Since video surveillance is often considered the building block for an effective integrated security system, the market is constantly shifting as demands evolve. This is especially true when Moore’s Law is taken into effect, which states that electronics performance is bound to double every 18 months.
Since the first network surveillance camera was introduced in 1996, a number of advances have already taken place. This trend is not forecast to slow down anytime soon, especially as the transition from analog to IP-based solutions continues, according to a report by Technology Spectator.
The benefits of using IP surveillance cameras extend far and wide, ranging from enhanced image quality to improved scalability. As the recession continues, more decision-makers are inclined to invest in cost-effective solutions capable of boosting efficiency and security in one fell swoop, the news source said.
Changes in the surveillance industry
One of the most noticeable evolutions regarding surveillance cameras is improvement in image quality. In the past, many analog devices would produce grainy footage, hindering a local law enforcement agency’s ability to investigate crime. Today, most surveillance cameras record picture in high definition, making it easier for individuals to determine a perpetrator’s identity, Technology Spectator reported.
Thermal imaging is also becoming more commonly integrated with surveillance cameras, allowing decision-makers to monitor their premises even at night, the news source said. While this was traditionally only available for government and military agencies, recent advances have made thermal imaging more widely available, allowing companies of all sizes to use the technology to their advantage.
A separate report by IMS Research echoed the fact that thermal imaging surveillance cameras are reinventing the physical security market.
“Historically the largest markets for thermal imaging cameras has been in the government space but the advent of uncooled thermal imaging cameras at a lower price point is increasing the adoption rate of thermal imaging cameras used for perimeter security,” said Lily Aung, an analyst at IMS Research.
The advent of cloud computing is also impacting the surveillance industry, helping companies record and store larger volumes of high-definition footage, Technology Spectator noted. By using hosted solutions, decision-makers are also able to access more intuitive analytic tools, allowing them to leverage surveillance for a wider range of applications, including improving internal efficiency and making changes to reduce theft.
Video surveillance systems will continue evolving in the coming years, enabling organizations to use more efficient technologies to protect their physical property from outsiders.