cctv4u Blog

CCTV systems have a controversial reputation, and have become iconic representations of the establishment at its most intrusive. In a way, however, it is wrong to project our political worries onto a blameless piece of technology, and surveillance is much more than a potential tool for oppression. Instead CCTV systems can actually have some ingenious and often even amusing applications.

Traffic Safety

On a serious note, CCTV has become an instrumental tool in a variety of safety applications. For example, it is used now to monitor accident black spots and even during Formula One events to monitor any potential safety risks.

Creative Industries

CCTV as a visual medium has also become the tool of choice for a variety of creative applications. For example, it can be used in an ironic way by artists such as Manu Luksch, or it can be used for its functionality, e.g. it is perfect for documentary making when your subjects happen to be elusive animals.

Solving Problems

In terms of its practicality, CCTV systems can also be used to solve a variety of logistical problems. In theatre productions cameras can be used to view occluded parts of the stage or can look inside hostile environments such as fridges or ovens.

Home Security

In regards to home security CCTV is perhaps at its most creative, and IP cameras, which can transmit video straight to a webpage, and can therefore be viewed from an iphone for example, have become an affordable and effective solution to the age old problem of household safety.

CCTV is a relatively simple idea, and is so effective because it fits perfectly into its specific niche. Like with all good technology, however, CCTV has undergone some significant advances in recent years and whilst its overall purpose remains the same as it was at its conception 1942, thanks to recent developments it is now able to perform with maximum efficiency.

It was way back in 1968 when CCTV began to be used for its most familiar purpose, i.e. crime prevention, and surprisingly the Olean New York security cameras where not a million miles from what we would recognise today. Only in recent years, however, has there begun to be a dramatic sea change in surveillance technologies, putting CCTV at the forefront of the modern world.

Wireless CCTV

The world is gradually becoming wireless, and in terms of security this is not different. In regards to security systems this has some obvious advantages, as CCTV security cameras can be quickly and easily set up – ideal for use on the move, or for temporary usage e.g. at art exhibitions or festivals.

IP Cameras

Perhaps the most ingenious development in security camera systems, since their conception, is the use of IP cameras. Basically, cameras can now be accessed via an off site website, which has some obvious advantages in terms of security. For example, as the camera footage is sent “off site” it is 100% safe and immune from theft.