Security Camera Evolution and Functions

It’s a dangerous world out there. Well, it has become dangerous even “in here”.

Such is the modern problem of security that the home is no longer the safe commune it used to be. Regardless of location or the type of neighbourhood, there are simply too many acts of criminality and malevolence lurking in any street corner around the world today. Simply put, the threats of thefts, break-ins and vandalism have escalated in recent years.

But as many other things in the post-modern world, technology has provided a solution. The CCTV camera has become a universal success and has become a regular utility in any street corner, store, office building, home and even cars. And while there are very few convincing data to prove that the CCTV has indeed helped reduce incidences of crime, individuals, families, companies, offices and institutions have embraced the fundamental value of the CCTV.

The Camera, History and Evolution  

Security cameras have been around as early as the 40’s but their popularity and commonality is a gradual unfolding. In fact, it was almost 20 years after when the surveillance camera was first used for public safety functions during the 60s. But even then, the security camera was an expensive investment and therefore were affordable only to an elite few. But by the 90’s and 2000s, the CCTV camera have become the rule rather than the exception.  For instance in UK today, there is one security camera for every 32 persons.

The factor of courses is the price and availability. Whereas before, security cameras were special almost exclusive gadgets that needed to custom made and were not widely commercially, it is quite the opposite today where CCTV cameras are readily available in any many retail stores, , security  shops even in regular electrical appliance stores. They can also be purchased on-line. And those that are available on-line come from reputable brands, manufacturers, distributors and sellers and not counterfeit variants.  

CCTV And New Entertainment Functions

But the popularity of the CCTV has gone beyond simple security since the camera now sreves even entertainment functions. TV shows, news segments and even special programs have optimized the CCTV by creating their shows around these real life and real time footages of accidents crimes and other news worthy moments. And due to the development of HD CCTVs, which are very cheap in Singapore, CCTV videos are now more vivid compared to dark, fuzzy or even completely blurred images produced from earlier CCTVs.

Still, this entertainment function of the CCTV remains deeply related to its original value. In other words, the CCTVs entertainment value still has still has security benefits and effects.  A number of researches show that people who witness real events in CCTV footages take more caution upon learning of an incidence. Which means CCTV video footages actually help make citizens not just vigilant but also more cautious. Of course, public airing of CCTV footages especially those with criminally-related contents also puts authorities on notice and help put pressure on security agencies such as local police. 

Of course, security cameras in Singapore is not a singular remedy to security. In fact CCTV systems still rely on traditional alarms, locks, early earning device, multiple screen monitors, laser and heat sensors to completely accomplish its task.

At home for instance, CCTV and other security alarm set-ups are still significantly reinforced by more traditional technologies such as the intercom.  Used primarily for efficient and faster communications specifically for productivity, urgency, timeliness of operations, intercom in Singapore has also been useful in quick dissemination of warnings, distress calls, evacuation protocols, and other emergency notifications all throughout an establishment. Since it is easy to use and do not involve punching a series of number unlike the average telephone, it provides a more convenience emergency communication medium in emergency situations.