Wednesday, October 28, 2009

CCTV Systems - Symbol of Security and Safety

By Matthew Kerridge

Closed circuit television (CCTV) is a television transmission system, which can be wired or wireless. It sends signals by cable (wired) to a monitor or directly to the monitor by radio waves (wireless). CCTV systems most often refer to security and surveillance camera systems.

The first CCTV system was implemented in the 1940s by a renown German engineer, Walter Bruch. Bruch used this new technology to observe the launching of V-2 rockets, as an aid to detecting and troubleshooting any malfunctions. Then in 1960s, the CCTV systems were introduced in the US in the city streets of Olean, New York, to discourage crime. The use of the video cameras made the city of Olean a pioneer in US of this crime-fighting technology.

In addition to fighting crime, modern CCTV systems can perform a wide range of functions from image enhancements for the visually impaired to broadcasts of pay-per-view sports events. CCTV has many scientific (medical) capacities, including medical imaging, microscopy, and robotics. Other commonly used forms of CCTV are live video presentations used for special events, such as, concerts, sports events, conventions, and interactive teleconferences.

Today in the US, it is common for business establishments prone to security threats to use CCTV systems. Banks, convenience stores, large retail stores, for example, install surveillance cameras to discourage theft. With the large number of ATM's across the nation, banks have gone a step farther and installed surveillance cameras at the ATMs as an additional defense against theft.

The CCTV systems have become a welcome partner to law enforcement. Along with its main purpose of combating crime, CCTV systems have become an invaluable tool in keeping public order. Speed cameras have been installed to monitor traffic violations, congestion, littering, loitering, and other civil violations.

With the rise of violence in schools, incidents of public shootings, and the ongoing threat of future terrorist attacks, the use of CCTV systems by all levels of government is significant. Surveillance cameras are used to heighten security in government buildings, airports, military installations, subway stations, hospitals, schools, and numerous other public facilities for enhanced security and public safety.

CCTV systems can be installed to provide safety features in transportation or recreational facilities. On a subway train, for example, the video cameras allow the operator to verify that the doorways are clear, before closing the doors and starting the train. Another example would be the operator of an amusement park ride. The CCTV system ensures that all riders are safely seated on the ride or safely exited the ride, before the ride is put into motion.

With the significant number of benefits of the CCTV systems, it is not surprising that the use of this technology has increased tremendously in recent years. In all areas of daily living, CCTV systems will continue to play a major role in protecting public safety.

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