CCTV is a common term when it comes to business and site security, but are you familiar with the term VSS? The two terms are closely linked and are often used interchangeably surrounding the topic of security cameras, but are often misused. In this blog, we’ve cleared up the difference between CCTV and VSS so that you can use them correctly and understand clearly the key terminology.
- What is CCTV?
- What is VSS?
- The Evolution: From Passive Recording to Proactive Intelligence
- Video Surveillance Monitoring with RMS
What is CCTV?
CCTV stands for ‘closed-circuit television’. A CCTV system is a type of video surveillance system that consists of video cameras that transmit their footage back to a display monitor, which allows for real-time viewing of the footage as well as the ability to play it back. CCTV systems are mainly used for security purposes and are extremely effective in preventing, deterring, stopping and reducing crime from taking place, especially on business sites.
However, the effectiveness of a CCTV system hinges on more than just the cameras themselves; it depends on how the footage is monitored and actioned. A passive, recorded-only system may capture a crime, but it won’t prevent it. By contrast, systems integrated with an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) allow for immediate intervention by trained operators who can issue audio warnings to deter a potential intruder before they can cause damage, or dispatching a remote patrol immediately. This active monitoring—where incidents are proactively addressed—is crucial to achieving the estimated 13% overall decrease in crime associated with surveillance technology, according to the College of Policing.
What is VSS?
VSS on the other hand stands for ‘video surveillance systems’. An umbrella term, VSS covers many types of video surveillance systems, one of those being CCTV. Due to the rise and ever-increasing development of technology, the scope of VSS is growing, and therefore is becoming the term most commonly used to describe such camera surveillance with respect to security.
Whereby CCTV would have once been used to describe a business’s video surveillance efforts, mainly due to only having a CCTV system in place, now the term VSS is becoming increasingly used, due to it covering more than just CCTV systems. For example, VSS covers drones, body-worn cameras, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), and advanced technology such as artificial intelligence and deep learning, which enhances video surveillance accuracy. This shift means VSS technology is now designed to not only record but to analyse and interpret data, effectively turning the system into a proactive security asset.
VSS is therefore the overarching term that covers CCTV systems. As technology develops, businesses are more likely to have other means of video surveillance than CCTV and therefore VSS could be a more appropriate term to use, providing a holistic layer of security monitoring across the entire site infrastructure.
The true value of modern VSS lies in its analytic capabilities. Systems equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) can differentiate between critical events (such as a person scaling a fence) and benign events (such as a passing animal), meaning operators are only alerted to genuine threats. This capability drastically improves response times and is essential for reducing false alarms that plague traditional CCTV setups. Furthermore, VSS now extends far beyond traditional crime prevention, encompassing crucial functions like non-security monitoring, including process monitoring and remote checks, driven by the increasing integration of AI into remote security systems.
The Evolution: From Passive Recording to Proactive Intelligence
The transition from simple CCTV to comprehensive VSS marks the biggest shift in the security industry in decades. Where previous systems primarily offered retrospective evidence for use in court, the latest VSS applications are designed to provide proactive, real-time intelligence to prevent incidents before they escalate. This is achieved through the integration of technologies like thermal imaging, edge computing (which processes data directly on the camera, speeding up detection), and deep learning algorithms that continuously refine the system’s ability to spot anomalies.
The rapid integration of AI-powered business game changer into video surveillance systems is not just a trend; it’s a necessity for businesses seeking operational efficiency alongside maximum security. Proactive VSS is especially vital for large, complex environments such as industrial warehouses, where managing diverse risks—from perimeter security to environmental control—is paramount. Modern VSS can monitor site traffic, ensure compliance with health and safety protocols, and ensure the optimal functionality of assets such as EV charge points monitoring systems. This holistic approach is fundamental to operating efficiently in the age of smart buildings.
Furthermore, by utilising advanced cloud and edge-based systems, businesses benefit from enhanced scalability and remote access, ensuring footage is secured off-site and accessible regardless of local network conditions. This comprehensive capability allows VSS to transform from a simple security tool into a valuable source of business intelligence. This strategic evolution is why VSS is now the term of choice when discussing modern, integrated surveillance solutions. Integrating smart building technology into your security strategy ensures future-proof protection and operational oversight.
Video Surveillance Monitoring with RMS
At RMS, we can monitor and manage various types of video surveillance systems. From CCTV systems to ANPR and complex AI-driven VSS, we are able to support your sites as they develop and integrate new technologies. We specialise in delivering the values of reliability and proactive service.
You can get in touch with the team for a FREE quote or for more information by calling 0330 002 1149.
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