The Evolution of CCTV: Then versus Now
CCTV or closed circuit television was first introduced in the 1960s and 1970s, primarily in the United Kingdom, but there were some in the United States as well. These original systems had their own monitors and were not as advanced as they are now. The technology at the present time has far advanced CCTV since its basic camera and monitor days in the 1960s. These systems were very simple with black and white, very poor resolution and coaxial cable in use as part of the system. Individual cameras had to be individually connected to a monitor of its own, which were also black and white. This made it very difficult as the demand increased and demanded a more convenient type of surveillance, as well as a more compact size. With the introduction of the use of CCTV systems in subways, sports arenas, stores, shopping malls, parks and parking garages and lots, these old systems weren’t cutting it.
Almost from its inception, CCTV began to evolve almost immediately. In the 1960s, the basics began to take on new forms. This involved the introduction of what was called a switch box. This box allowed a user to switch between the different cameras they were using, allowing them to streamline down to one monitor versus several. Even with this, only one camera could be viewed at a time however. Then as the 1970s approached the evolution of CCTV technology continued. This included the introduction of what was called a multiplexer. A multiplexer let the user break up one screen with views of several different cameras at once on one monitor. Then, of course, came the VCR, which up until then hadn’t been available. This type of technology back then allowed for much easier recording and distribution if needed.
As things began to progress in the 1980s, many problems were found with VCR based CCTV systems. Not only was the quality not that great, but also it wouldn’t allow for simultaneous recording and reviewing, which a lot of people wanted. The poor quality of tapes and the easily damaged tapes didn’t help very much in positively identifying criminals, at least not as much as was needed. In the 1980s, many CCTV companies began investing in fixing this problem and looking for solutions to it. They also began investing in creating motion detection technology and remote viewing technology at this time. Of course, another problem with CCTV at this time was the cost. Because of the complex installation needed and the cumbersome equipment, along with the fact that it was such a new technology, the cost was a lot more at that time. In the 1980s, there wasn’t much progress in technology, but a lot of investing in finding it and developing it, the advances would come later.
In the mid-1990 is when the next main advancement came. This came in the form of what is called a digital video recorder or DVR. This solved the problem of poor resolution and didn’t require videotape that could be damaged easily. This new technology also solved the problem of not being able to record new images while reviewing the previous recorded images at the same time. DVRs also made it possible to save money in installation and space, because it was much more compact and easier to install. Another advantage not even considered that DVR offered is the fact that it time and date stamped the images and made them easier to look at and find. This new advancement also allowed for remote viewing from the Internet as well as remote access to the system too.
Cameras themselves have come a long way. The more modern cameras can pan, tilt and zoom unlike previous generations of cameras. The cameras themselves also have higher resolution, greatly improving the quality of the images that are captured and allowing for better identification of images. There are also many night vision types of cameras available, which are excellent for outdoors viewing or where there is very little light. There is also the option of audio being available now, too. What is also great about newer CCTV systems is that many are compatible with the older systems, making it that much easier to integrate the newer technology and still save money.
As you can see, CCTV has greatly advanced in a very short amount of time. The improvement of quality has allowed for better image capturing and better identification. The invention of DVR has improved everything the most with so many advantages to it. It’s definitely exciting to see where CCTV will go next considering where it has come from. Who knows where CCTV will advance to next? Just wait and see.
