In 2021, it’s easy to take CCTV systems for granted. What used to be a luxury reserved just for a privileged few, is openly accessible to anyone. An ever-increasing number of people are leveraging the benefits of security systems. It’s estimated that there are between 4-5.9 CCTV cameras in England and Wales. Advantages include but aren’t limited to deterring criminal activity, reduced insurance rates, and peace of mind. It goes without saying that CCTV technology has come a long way since its humble beginnings. Security systems no longer rely on analog tube cameras connected to a VCR; they use network cameras and PC servers for video recording. 

The landscape is constantly altering with rapidly developing technologies. Innovation continues to shape the industry and the pace of change has always been brisk. 2022 is just around the corner, so customers and enthusiasts are looking forward to the latest trends. If you’re curious to know what the most significant changes are, keep on reading. 

IoT

Going into 2022, the number of IoT devices that connect and communicate with one another will help operations work more efficiently. The Internet of Things allows us to work and live smarter. It makes it possible to access information from anywhere, at any time, transfer data packets safely over a connected network, and automate tasks. Soon enough, we’ll witness the integration of IoT technology into the CCTV camera ecosystem. Smart video surveillance will be present in commercial buildings, public spaces, and transport areas, just to name a few. IoT enables smart safety and security management. 

Traditional cameras have been phased out as IoT devices have come into the limelight. The Internet of Things helps create safer cities, homes, and businesses by empowering private and public organisations to securely monitor facilities and public places in real-time. Cameras are expected to become key sensor devices for various IoT applications. Performance results depend on system maintenance. It’s necessary to sustain the IT asset at the current capability. A CCTV system needs a quick check every few months to ensure it’s operating at optimal efficiency.  Maintenance is an operational best practice and a security strategy. 

Video Analytics

Artificial intelligence and deep machine learning bring the power of analytics to video surveillance. The equipment can be utilized without human intervention. Data analytics are deployed to uncover and understand insights that were previously hidden from the view. Thus, it’s possible to make crucial decisions. AI and deep machine learning provide solutions such as automated event detection, behavioural analysis, object detection, classification, and indexing. The level of accuracy is astounding. Thanks to advancements in technology, we can clearly understand what’s going on and identify risks in the nick of time. Video operators are notified of key events and can trigger specific actions or procedures. 

There are several types of video analytics, as follows: 

• Facial recognition – Technology is capable of matching a human face from a video frame against a database. Some security cameras have embedded facial recognition, but it’s an advanced feature, not the norm. Beginning with the following year, facial recognition will be integrated with more and more security surveillance technology solutions. 
• Automatic license plate recognition – ALPR leverages OCR technology to identify and read vehicle license plates. Business and property owners keep tabs on cars that enter and exit the premises. If you’re interested you can get your hands on a CCTV system that captures and records license plate numbers. 
• Crowd detection – A crowd detection system is useful in terms of determining crowd density levels and crowd behaviour within a defined area. Common applications include but aren’t limited to event management, population counting, safety monitoring, and suspicious activity detection, just to name a few. 
• Motion tracking – Motion tracking, or motion capture, involves tracking down the movement of objects transferring the data to an application. CCTV systems with motion tracking abilities can be used in various industries, such as military, entertainment, critical infrastructures, healthcare, and robotics. 

Cloud & Edge Computing 

Cloud usage continues to grow in importance. In 2022, there will be a greater focus on portability and connectivity. With cloud-based CCTV systems, we’ll see more clearly. Cloud, as well as edge intelligence, allows for better data generation. Systems can be brought up to date without having to replace cameras or recording equipment. By simply adding an intelligent adapter, any user can upgrade their security system. Adding a digital encoder to a CCTV camera allows it to be connected to the Internet. This doesn’t solve cyber-security issues. Cloud-based video solutions that will be used in the near future require outbound connections, so they’re not attractive to malicious actors. 

5G 

Mobile data speeds are getting faster and faster now that most networks have launched 5G wireless technology. It’s forecasted that 90% of Great Britain’s territory will have 5G by the end of 2028. We’ll have 5G CCTV cameras in due time. Latency will become a thing of the past. For video surveillance applications, this translates into a much-needed boost in camera responsiveness and real-time monitoring. Users will be able to upload and download video to/from the cloud without much difficulty. Needless to say, not only CCTV systems will be augmented with the performance of 5G. 

Smart cities are becoming commonplace in the U.K. London, Bristol, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Manchester are just some examples of cities that use information and communication technology to enhance operational efficiency, delivering environmental benefits. 5G and video surveillance in a smart city. 5G supports bandwidth requirements of high resolution like 4K and 8K cameras in dense urban environments. Video surveillance cameras are used by the police and transportation departments, as part of their repertoire of smart technologies. At present, technology companies are developing products and solutions with futuristic cities in mind. 

To sum up, technology has a profound influence on future CCTV system development. As technology advances, CCTV will be capable of more than just providing footage. We don’t know for sure what the future holds for security systems. One thing is for sure, though. There will be more waves of innovation, we just have to be ready for it. 

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