Closed-circuit television (CCTV), also known as video surveillance, This CCTV Technology provides emergency responders, law enforcement security
managers, and other security specialists with a reference to aid in planning, designing, and
purchasing a CCTV system. This handbook includes a description of the capabilities and
limitations of CCTV components used in security applications.

The use of video cameras is to transmit a signal to a specific place, on a limited set of monitors. It differs from broadcast television in that the signal is not openly transmitted, though it may employ point to point (P2P), point to multipoint (P2MP), or mesh wired or wireless links. Though almost all video cameras fit this definition, the term is most often applied to those used for surveillance in areas that may need monitoring such as banks, stores, and other areas where security is needed. Though Video telephony is seldom called "CCTV" one exception is the use of video in distance education, where it is an important tool.