The groundbreaking VC8201 system exemplifies an innovative approach to surveillance front-end solutions that separates the video processing core and camera units. The physically independent core unit handles video processing tasks such as storage, compression, and interfacing with the network, and can connect to either one or, more interestingly, two independent camera units. This split core/camera approach provides a number of advantages over conventional designs, including the ability to support multiple camera types in a single installation, more discreet camera appearance, simpler installation, greater implementation flexibility, easy camera replacement or upgrades, and lower total cost of ownership. Together, these advantages enable a superior solution for established and emerging security applications.