Closed-circuit television (CCTV), also known as video surveillance, is the use of video cameras to transmit a signal to a specific place, on a limited set of monitors. It differs from broadcast television in that the signal is not openly transmitted, though it may employ point-to-point (P2P), point-to-multipoint (P2MP), or mesh wired or wireless links. Even though almost all video cameras fit this definition, the term is most often applied to those used for surveillance in areas that require additional security or ongoing monitoring.
The earliest video surveillance systems involved constant monitoring because there was no way to record and store information. The development of reel-to-reel media enabled the recording of surveillance footage. These systems required magnetic tapes to be changed manually, which was a time-consuming, expensive and unreliable process, with the operator having to manually thread the tape from the tape reel through the recorder onto an empty take-up reel. Due to these shortcomings, video surveillance was not widespread. VCR technology became available in the 1970s, making it easier to record and erase information, and the use of video surveillance became more common.
Applications:
○ Crime prevention
○ Traffic flow monitoring
○ Management of infection
○ Sporting events
○ Employee monitoring
○ Use in schools
○ Use in Malls & Retail stores
Advantages:
○ Avoid internal and external theft from home or office
○ CCTV cameras function as the perfect deterrents against criminals
○ CCTV footage also serves as a great tool for evidence gathering and lead extraction.
○ CCTV camera enables you to keep watch customers remotely to see performance and asses’ merits.