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If you often go to the movies, I’m sure it’s not one or two times you’ve been tempted to bring your own snacks. The dark scene can also be tempting to get kissy and a bit handsy with your partner. But then, are there cameras in movie theaters watching the place all the time?
Well, to be fair, each of us is very different. And while some have no discomfort making out in public places, many still like to keep their private life “private”. So, they may feel violated when they realize someone is watching them all the time while enjoying the movie.
The Right to Privacy is No More!
Sadly, that’s very true. No matter how much you want to be left alone, security cameras are now on every corner of the street. And this includes not just the actual streets, but also at work, public institutions, shopping malls, subways, and buses.
As for the private properties, many cars now have Dash Cam cameras that continue to record while even parked. Then, the current IP Security Camera Systems that people are installing in their homes have a wide lens and strong sensor that captures detailed pictures even across the street.
So, before you assume no one is seeing you dig out the irritating boogers or kiss your fiancee, think hard. Alternatively, wait till you get home. And that’s assuming your Ex didn’t leave any hidden cameras in the room.
Are There Security Cameras in Movie Theaters?
As we’ve just mentioned, many public places now have security cameras at various positions- even when you can’t see them. And this includes even entertainment joints, not limited to bowling alleys, clubs, dance halls, casinos, and theatres.
Yes, indeed, almost all movie theaters across the country have installed CCTV. If it’s an old center, the main auditorium might not have the devices, but the hallways and concessions stand will probably have a couple of them.
As for the modern movie theatres, you can now find security cameras even in the main auditorium. The devices are mostly located at the back, behind the viewers, but some owners even install them on top of the displaying screen.
Why Are there Security Cameras in Movie Theaters?
Before all else, the movie theatre is a public center, just like the supermarket, banks, or churches. The only difference is that there can be age restriction (not always) and, well, you can eat some popcorn without anyone staring.
But just like any other business place, the owners of the movie theatres will want to protect their “properties”. So, spying on you isn’t exactly why there are security cameras in the theaters. The owner just wants to make sure you don’t sneak out with the projector, audio systems, or other equipment on the premise.
Other reasons why there are security cameras in theaters include:
Curb Video Piracy:
As you may know, theaters have always been the first ones to get a first-hand copy of new movie releases. Of course, we might see that change in the new age of streaming services and consumer TVs with 3D capability.
But before it happens, theater owners still have to make sure no one is using a camcorder or smartphone to illegally record the movie.
Some of the long-range night vision security cameras they install can even detect the glare from the recording device. So, you’ll get caught red-handed, which will result in you getting escorted out before the movie ends or banned outright.
Enforcer The Food Rule:
Similar to illegal recording, almost all movie theaters also don’t allow you to bring outside food to the facility. Apart from the movie tickets, they also generate revenue by selling snacks and drinks. And as per the rule, you’ll have to either buy the overpriced snacks or not have at all.
So, security cameras also help owners of the movie theater detect when you’re trying to sneak in with outside food.
Optimize Operations:
One of the best benefits of surveillance cameras in public places like stores and movie theaters is that they can help improve operations.
For instance, a security camera with a people-counting feature can provide an average estimate of the number of moviegoers on particular days and times. So, the owner will know when to have more staff or snacks and drinks available.
Ensure Your Safety:
Indeed, the security cameras in the movie theater can help ensure your safety while it’s dark in there. Of course, it might not be on the agenda of the owner at first, but the devices can alert the control when someone is trying to abuse you.
Enhance The Overall Movie Experience:
In most cases, movie theaters will have continuous recording security camera systems and staff watching them all the time. It’ll be quite difficult for anyone to engage in irregular behaviors like smoking weed/cigarettes, loitering anyhow, or even sexual activity (yes, some do). Thus, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable movie experience for everyone.
Is it Legal to have Security Cameras in Movie Theaters?
As much as you may want to steal that kiss from your lover, it’s legal to have security cameras in movie theaters. After all, the owner has the right to protect his premise and enact measures to stop crime from happening.
Regardless, the theater owner must watch out for the various laws on surveillance cameras in public places. If not, the moviegoers can even twist the owner’s right to protect his property into illegal monitoring.
A good example is the use of a security camera system with audio, whereby a state like California provides all parties must be aware of the monitoring. So, the owner of the movie theater must have a clearly-visible sign stating the place is under audio and video surveillance.
Another thing, it’s usually illegal to install security cameras in private spaces. So, you can sue your local movie theater when you notice they have been monitoring you in the bathroom of the facility.
The 5 Common Types of Security Cameras in Movie Theaters
Technically, different movie theaters will have different types of security cameras. It all comes down to what the owners want to achieve at the end of the day, as well as what they’re willing to spend on the project.
In any case, the six types of security cameras that are common in movie theaters include:
| Security Cameras in Movie Theaters | Key Feature | Main Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Night Vision Security Cameras | Invisible IR LEDs | Record in the darkness |
| 4K Security Cameras | Superior Image Senor | Capture sharp images |
| Domed Security Cameras | Inconspicuous Design | Monitor without drawing attention |
| Smart AI Security Cameras | Intelligent Detection Features | Identify irregular behaviors |
| PTZ Security Cameras | Remote Pan & Tilt | Cover large space |
| Fish Eye Security Camera | Inconspicuous Design | Monitor without drawing attention |
- Night Vision Security Cameras
Technically, it’s usually dark in the auditorium when a movie is showing. But any type of camera usually requires some kind of light for the sensor to capture and record images.
So, you’ll find night vision security cameras in theaters since they continue to work even in low-lighted conditions. But since the owners also don’t want to be intrusive, most of these cameras will have the 950nm infrared LEDs that don’t emit a red glow.
- 4K Security Cameras
Similar to a smartphone or camcorder, security cameras capture images based on the built-in sensor. And the more superior the sensor, the better the clarity of the streaming or recorded videos will be.
Since 4K security cameras are the highest resolution common in the market right now, it’s what most movie theaters will have. So, don’t assume the control won’t see you act up because you’re farther from the cameras.
- Domed Security Cameras:
One of the main differences between a dome vs bullet camera is that the former assumes a sleek style that blends well with the surrounding. The domed design also can be hard to tell it’s a CCTV system for most people. Thus, allowing the owner to monitor the space without drawing attention.
- Smart AI Security Cameras
A lot of motion sensor security camera systems now have intelligent features like human detection, face recognition, loitering detection, and others. So, some theaters will have them in backroom and other private areas.
Other cameras also have people-counting analytics. Thus, can be mounted at the entrances or even inside the auditorium to help the management compare the number of audience vs tickets sold.
- PTZ Security Cameras
Some movie theaters also deploy actual PTZ security cameras for their ability to rotate and zoom remotely. You’re likely to find them in the hallway and concession stands, but some theaters may have them in the auditorium.
Thanks to the remote panning and tilting, a single PTZ camera can cover a whole room, and in clarity when we add the optical zoom. So, some owners will consider it when looking for a cost-effective solution.
- Fish Eye Security Camera
A fisheye security camera is more of a hybrid between the dome and PTZ cameras. It usually features an inconspicuous design that one can easily confuse for a light, and at the same time offers a 360-degree field of view. Thus, covering a large space with just one device, which the owners will love for cost-effectiveness.
In Conclusion
The answer is a YES, there are security cameras in movie theaters. It might not be all the places, but most of them across the U.S. have them, including even in the auditoriums. So, do know someone somewhere will likely be watching whatever mischievous you had planned.
On the positive, many of the security cameras in movie theaters are usually running 24/7. So, it can have a credible evidence of ill-treatment from the staff or in case another moviegoer burgles or abuses you.
