Video Surveillance Goes High Tech

Modern video surveillance systems are a daily constant in our lives, affecting our safety and security in a number of ways. But these digital systems are radically different than earlier analog systems in terms of their imaging quality, capabilities, networking, and the people who maintain them.

Analog video surveillance systems still service many companies and small businesses (approximately 80 percent). But digital surveillance systems are rapidly coming into the market, and like every other technological advancement, will enviably make analog systems as obsolete as 8-track players and laser disks.

Digital systems are more expandable running across existing IP (LAN/WAN) or dedicated video networks with IP cameras connected to monitors and servers across TCP/IP networks, versus CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) systems with analog cameras physically connected to monitors and recording devises via BNC cable.

On the user end, digital cameras clearly out-pace analog cameras in clarity and resolution, due to its ratio of megapixels, and now, high definition quality.

Another aspect of modern video surveillance systems is in the people who monitor and maintain these systems. Analog systems were usually ordered, maintained and monitored by those in security, but in this new age of technology,  professional IT personnel are ultimately in charge, making it a very lucrative business segment for IT system houses who can offer their customers total company security coverage from a single source.

Modern video surveillance systems are the future, but like any other technical advancement, there is a price. Monitoring buildings and people, and virtually every aspect of our daily lives, always conjures up the “big brother” controversy. And with modern video surveillance systems being used by law enforcement, large corporations, the military, schools and even cable companies offering home security via computers by remote access – it’s the price we will all pay.