Closed-circuit television involves cameras that transmit a video image to a specific place and a limited number of televisions. This differs from other forms of television because it cannot be openly received by other monitors even if they are in the same area unless they are hooked up to the closed-circuit feed. This system has been used mainly for security reasons or in commercial use when people need to see an event that may occur in a dangerous environment.
The first closed-circuit television (CCTV) system was created by Walter Brunch and installed at a rocket launch site in Germany. Because it would be very dangerous for a human being to witness a rocket launch, the CCTV was created so that malfunctions can be observed in detail, should they occur. The technology is still used to view rocket launches, but it has spread into the realm of security and has been used in banks, military institutions and other places that need increased security. In the 1990s and 2000s, CCTV cameras began to be placed in public areas, such as on street corners in the United Kingdom, which has sparked a debate on the invasion of privacy.
Significance
CCTV technology has revolutionized the way security operates in public and private sectors and also how technicians are able to view the more dangerous mechanical operations that go on. When it was first used to view rocket launches closely, yet from a safe distance, safety standards and the mechanical quality of these rockets increased rapidly. It also allowed law enforcement officials to solve many crimes at a much faster pace, while dropping crime in general in areas where CCTV cameras are regularly placed.
Identification
These days CCTV cameras are so common that most models can be easily identified by the everyday person. Many of the cameras are set on a swivel joint that is connected to the ceiling, roof or wall of a building. These cameras have an elongated body with a lens on the front end. This lens sometimes has a hood of plastic extending over it to protect it from sunlight glare and rain. Newer CCTV cameras appear like black domes, in which a tiny camera sits inside and is able to maneuver 360 degrees. Less seen are the monitors that the feeds the cameras pick up are sent to, though they are typically common television monitors that have been set up to receive the closed feeds.
Considerations
While the CCTV technology being put up in public spaces, such as street corners, have the ability to catch many crimes or accidents that might otherwise be difficult to solve, there are many people strongly opposed to them. Those opposed say that these cameras impinge on privacy. Politicians need to take this into consideration before choosing to install cameras in this way because public opinion has been greatly affected by the presence of public CCTV cameras in the United Kingdom, which has readily installed them on street corners. Governments have lost face to the public in the past when privacy issues have been brought up, and this situation seems to be a strong and important privacy topic.
Potential
Closed-circuit television technology has been increasing at a rapid pace ever since it was first created. The future for the technology seems to take it to impressive levels. Computers are starting to be used to control CCTV cameras, which can detect movement and follow it without anyone being present. The image quality that the cameras can pick up are also developing into crystal clear high-definition images. While the technology is still being developed, future CCTV cameras will have the ability to read heat signatures and even implement night vision technology. When they detect motion, emails can also be sent to select addresses, alerting the owners to a break-in or trespassing event.
