Timeline of innovation: How will the history of CCTV affect the future of the industry?

CCTV and security monitoring has changed significantly over the past 70 years. From analogue to digital capture, the popularity of the platform increased dramatically along with its ease of use.

Timeline of innovation: the history of CCTV

A lot has changed in 70 years, especially when it comes to CCTV and security monitoring. We’ve put together a few key moments in the history of CCTV.

1942: The first use of CCTV

Set up in Germany over 70 years ago, the first use of CCTV monitored rocket testing.

1949: The first commercial use of CCTV

An American government contractor, Vericon, began promoting an early version of CCTV.

1966: The home security system is created

Marie Van Brittan Brown invented the first home security system, which incorporated a series of peepholes and cameras, as well as remote controlled door latch. The patent for her solution was granted three years later, in 1969.

1970s: VCR introduced into CCTV

Prior to the ‘70s, CCTV wasn’t particularly popular, due to a lengthy, manual process, and several expensive components. With the introduction of VCR, it became much easier to record and erase information, making it easier to adopt.

1990s: Multiplexing

This tool allowed several cameras to record at the same time, and viewed from just one monitor. The introduction of multiplexing meant CCTV was now more efficient.

1996: Farsight is established

20 years ago, Farsight launched! The founders of Farsight Security Services launched the business after noticing potential for ‘event driven CCTV’, with Farsight leading the way in the industry.

2000s: The rise of digital

CCTV became much easier to adopt, and more user-friendly, as VCRs were replaced with digital recorders. The introduction of digital recording also meant businesses no longer needed to stockpile old CCTV recordings.

2002: CCTV Security standard BS8418 launches

With the CCTV gaining popularity, it was the right time to introduce regulations for the industry. In 2005 Farsight became the UK’s first BS8418 compliant Remote Video Receiving Centre (RVRC).

2014: IP cameras overtake analogue.

IP cameras utilise the internet to transmit footage in digital form, making it available on a number of sources. With the popularity of digital tools increasing, this was the first year when digital cameras and devices over took older tools – signalling a shift in CCTV technology.

2015: Farsight launches SureSight

Farsight introduced SureSight in 2015 to provide installers with an easy to manage solution when commissioning new sites, whilst also allowing customers to utilising cloud monitoring.

2016: Farsight launches YourSight

Farsight launched YourSight to replace the previous Farsight Web Portal and Fault Tracker. YourSight was developed specifically with our customers in mind, and is a complete overhaul of the previous system. YourSight is a user-friendly solution with allowing for unbeatable communication between Farsight operators, installers and end-users.

What does innovation mean for installers?

In 2014 digital overtook analogue recording, which signalled a shift in CCTV and remote monitoring for end users and installers. As more customers are embracing new technology, it’s key that installers and end users stay up to date with changes to the industry.

New CCTV technology has offered end users increased efficiency and better security, and the future of remote monitoring should only continue to offer a more refined service, whilst also keeping customers secure.