In recent years, the demand for security and other forms of protection has risen dramatically. More than likely, this need is because of the increase in theft, which can probably be attributed to the economy's downturn. At the forefront of this video security boom, auto dealerships, and countless other businesses that harbor valuables. Many of these entities are equipped with the best:

• audiovisual technology in parabolic microphones and motion-activated video cameras

• video surveillance of dome and box cameras, network servers and digital video recorders (DVR)

• infrared wave and night vision technology

• covert surveillance in the form of pens, hats, MP3 players, USB drives, clocks and other devices

• High resolution systems in satellite, fiber optics, HDMI, remote and wireless technology

The latest surveillance systems comprised of state of the art cameras, binoculars, and telescopes are not only created to lessen crime; they are also constructed for durability. Additionally, since much of the security systems are designed to stand the test of time, competition for sales are fierce in this industry to say the least. In the end, the best security equipment should function at optimum levels in the most extreme weather conditions.

Advancements in cable technology have enabled surveillance equipment the capacity to send and receive transmissions at warp speeds. In return, this technology has afforded security call centers the capability to quickly detect emergencies like burglaries, fires, and auto thefts.

Unfortunately, a lot of crimes are now perpetrated by desperate people, due to the lagging economy. Furthermore, the problem of government cutbacks and massive layoffs, have provoked some companies to acquire ways to monitor their work environment. The groundbreaking innovations in security systems have given employers the ability to deter criminal activity at job sites. Leading the way in surveillance technology are electronic pioneers such as Canon, JVC, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony, and Toshiba along with competitors like:

• ACTi

• Arecont Vision

• Axis

• Bosch

• Cisco

• D-Link

• Extreme CCTV

• General Electric

• Honeywell

• ioimage

• IQInvision

• Linksys

• Logitech

• Lumenera

• Merit LILIN

• Mintron

• MOBOTIX

• Pelco

• Shenzhen

• Smartvue

• Stardot

• Tamron

• TRENDNet

• Tyco

• VideoIQ

• Vivotek

• Wankeda

• WeLife

• 4XEM

It is no secret that technology in general is destined to be around for a while. When you add the notion of security to that equation, it is evident that video surveillance has literally recreated how society thinks about protection. With that in mind, look forward to more advancements in closed caption and other surveillance technology for commercial and personal applications.

The outlook for the video surveillance industry appears to be infinite with regard to technology. That means as long as advancements surpass the expectations of consumers, technology will continue to outdo itself. In the not too distant future, be prepared for more unimaginable creations in:

• Audio and video surveillance

• Fire and burglar alarm systems

• Remote access control systems

• Fingerprint and face recognition systems

• Robotics and computer technology

Security systems have progressed so much, it is a given that further advancements will be made for some time to come. As for what is over the horizon, that is up to the inventors, software developers, and manufacturers of this industry. In the end, no one really knows where the surveillance industry is heading, but we can best be assured that the technology is going to be superb.