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What is Video Surveillance?

Published
January 17, 2024
Video Surveillance Control Room

Video surveillance is the use of security cameras to monitor and record activity in a specific area or location for security, safety or monitoring purposes. Security cameras capture live footage, which can be viewed in real-time or recorded for later review. Video surveillance is also referred to as CCTV.

Video surveillance systems typically consist of the following components:

  • Security Cameras which can be either IP-Cameras or Analog Cameras
  • A Recording and Monitoring solution:
    In small systems recorders are used. Recorders can be distinguished in Network Video Recorders (NVR) for IP cameras or Digital Video Recorder (DVR) for analog cameras.
    Larger systems typically have a dedicated Video Management System (VMS) which has superior capabilities then simple video recorders.
    Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) is a cloud-based video surveillance solution that enables security operators to remotely monitor multiple premises using cameras which send video to a central cloud storage over the internet.

Beyond just security cameras, recording and monitoring, video surveillance systems can be optionally integrated with:

Video surveillance systems can be used for various purposes, including security, safety and monitoring of processes. Typical use-cases include monitoring live or recorded video, automated real time alerts, perimeter protection or intrusion detection, automatic license plate recognition (ALPR).

Video surveillance is commonly used in public spaces, such as streets, parking lots, airports, and shopping malls, as well as in private buildings and homes. The footage captured by video surveillance cameras can be analyzed to identify potential security threats or criminal activity, provide evidence in legal proceedings, or track employee productivity and compliance with safety regulations.

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