The New Breed of Video Surveillance

Each year sees the launch of numerous video surveillance cameras. Each being designed specifically to bring functionality, plus a plethora of new features to users worldwide. This year won't be any exception, with buyers hungry for the release of the newest options in video surveillance systems. The technological advancements of this new breed of cameras, including; wireless, multiplexers and DVR's, is creating a buzz throughout the industry.

The aim of this article is to look at the many aspects of video surveillance, and the impact these new systems will have on a world wide audience.

Video Surveillance: The Wireless Generation

Like many of the surveillance systems before, there has always been a strategic lead up to the launch of new surveillance equipment. Where the leading companies such as Pelco, Sony, Panasonic and Toshiba fight “tooth and nail” to get ahead in the race to dominate the market.

Wireless technology was introduced back in 2005, at a technology conference in Japan. Since it's genesis, wireless surveillance systems have increased in popularity, and seem to be the first choice in many homes. This is largely due to the ease in which the system can be implemented and administered.

Another benefit of wireless security is the ability to function anywhere, plus giving the system a higher secrecy level due to the exclusion of any wires. Many also come equipped with with a full range of movement e.g. tilt, pan and zoom. The top of the range systems if used by linking to a computer, feature MPEG-4 for high quality images and frame rates.

Multiplexing

Hand in hand with the video surveillance system comes the use of “multiplexers.” These devices allow multiple signals to share one resource. Multiplexers usually require a demultiplexer. This breaks the multiple data streams back into a lower rate stream of data.

So what this basically means in relation to surveillance cameras is that multiplexers can enable the system to send back a live stream, while also recording other streams ready for video playback.

Digital Video Recorders

Any good surveillance system needs a DVR to enable the user to record the data streams sent by the cameras themselves. There are many systems on the market, some come equipped with high quality hard disk recording and a multiplexer built in. So in monetary terms these systems can cost a lot less then a traditional VCR and multiplexer combo.

As you can probably tell by now, these are some of the reasons why the new breed of video surveillance cameras have received so much attention. With advancements in technology increasing almost daily, these systems will continue to be a source of security and peace of mind for years to come.

Surveillance Cameras

As far back as the mid 1960s, surveillance cameras have been a part of our everyday lives. During this period they were being operated quietly and unobtrusively in the background. Then with the birth of the video cassette recorder, surveillance methods took off in a whole new direction.

In today's society it seems "Big Brother" literally is watching over us. The implementation of video surveillance cameras, or CCTV in every conceivable shape or form is becoming a common occurrence on our streets and in our homes. But how do we really feel about this? Are we truly comfortable with these all seeing eyes tracking our every move?

Sure in some circumstances, there are many benefits that can be obtained from the installation of such units. But with ever increasing technological advancements in the video surveillance field. The question we should be asking ourselves is," where will Big Brother turn his uncompromising eye next?"

Video Surveillance: Necessity or Voyeuristic Nirvana?

It seems as a species, human beings are born with natural voyeuristic tendencies, and for years have enjoyed laughing at the expense of others who appear on various hidden camera and reality t.v. shows. However in every day reality, a source of amusement they should not be.

Many can fully appreciate the usage of surveillance within various establishments, especially with the threat of crime and terrorism hanging over our heads. After all, anything that protects our well being is an absolute necessity, but where do we draw the line of what is classed as security or an invasion of privacy.

Privacy - being apart of observation or company.

As citizens of the free world, every man, women or child should be fully aware of where and when they are being watched, if not, then surely this is a blatant disregard of our civil liberties. Legislations need to be put in place, that control and monitor the use of surveillance cameras, because at the present time, there are very few restrictions.

Cases of surveillance abuse seem to be on the increase, with employers using the equipment for their own voyeuristic pleasures are now common place. For example;

A certain case took place at Boston's Sheraton Hotel, where the hotel management were secretly filming the employees locker room. Apparently they suspected their workers of drug taking.

A newspaper manager in Florida added to the security system by installing a hidden camera in the employee's bathroom. Apparently this was not against the law???

Excuse the cynical questioning, but who's law was this not against?

The Future of Video Surveillance

There are a new breed of surveillance cameras in development that are believed to be so advanced they can actually see through various materials. The systems would be used to prevent weapons or any other threat being carried into various establishments. Advancements of this nature are truly breath taking and have to be admired, but lets just hope that's all that will be admired.

If such advancements will ever see the light of day, it's hard not to perceive the good being outweighed by the bad unless proper restrictions are in place. Restrictions that will prevent any unauthorized filming of unsuspecting individuals is a must.

In modern times the internet has played a huge role in the way video surveillance has been developed. Whether for good or bad is all down to personal opinion, but nobody can deny it's influence. The ability to stream live video from anywhere in the world has revolutionized the industry.

The downside to this is that many amateur porn sites are taking advantage of this technology and are placing hidden surveillance cameras to stream live peek a boo images to the hordes of hungry subscribers.

I'm going to leave you now with something to think about. Next time you decide to take a journey anywhere, just take a look around and see how many times your privacy is being intruded upon. During your typical day, you probably get more air time then most celebrities.

So next time you're out and about, look up and say cheese, because someone, somewhere is watching you.