and development in this area went on.

As you may understand, the first CCTV variants were rather simple, not to say primitive if we compare with cutting-edge technologies of today. Black-and-white cameras and connection via coaxial cables were a basis for video surveillance. The monitors were installed into control rooms where personnel can watch the footage live-streamed. However, no recorded capabilities were developed at that time, so only real-time surveillance was possible.

Indeed, these systems offered poor footage quality along with limited options. Nevertheless, it was a considerable leap forward, as technologies come to protect lives and property from criminals. Step by step, CCTV solutions were adopted for retail stores, banks, and governmental buildings.

A 1960s Breakthrough in Home Security Systems

Another revolution in the development of CCTV occurred in 1969 and Marie Van Brittan, a nurse, was its inspiration. While she observed a slow police response times in her neighborhood, she invented a unique solution to provide a higher level of safety and boost the serenity for homeowners. Marie developed a multi-level structure made of several connected elements:

1. Motorized Cameras. New devices could slide up and down, so the camera’s view angle became much larger, and the homeowners could see all visitors even when the door is closed. These models became the forerunners of today’s pan-tilt-zoom cameras.
2. Monitors. They looked like small TV sets located in different parts of the house. The signal from cameras was transmitted there, so an owner could watch it wherever inside the house he or she was.
3. Two-Way Communication. Brown also added a speaker and a microphone to her improved CCTV system; the solution allowed to know what an unknown visitor wanted without letting him in.
4. Emergency Alert. There was also an alarm button added to inform the police about trespassing immediately. Marie considered this very component a cornerstone of her system.

Though the developer used rather primitive technical solutions if we judge by today’s standards, her system was a sensation and somewhat genius. Now, homeowners were offered a CCTV technology of unprecedented level while engineers got a new foundation for creating more progressive security features.

CCTV in 1970s and 1980s – New Achievements

At the beginning of the 1970s, closed circuit television systems developed at a faster pace. Within these two decades, video cassette recorders and video tape recorders (VCRs) were introduced, so the recording of footage became available. Though these devices used cassettes with magnetic tape for recording implying significant limitations for that, the option was recognized at great value.

Also, it was a period of boost in demand for CCTV systems. The developers could offer just wired solutions; besides, cameras were big and vulnerable to vandals and criminals. However, the statistics showed a significant crime deterrence within the period.

The 1990s and 2000s in Video Surveillance – What They Brought to CCTV

In the 1990s, digital video recorders (DVRs) appeared, so video recording from security cameras became more effective, and recording times were extended; footage episode searches and playback became much faster and more convenient, too. A few years later, in the early 2000s, network video recorders (NVRs) and centralized servers became its more advanced alternative.

Another breakthrough of the period is the introduction of IP cameras. They could be linked right to networks, and their digital zoom along with advanced capabilities marked a new era of CCTV. Also, the creation of HD and 4K technologies lead to great improvement in clarity and overall quality of footage.

Security Cameras and CCTV Systems of Today

Up-to-day security cameras may boast an array of cutting-edge features, such as:

• night vision technologies, including infrared and long-range color solutions;
• motion detection, providing a faster reaction to intruders and a better energy efficiency;
• remote monitoring via mobile devices, etc.

Today, the video surveillance system proved its positive influence on the decrease in crime rates and societal behavior. Security cameras play their role of a crime deterrent successfully, and crimes are solved much faster thanks to critical evidence provided via their footage. This is how a safer social environment is provided.

Video Surveillance Solutions Today – What Are the Perspectives?

As experts assure, the future of CCTV is closely connected to the intense development of artificial intelligence (AI) and constant machine learning. Today, such cutting-edge features, such as facial and constant recognition. Also, the development of 5G technology and IoT (Internet of Things) integration allows to provide security in all levels, such as remote monitoring, alerts, and motion detection are now in their best conditions, though sky’s the limit.

To Sum Up

People have been relying on security cameras and CCTV surveillance systems for almost 80 years already. So, there was no way back, and the technologies moved forward to let the video surveillance solutions cover all current needs for safety and peace of mind. So, the modern hardware may boast enhanced capabilities and a range of helpful features, and there is a reason to think we will face something new here tomorrow.