When Did Security Cameras Become Popular

Security cameras are a large part of the home security industry, providing access to your home from the palm of your hand, but when did they become so popular? A market for security cameras has existed publicly since 1949, but the technology would undergo many changes before reaching the popularity that it currently has. In fact, as security cameras have improved, they have become more accessible, and their adoption by the public has flourished.

When did security cameras become popular?

The earliest confirmed CCTV security cameras have existed for more than 80 years, but those were originally designed for military applications.

Although the patent for a home security system featuring video surveillance cameras was submitted in 1966, home security systems rarely included cameras until much later.

Security cameras first started to become popular for commercial business applications in the 1970s, especially with banks, retail stores, and some public facilities. These systems would often connect multiple cameras wired to a single monitor with either a split screen or rotated through each feed periodically.

Although digital storage was created in the late 80s, it wasn’t until 1996 that the first IP Camera became available, which had the benefit of being able to transmit digital video over an IP network. It was during this time when the need for transmitting video signals over wires ended, which simplified the physical installation process, and it made using the security cameras easier overall, removing limitations on their physical location.

Most recently, the largest influx of security cameras in private residences is estimated to have occurred over a decade starting around the mid-2000s. This trend closely trailed the growth of households with internet access.

Why did security cameras become popular?

Early video surveillance systems that were used in public were known to deter criminal behavior and monitor activities on business premises. People up to no good who noticed the devices couldn’t be certain that their activities weren’t actively being watched or that these events were being recorded for evidence.

Although the benefit of having a CCTV system would be apparent to residential owners, the systems were quite expensive and bulky at the onset. Eventually, the barriers to ownership of a surveillance system would be progressively reduced throughout the decades that followed.

Unless a CCTV feed was actively being monitored, a homeowner would need to rely on a video recording device to capture activity. Additionally, time would be found to review footage at regular intervals or scan recordings in an area once a loss or damage had been discovered.

Ultimately, recording technology would transition from analog cassettes to digital mediums. The convenience of storing, accessing, and reviewing recordings would evolve once live video streaming and cloud storage were possible.

One major advancement of security cameras since digital became the standard was the integration of video content analysis. With this feature, algorithms could be developed to identify specific patterns of images, leading to high probability identification of people or specific things programmed to be identified.

As companies offered more options for purchasing and installing security cameras, including do-it-yourself installation kits, ownership of such systems skyrocketed.

The future of security cameras

Security cameras have kept up with the times, transitioning from black and white images stored at 4 frames per second on cassettes to high-resolution, full HD video clips. These high-quality images, paired with the latest developments in Video Analytics have addressed some of the challenges around isolating relevant recordings.

Instead of fast-forwarding through hours of video where a camera is pointed at a fixed location, analytics can be used to identify specific events, such as the approach of people or vehicles, and exclude things like pets.

Additionally, these analytics can be used to generate notifications that, sent to an occupant’s email or text, can be used as a method of continuous activity awareness without the need to perpetually watch a live video feed.

Similar to the notifications mentioned above, a security camera can be integrated as part of a professionally monitored security system. Intrusions can be detected, and an armed system can send an alarm to first responders.

Security cameras now offer benefits beyond property surveillance. Pairing a security camera with a mobile app can provide a means through which to communicate with visitors. Using a video camera doorbell with two-way audio will allow you to communicate with guests or delivery people at your doorway from practically anywhere.

It’s easy to see why security cameras have increased in popularity as they have become more affordable, easier to install, more reliable, more user-friendly, and more versatile as time has passed.

Which security cameras are the most popular?

There are many popular security cameras, each advertising a variety of benefits and features, but the best security cameras are those that can be continuously supported, monitored, and integrated well with a home security system.

Whether you need an indoor camera to detect motion, a video doorbell camera to greet visitors, or an outdoor camera with a wide field of view to oversee your property, choosing a camera is only one consideration you need to make when designing a comprehensive home security system.

Contact us today to speak with a Brinks Home™ Security Consultant who can help you design your perfect home surveillance system.