What is a closed circuit monitoring system?

-->

CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) refers to a video system that is closed to a limited amount of viewers. A CCTV system can refer to something as large as a multi-camera monitoring system for a bank to something as small as a single camera monitoring your baby.

CCTV is a TV system in which signals are not publicly distributed but are monitored, primarily for surveillance and security purposes.

Depending on the system you choose, CCTV video can be viewed live or recorded using a digital video recorder (DVR)--either a dedicated device or your PC.

CCTV is commonly used for a variety of purposes, including:

• Maintaining perimeter security in medium- to high-secure areas and installations.
• Observing behavior of incarcerated inmates and potentially dangerous patients in medical facilities.
• Traffic monitoring.
• Overseeing locations that would be hazardous to a human, for example, highly radioactive or toxic industrial environments.
• Building and grounds security.
• Obtaining a visual record of activities in situations where it is necessary to maintain proper security or access controls (for example, in a diamond cutting or sorting operation; in banks, casinos, or airports).

CCTV is finding increasing use in law-enforcement, for everything from traffic observation (and automated ticketing) to observation of high-crime areas or neighborhoods. Such use of CCTV technology has fueled privacy concerns in many parts of the world, particularly in those areas in the UK and Europe where it has become a routine part of police procedure.