CCTV has evolved into a fascinating field, blending traditional security uses with cutting-edge insights that make our lives easier and businesses smarter.

Gone are the days when cameras simply captured recordings for us to sift through post-event. Instead, CCTV has now become part of a proactive toolkit that spans security, building management, health and safety, operations, and even customer research.

Through the use of CCTV, it’s now possible to turn what was once a retrospective glance into a forward-looking gaze, integrating real-time footage with a range of other technological innovations to make better informed, immediate decisions.

The perception of CCTV has transformed, shedding its previous connotations to emerge as a tool for positive change. It’s no longer viewed as a means for simply overseeing – smart, ethical video surveillance helps to create safer, more efficient, welcoming spaces.

This shift is thanks to advancements in technology that allow for ethical, intelligent monitoring and data collection, contributing to improved public safety, enhanced customer and occupant experiences, and smarter urban planning.

When used correctly, the use of CCTV can be a thoughtful balance between security and privacy, and it's become a cornerstone in building communities and businesses that are not only secure but also more attuned to the needs and well-being of those they serve.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the emerging CCTV trends that we predict will be highly influential throughout 2024 and explain the reasons behind what is driving them forward.

The evolution of CCTV

Initially, CCTV acted our eyes when we couldn't be there in person. Its use was largely focused on security, with devices installed to capture scenes that we would have to go through after the fact…if and when we were prompted to.

But as our needs for better security and quicker decision-making grew, so too did the technology. Now, we're moving away from the trope of a screen-filled room watched over by someone, to something a lot more meaningful and less labour-intensive.

The technology has improved too, with digital cameras and remote monitoring. We’re advancing beyond a simple thumbnail sketch to a high-resolution, dynamic picture of what's happening, and not just in the immediate, but before, during and after.

So, as the landscape shifts, capability expands and new use cases emerge day after day, let’s take a look forward to the trends likely to shape CCTV in 2024 and beyond.

CCTV trends for 2024

1. Cloud computing
2. Object recognition
3. Data security
4. In-depth event analysis
5. 5G connectivity
6. Internet of Things
7. Systems Integration
8. AI and Machine Learning
9. Sustainability
10. Processing power advancements

1. An acceleration in the adoption of cloud computing

From AI, IoT, and Machine Learning, to IP-based cameras, to maximise the potential of CCTV technology, cloud computing is essential. Businesses need to move their digital transformation journey along a few steps to ensure they can make the most of these emerging technologies.

Cloud-based systems give businesses the flexibility to scale their CCTV infrastructure, accommodating the increasing volume of data generated by advanced analytics and high-resolution cameras.

This scalability is essential for businesses seeking to harness the potential of big data and artificial intelligence (AI) in a more meaningful way. Beyond scalability, cloud solutions provide cost-efficiency by eliminating the need for extensive, costly on-premises infrastructure, while at the same time enabling remote access and management.

It is through The Cloud that businesses can tap into their video analytics findings from anywhere, transforming the way they manage their spaces. At the same, cloud computing enables the distribution of data across multiple secure servers, so that even in the event of a server failure, all is not lost.

2. Object recognition

With artificial intelligence and deep learning algorithms, object recognition allows for the real-time identification of, you guessed it, objects. This can be used to enhance security measures, offering opportunities for deeper video analytics to power business strategies.

To give you an example, in a retail context, object recognition enables us to tap into more information about the behaviour of customers visiting shopping centres or stores, allowing us to answer questions like: what are their journeys throughout the space?; How many people are there with pushchairs?; What areas do people spend the most time in?

3. A focus on data protection and robust cybersecurity

As CCTV systems get more complex and the amount of data we’re collecting starts to build, compliance with rules around data privacy should never be compromised. Video surveillance comes with a responsibility to ensure privacy is safeguarded at all times.

It’s something of a dilemma. We use CCTV for security but the implementation of advanced technology into CCTV needs additional security to protect it from cyber threats.

This is achieved with a zero-trust approach to cloud security, and an overall heightened emphasis on encryption protocols, access controls, and regular security audits.

With concerns over privacy and regulatory compliance being regularly vocalised, the trend underscores the need for a proactive approach to cybersecurity, ensuring that CCTV technologies never neglect data protection.

4. In-depth event and incident analysis

A significant trend towards in-depth event and incident analysis marks the future of CCTV. We won’t need to question what caused a malfunction of protocol or the steps leading up to an incident. All the information will be intelligently analysed for us.

CCTV systems are evolving from simple observation tools that we can choose to look at, to more sophisticated and proactive platforms capable of intricate event scrutiny, unprompted.

This trend enables systems to automatically detect and analyse complex events, offering granular insights into activities, behaviours, and potential security threats.

Through video analytics, we can dive even further into the nuances of incidents to enhance response strategies, optimise resource allocation, and learn valuable lessons to make improvements.

This shift towards in-depth analysis not only elevates the effectiveness of CCTV in a security setting but also positions it as a vital tool for deriving insights that extend beyond traditional safety concerns.

5. Widespread utilisation of 5G connectivity

5G connectivity will power IP CCTV cameras, providing enhanced capabilities, higher-quality video and real-time responsiveness. We can expect large bandwidth, low latency, and high-speed data transfer, enabling the seamless transmission of high-definition video feeds and supporting advanced applications like object recognition.

This is particularly useful in remote locations, but also during WiFi outages, and for events where there may be connectivity issues. In other words, the widespread use of 5G connectivity will boost the resiliency of CCTV technology because, without an always-on connection, we will be unable to make the most of it.

6. The Internet of Things (IoT) and CCTV

IoT sensors can be placed on doorways, in high-traffic areas, toilet facilities, smart street lights, and parking spaces, and they gather a diverse range of data beyond visual feeds, including things like environmental factors and access control.

This integration between CCTV and IoT will ultimately heighten our understanding of a given scenario or location, paving the way for smarter, contextualised decision-making.

Take a smart city, for example. Integrating CCTV with IoT sensors can be used to optimise traffic. With cameras and environmental sensors combined, we could dynamically decide safer, smarter routes, minimising emissions and delays.

7. Integration with other operational systems

Another trend we’re beginning to see is how CCTV is becoming increasingly integrated with other business systems, such as access control, maintenance and alarms. Putting this trend into practice unifies disparate systems for things like facility management and security.

Not only does this present an opportunity for real-time monitoring, but it ensures immediate response mechanisms, where video feeds can automatically trigger upon the activation of alarms, the occupation of a certain space, or an equipment malfunction.

8. Deeper insights powered by AI and Machine Learning

This trend signifies a significant leap in the analytical capabilities of CCTV systems, allowing for a faster and more intelligent interpretation of visual data. Whilst we are more than capable of watching CCTV footage and drawing conclusions, this takes time. AI and ML can do this for us instantly.

Enhanced AI and ML algorithms give us a chance to analyse more intricate patterns, identify anomalies, and deliver more accurate insights in real-time.

Using this technology opens the door to predictive analysis too, using information gathered on learned patterns.

9. Sustainable CCTV and eco-friendly technology

In 2024, there will be a growing emphasis on developing CCTV systems with reduced carbon footprints and energy-efficient components. This means ensuring cameras aren’t recording footage when they don’t need to.

Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating eco-friendly materials and designing systems that optimise power consumption without compromising performance. Additionally, the deployment of renewable energy sources, such as solar-powered CCTV is gathering pace.

10. More powerful processors and advanced cameras

Powerful processors enable faster data capture and analysis. Without this, real-time decision-making would be hard to achieve. Paired with advanced cameras, improved low-light performance, and intelligent features like object recognition, this trend not only sharpens the quality of video feeds but also amplifies the effectiveness of CCTV in identifying and responding to events and objects with greater precision and accuracy.

Smarter video surveillance is more affordable than ever

Since the pandemic, there has been a rise in smart home security with a market size expected to reach $61.97 billion by 2029. What this tells us is that people are seeing the benefits of video surveillance, and we’re using CCTV solutions in more innovative ways outside of commercial applications, especially with things like smart home devices.

So, as consumer use grows, the cost of more sophisticated cameras will fall. For businesses, replacing outdated cameras is easier and more cost-effective than it ever has been, giving organisations a chance to catch up with modern, cloud-based, IP video surveillance.

It’s worth pointing out that this doesn’t eliminate the need for people. We’ll always need a human mind to direct AI and implement it, as well as interpret the data and put those findings into action.

One thing is for certain, the upheaval once associated with overhauling a security system is no longer necessary if you’re looking for faster, smarter insights. Technology like Fyma can be used with existing video surveillance infrastructure, helping you make data-driven decisions without the hassle.

As we look ahead to 2024 and beyond, there is a buzz of innovation around cloud computing, object recognition, and even smarter security. These aren't just trends, though, they're the building blocks that promise to make businesses more agile, with a smarter, safer and more ethical approach to video surveillance, breaking down the barriers that used to limit what we could do.

If you have an existing video surveillance network and you want to find out how easy it can be to get the most out of it, book a demo today and we’ll show you how.