Closed-circuit television, otherwise known as CCTV camera systems, can be seen in many shops, stadiums, train stations, offices, and even homes and other private venues. A security camera is usually installed in an area to improve the safety of the people by preventing crime or to monitor what happens there. Many people and organizations worldwide have learned to take advantage of a CCTV kit and employed its use for various purposes, including research. In fact, it has been decades since men discovered and experienced the benefits of having one. For those who are curious about the history and origin of these monitoring devices, read on.

The 1940s

Back in 1942, surveillance equipment was used to monitor the taking off of rockets and missiles in Germany, primarily a military activity. A well-known German engineer designed the device, backed by Siemens AG. The activity was mainly intended for testing, but at present, rocket, and space ship launch sites across the world are still installed with monitoring devices to help identify areas for improvement and further sophisticated research. This is highly important, as scientists or engineers could not get too close to any launch site because of its dangers to their health. In 1949, CCTV cameras became commercially available in America from Verizon, an organization known to be a contractor for the government.

The 1950s to 1960s

The dawn of CCTV systems in the United Kingdom began in 1953 during the coronation of the Queen, a prestigious event and one that put a great mark in the history of Britain. Around the 1960s, Metropolitan Police began to use these surveillance devices as a tool to observe people during rallies or events where the Prime Minister or any member of the Royal Family would appear. During this time, video cameras were installed permanently at several streets in London, and several more counties in England started experimenting with the installation of surveillance devices at city centers. Even the British Railways realized the advantage of putting cameras after a part of the tracks was vandalized. New York in America also started to put circuit television in their streets around this time. Since then, countries across Europe and America began to employ this equipment in various ways.

The 1970s and 1980s

The use of security cameras continued to rise in popularity from the 1970s up to the 1980s. Major roads in Londo ands some of the London Underground Station began to be monitored during the early to mid-70s. They also started installing CCTV security systems at the soccer match venues. During the late 80s, surveillance systems were installed at parking garages and council estates that the local authorities were running. This was used to watch the vehicles on the street ando monitor the main rallying venues used for public protest in London.

The 1990s to Present

At this time, national roads in Britain employed the use of speed cameras to keep track of those people driving beyond the speed limit or those beating the red light. It was a milestone, which made a big difference in traffic enforcement using CCTV systems. AIn addition, automatic teller machines were also installed with monitoring equipment to prevent theft and other crimes as people use the machines. The government of different countries saw the importance of these devices and allocated a budget for installing and maintaining these systems on a large scale, forming an important part of their crime prevention efforts. At present, there are over 2.5 million security cameras in the United Kingdom alone to prevent and detect crime.

Countless people and organizations, both private and public, have enjoyed the advantages of having CCTV camera systems. It has been used in and outside of homes and offices for purposes that range from capturing thieves to catching an unfaithful wife or husband. Businesses use a CCTV kit in their offices and shops to scare off shoplifters and protect their employees. Schools, banks, resorts, and churches use security cameras to watch for the safety of the bulk of people that go in and out of these institutions.

Iain Jenkins writes articles for CCTV Direct, which supplies and sells CCTV camera systems, including security lighting, monitors, and alarms. For any business, having a security camera in rooms around the premises is important to prevent theft, damage, or entry by unwanted intruders. By using a full CCTV kit, a business will not only have cameras but other essential accessories, including monitors, recording equipment, cabling, and brackets to mount the cameras as required.

Sony KDL26L4000 – Review 26 Inch Sony Bravia LCD TV

The Sony KDL26L4000 Bravia has been the latest addition to the Bravia LCD TV range of Sony. It aims to combine style, content, and a fair price in one. The package includes the “Bravia Engine” for sharp and well-contrasted images as well as a built-in Digital TV tuner.

The “Bravia Engine” includes a variety of image processing technologies that together work as a digital processor. The signals that are received are modeled in such a way that the quality of the images increases. As a result, the images become sharper and more contrasted. The quality of the images matches a 15,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. A 178 degrees viewing angle ensures optimal view from almost any corner.

Another typical future of the KDL26L4000 is the “Bravia Theatre Sync.” By just pressing some buttons on the remote control, managing a household entertainment system is possible. The Bravia Theatre Sync will automatically turn on all plugged components and change the input. This makes use of numerous remote controls. TIn addition, the presence of two HDMI inputs makes the Sony KDL26L4000 Bravia compatible with High Definition sources such as the PlayStation 3 and Blu-ray disk.

This television has an integrated digital terrestrial tuner, which can receive digital and analog signals without using a setup box. The tuner makes it very simple to set up the television for the first time and grants access to “free view channels” if around. The Sony KDL26L4000 Bravia can be easily installed on a wall. In terms of power consumption, it uses less than 0.8 W when on standby. When in operation, it uses up to 98W.