These days video surveillance can be found everywhere. They are in the streets, at train stations, workplaces, factories, and even home. The helpful technology we might take for granted now had very interesting beginnings, which are worth discussing to commemorate National Camera Day, celebrated on June 29th.
Video surveillance was first invented for the purpose of learning about weapons in WWII, in 1942. It allowed the German military to monitor, in real-time, rocket launches. The U.S government was next to explore this solution, by observing nuclear bomb testing without coming into contact with the dangerous effects of nuclear technology. In 1949, video surveillance started its journey in the commercial arena. By 1996, the first IP camera was released. This device could send and receive information across computer networks and is one of the most convenient camera solutions today.
A once primitive innovation is now a significant tool used in public and private settings, to protect people, property, and assets. IP-based video surveillance, a digital video camera system, is often a must-have for businesses, organizations, and property owners and managers, as it provides an impressive suite of features, capabilities, and interoperability with other systems that can successfully enhance security and safety.
Using IP cameras allows security teams to access the system remotely, from any device connected to the web. These cameras have outstanding resolution and zoom-in capabilities and are able to cover a better Field of View (FOV). This is extremely important to capture in detail the activity of a site or a crime scene. Furthermore, a modern system supplies large digital storage, a pain point of legacy systems that have only limited capacity.
Video sharing is another valuable feature of IP video surveillance systems, which can direct first responders to the exact areas of a property where a crime is occurring and reduce response times. IP cameras are also low maintenance, cost-effective, and an important crime deterrent if they are installed in visible locations.
Learning about the origins of video surveillance can put in perspective the value and merit this flexible and reliable technology has for a safe modern life. Taking into account the desired features it offers — particularly IP-based systems — highlights the need for the implementation of an advanced IP surveillance infrastructure, capable of improving security at a reasonable cost.