In the video surveillance applications digital video recorder (DVR) is gradually replacing the analog time-lapse video recorder for the advanced characteristics that it can offer.

Closed circuit television (CCTV) originated in the 1950s and consisted of two low-resolution black and white cameras. Its main objective was to replace humans for visual security surveillance. In the 1980s, solid state cameras and VCRs were introduced. The resolution was better, but the pictures were still in black and white. In the 1990s, came the transformation to colour, and eventually digital video recorders (DVR's) were introduced.

Video surveillance has been commonplace in England and Europe for some time. In recent years it has been a growing phenomenon in Canada & the United States as well. By means of the technology of closed circuit television, individuals are observed without their knowledge in stores, at the ATM, in elevators, in restaurants, in school hallways, and when stopped police in patrol cars.

The technology of video equipment has gotten to the point where the units can be activated by motion detectors and can tape in colour even at night. One reason why the use of video surveillance is becoming so prevalent is because cameras are shrinking, thus making it easier to conceal the equipment. Video surveillance cameras can be so small that they can be hidden almost anywhere in the workplace and even worn on clothing. These little devices are capable of zooming in on the smallest of details and can pan and tilt. In the video surveillance applications digital video recorder (DVR) is gradually replacing the analog time-lapse video recorder for the advanced characteristics that it can offer.