The 1990s saw the integration of computer technology
with video security technology. All components were solid
state. Digital video technology needed large-scale digital
memories to manipulate and store video images and the
computer industry had them. To achieve satisfactory video
image transmission and storage, the video signal had to be
“compressed” to transmit it over the existing narrowband
phone line networks. The video-computer industry already
had compression for broadcast, industrial, and government
requirements. The video industry needed a fast and
low-cost means to transmit the video images to remote
locations and the US government’s Defense Advanced
Research Projects Agency (DARPA) had already developed
the Internet, the predecessor of the World Wide
Web (WWW). The Internet (and intranet) communications
channels and the WWW now provide this extraordinary
worldwide ability to transmit and receive video and
audio, and communicate and control data anywhere.