Closed Circuit Television, or CCTV, is a system in which a video broadcast is limited to a specific point or a number of monitors. In other words, the broadcast is "closed" off to other receivers. This can be very useful if the video feed is of a secure or private nature. A CCTV system is comprised, at the least, of a camera and monitor. Included components might include a video switcher for multiple cameras, or a recording device.

By and large, CCTV was primarily designed for businesses to assist in security and manufacturing processes. However due to giant strides in technology CCTV is now  affordable for both security and monitoring in domestic situations.

Also due to significant advances in technology installation is now far simpler than installing a new PC for example. Specialist engineers are not required in the vast majority of installations.

The main businesses that use such a monitoring system include those that you would expect: banks, police stations, retail stores, and airports, to name a few.

CCTV systems are also used in a more generally observatory way: many industrial plants are so large that CCTV monitoring helps centralized managers understand what is going on. This system is also useful when certain rooms or areas are unsafe for humans.

Though CCTV has been around since 1942, the recent explosion of digital video recorders (DVRs) and the increased functionality of wireless video transmission, such as Internet Protocol (IP) cameras, have shed new light on CCTV systems. DVRs in particular are helping solve the problem of video storage, which helps make a long-term video record possible.

IP cameras allow the closed circuit video feed to be available via Internet connections from anywhere in the world, allowing you to view your business or home from any remote location. Of course, the IP feed are encrypted and protected as well.

As the cost of cameras and DVRs continue to plummet and the technology increases, it is becoming more and more possible to install a higher functioning CCTV system for much less.