What Is the Most Common System Used for Video Surveillance?
When people ask about the “most common” system for video surveillance, there are two distinct answers—one based on public terminology and the other on modern technology. Understanding both is key to navigating the security landscape.
As security experts, we can tell you unequivocally: the most common *term* people use is **CCTV**. However, the most common *type of system being installed today* is **IP (Internet Protocol) Surveillance**. Let’s break down why this distinction is so important.
The Most Common *Legacy* System: Analog CCTV
For decades, Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) was the only option, making it the most widespread and recognizable system. Millions of these systems are still in operation today.
- Technology: It uses analog cameras that transmit a video signal over thick coaxial cables.
- Recorder: The central brain is a DVR (Digital Video Recorder), which converts the analog signal to a digital format for storage.
- Why it was common: It was a simple, relatively inexpensive, and reliable technology for its time. It established the standard for video security.
While still found in many older buildings, new installations of purely analog CCTV systems are now rare due to their significant technological limitations.
The Most Common *Modern* System: IP Surveillance
Today, virtually all new professional surveillance installations are IP-based. This technology has become the dominant standard due to its vastly superior performance and flexibility. Understanding how a surveillance camera works within an IP framework highlights its advantages.
- Technology: It uses digital IP cameras, which are essentially small computers that capture and process high-resolution video internally.
- Recorder: An NVR (Network Video Recorder) or cloud-based service records the already-digital video stream received over a computer network.
- Why it’s now common: It offers unparalleled image quality, scalability, and advanced features that analog systems simply cannot match.
Comparison: Why IP Became the Common Standard
The shift from analog to IP was driven by a clear superiority across almost every metric.
| Feature | Legacy Standard (Analog CCTV) | Modern Standard (IP Surveillance) |
|---|---|---|
| Image Resolution | Low (Standard Definition) | High (HD 1080p, 4K, and higher) |
| Scalability | Limited by the number of ports on the DVR. | Highly scalable. Easily add cameras anywhere on the network. |
| Cabling | Bulky coaxial cable plus a separate power cable. | Single, slim Ethernet cable for both data and power (PoE). |
| Features | Basic recording and viewing. | Advanced AI analytics, easy remote access, cloud integration. |
| Usable Evidence | Often too blurry for identification. | Crystal-clear images suitable for prosecution. |
How to Identify the Most Common Surveillance Systems
Curious about a system you’ve seen or one you currently own? Here’s a quick guide to tell them apart.
How to Identify the Most Common Surveillance Systems
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1. Check the Cables Connected to the Camera
Look at the cable running from a camera. If it’s a thick, round coaxial cable with a BNC connector (a twist-and-lock metal plug), it’s a legacy analog CCTV system. If it’s a standard computer network cable (Ethernet, RJ45 plug), it’s the modern IP standard.
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2. Examine the Recording Device
The central recorder for an analog system is a DVR (Digital Video Recorder). A modern IP system uses an NVR (Network Video Recorder). The back panel of a DVR is filled with BNC inputs, while an NVR has Ethernet ports.
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3. Evaluate the Image Quality
View the live or recorded footage. Older, common CCTV systems typically have a lower, standard-definition resolution that appears grainy or blurry upon zooming. The common modern standard, IP, provides crisp, high-definition (1080p, 4K, or higher) images.
Conclusion: A Common Name, A New Standard
So, what is the most common system for video surveillance? While the name “CCTV” remains the most recognized term in the public consciousness, the technology itself has moved on. **IP surveillance is, without question, the most common system being installed in businesses, schools, and homes today.** It is the modern standard, delivering the performance, features, and clarity that today’s world, and the diverse environments where surveillance cameras are used, demands.