A Guide to Security Terms: What Is Video Surveillance Also Known As?

Navigating the world of security technology can feel like learning a new language. You’ll hear a dozen different terms for what seems to be the same thing: using cameras to monitor a property. So, what is video surveillance also known as? The short answer is that it goes by many names, but the specific term used often reveals important details about the technology, its application, and its history.

Understanding these synonyms and related concepts is crucial. It empowers you to compare quotes accurately, understand what you’re actually buying, and design a system that truly fits your needs. As security professionals, we believe in demystifying the jargon. Here’s a breakdown of the most common terms used for video surveillance.

Common Names and Synonyms for Video Surveillance

While “video surveillance” is the most accurate, all-encompassing term, you will frequently encounter these alternatives. Here’s what they mean and the context in which they’re used.

Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV)

This is the most common synonym and, historically, the most accurate. It describes older, analog systems where the video signal is transmitted through a “closed circuit” of coaxial cables to a specific set of monitors and a recorder (DVR). It implies a self-contained, often on-premises system.

Context: Often used by the general public and for legacy systems. While modern IP systems aren’t technically “closed-circuit,” the term CCTV is so ingrained that it’s often used colloquially to refer to any camera system.

Security Camera System

A straightforward, non-technical term that describes the entire collection of hardware used for monitoring. It’s a broad label that can apply to anything from a single smart home camera to a complex enterprise-level installation.

Context: A great, general-purpose term used in both residential and commercial contexts. It focuses on the primary purpose—security—without getting bogged down in technical specifications.

IP Surveillance / Network Surveillance

This term specifically refers to modern, digital surveillance systems that use Internet Protocol (IP) cameras. These cameras transmit video data over a computer network (like a LAN or the internet), offering higher resolution, greater scalability, and advanced features like remote access and AI analytics. If you’re wondering what is the meaning of video surveillance in today’s context, IP surveillance is a large part of the answer.

Context: Used by industry professionals and knowledgeable buyers to specify a modern, networked system. If a quote mentions “IP Surveillance,” you know it involves digital cameras and network recorders (NVRs).

Video Management System (VMS)

A VMS is the software that acts as the brain of a surveillance system. It allows you to view, manage, record, and analyze video from multiple cameras. It is not the system itself, but the powerful software platform that runs it, often on a dedicated server.

Context: Primarily used in enterprise, industrial, and large-scale commercial environments. Brands like Milestone XProtect or Genetec Security Center are leading VMS platforms. It implies a highly scalable and feature-rich system.

NVR/DVR System

Sometimes the system is named after its recording device. A DVR (Digital Video Recorder) is used with analog CCTV cameras, while an NVR (Network Video Recorder) is used with digital IP cameras. This term describes a system defined by its central recording appliance.

Context: Common in small-to-medium business (SMB) and residential markets. It’s a hardware-focused term that clearly defines the type of recording technology being used.

How to Navigate Video Surveillance Terminology

Don’t let the jargon intimidate you. Here’s a simple process to ensure you’re always clear on what’s being discussed.

How to Navigate Video Surveillance Terminology

  1. 1. Start with Your Goal, Not the Jargon

    First, define what you need the system to do (e.g., “I need to identify faces at my front door” or “I need to monitor my entire warehouse remotely”). This goal-oriented approach makes it easier to understand which terms and technologies are relevant to you.

  2. 2. Understand the System vs. Component Distinction

    Recognize that terms like “CCTV” or “IP Surveillance” describe the whole system, while terms like “NVR” or “IP Camera” describe individual components within that system.

  3. 3. Ask a Professional to Explain the “Why”

    When presented with a term you don’t know, ask your security provider “Why do you recommend that?” or “What is the alternative?”. A true expert can explain the pros and cons of each option in plain language.

“We were confused by quotes talking about NVRs, VMS, and IP cameras. SecureTech took the time to explain what each term meant and why one solution was better for our facility. Their expertise in breaking down the jargon was invaluable.”

Conclusion: Speaking the Language of Security

While video surveillance is also known as CCTV, a security camera system, and IP surveillance, each term carries a specific meaning. “Video surveillance” remains the best umbrella term for the act of monitoring with video. Understanding the language of the industry, including the difference between CCTV and video surveillance, ensures you are an empowered buyer, capable of investing in the right technology to protect your people, property, and assets effectively.