5 Interesting Things You Didn’t Know About Security Cameras
The world of security cameras remains a mystery to many people. But with a growing market share, expected to reach $145 billion by 2027, we doubt it will remain a mystery in the future. We have compiled 5 interesting facts that we think are important for consumers to know about this growing industry.
We Like to Watch Rockets
Surprisingly, the first surveillance cameras have not used the way the majority of security cameras are used today. The first camera was used to watch rocket launches. That’s right, to watch rockets! That seems like a sweet gig if you ask me. I am sure most shopping mall loss prevention teams would rather watch rockets being launched than people shopping at a retail store. I know I would. Since the United States just launched astronauts into space for the first time in 10 years, this fact is slightly more important today than it did even a month ago. As an office, we gathered around to watch the initial rocket launch (which was postponed for bad weather) on YouTube. And all that was possible thanks to the very first cameras used to watch rocket launches way back in Germany in 1942.
Better Picture, Better Quality
In 1996, Axis Communications launched the first IP or Internet Protocol surveillance camera. Why is this important? IP surveillance cameras changed security systems significantly. Suddenly businesses were able to get significantly better image quality, view more area with fewer cameras, and view cameras remotely.
With IP video surveillance, the image is sent over the internet. This allowed for more data (bigger, better images) to be recorded and sent to viewing stations. Since it was over the internet, these viewing stations could be halfway across the world or in the next room over. The switch to IP surveillance allowed the integration of computer software to analyze images and alert camera owners for suspicious movement, or grant employees access to the building based on facial recognition. The switch to Ip cameras is beneficial for so many reasons.
The Kingdom of Surveillance
Did you know that the United Kingdom uses roughly 25% of all surveillance cameras? That is millions of cameras for both private business and government entities. The vast majority of cameras are owned and operated by private businesses. The United Kingdom uses all of these cameras to monitor potential crime and terrorism and to keep the public safe. So, if you ever travel to the UK, it is more likely than not you are on camera every time you are in a public space. It is likely that at any moment while in London, you are on at least 3 different cameras at any given moment. It’s also estimated that inside the city of London, there is one camera for every 14 people. Now that’s a lot of cameras!
300 Times Per Day
Is there anything that you can do 300 times a day? Aside from breathing and, well, being on camera. That’s right. It’s estimated that the average American is on camera nearly 300 times a day. Some estimates go as low as 70 times a day but the New York Times released an article here, estimating that number to be 300 times a day. And when you take a second to think about it, it makes a lot of sense. Any time you drive, shop at a store, walk the halls of a school, you are on camera. Multiple cameras at a time even and that adds up quick. Next time this fact pops into your mind, take a second to look up, smile, and wave!
What Would We Do Without DVR?
Do you remember when DVR was introduced? It changed the way TV was watched forever. Before that, we had to program our VCR with our tapes in tow and hope we got everything connected the right way. Is it just me, or did it never seem to work? Even though there were significant issues with the VCR we need to appreciate it for what it was in the realm of technological advancements. The first videotape recorder or VTR was created in 1951, with poor quality. Since that moment they’ve gotten smaller, better, cheaper, and more effective. Today we have digital video recorders that can save almost 200 TB of data. That is nearly 60,000 VHS videotapes worth of footage!
The surveillance industry is growing and changing almost every day. It’s hard to stay up to date on trends and growth. Which is why I think it’s important to understand the past. Understand where surveillance and security cameras have been. It’s incredibly fascinating to see the incredible growth in such a short amount of time.
