CCTV

CCTV, or closed-circuit television, is a video surveillance system that transmits signals to a limited set of monitors and recorders rather than broadcast publicly. Modern CCTV often uses digital networks and IP cameras, enabling remote access, higher resolution, and cloud or local storage for real-time monitoring and later review.

The concept developed in the mid-20th century, with early installations in the 1940s and 1950s, expanding in the 1960s–1980s for public safety. Digital technology and IP networking since the 1990s have increased scalability and functionality.

A typical system includes cameras, lenses, cabling or wireless links, video recorders (DVRs or NVRs), storage, and management software. Cameras can be fixed or pan-tilt-zoom and may be analog or digital, including IP cameras operating over a network.

Applications include retail surveillance, transportation hubs, offices, and public spaces, supporting security, traffic management, and incident response. CCTV footage can aid investigations, claim handling, and operational oversight.

Privacy and legal considerations accompany CCTV deployment. Regulations cover where recording is allowed, retention periods, access controls, and notice. Some systems include privacy features, encryption, and audit logs; the use of facial recognition remains controversial and tightly regulated in many jurisdictions.

Limitations include blind spots, lighting constraints, and the need for trained staff to interpret footage. Cybersecurity, maintenance, and appropriate governance are essential to ensure reliability and protect civil liberties.