Introduction

What actually happens after your security camera records something? Who's watching? How do companies process alerts, prevent theft, or respond to emergencies? Video monitoring in 2025 is a complex industry powered by live operators, AI, and an evolving mix of technologies and companies—from global giants like ADT to nimble Canadian players like Live Patrol.

In this reference guide, we'll break down the entire video monitoring ecosystem. You'll learn what these companies do, how they operate, what technologies they use, and who the major players are across Canada and the U.S.

Whether you're a business owner, tech partner, or curious homeowner, this is your ultimate handbook.

Quick Summary / Key Takeaways

• Video monitoring involves 24/7 surveillance, alert processing, and real-time response to incidents.

• Key technologies include cameras, VMS, NVRs, cloud platforms, AI analytics, and guard dispatch.

• Major U.S. players: ADT, Immix, Securitas, Allied Universal, Interface Security, Vivint.

• Major Canadian players: GardaWorld, Live Patrol, Zedcor, Commissionaires, Paladin.

• ArcadianAI leads the AI-first shift with real-time alert filtering and forensic insight.

Background & Relevance

As of 2025, North America has over 100 million connected surveillance cameras, yet 95% of footage goes unwatched [Source: IPVM, 2024]. Video monitoring companies fill this gap by actively watching, analyzing, and responding to footage in real-time.

Security spending is soaring—with the video surveillance market expected to reach $83 billion by 2030 [Statista, 2024]. Rising crime, labor shortages, and AI innovation have made outsourced monitoring more vital than ever.

Businesses now rely on these providers not just for protection but also compliance, insurance discounts, and operational insight. As edge AI, 5G, and hybrid cloud architectures grow, understanding how these companies work is critical for making informed security decisions.

Core Topic Exploration

H2: What Do Video Monitoring Companies Actually Do?

H3: 1. Live Monitoring & Event Response

• Operators monitor video feeds in real-time, typically from a central station (also called a SOC or SRC).

• Software triggers alerts based on motion, AI analytics, or sensor integration (door, glass break, etc.).

• When an alert fires, operators:

  • Review footage

  • Verify threats

  • Dispatch mobile guards or contact emergency services

  • Notify the client

H3: 2. Technology Stack in Monitoring Operations

• Cameras: Axis, Hanwha, Uniview, Hikvision, Dahua, Lorex, Nest, Arlo

• VMS: Genetec, Milestone, ExacqVision, Nx Witness, Avigilon

• NVR/DVR: Hikvision, Dahua, Swann, Lorex, Flir, Honeywell

• Cloud Platforms: Verkada, Rhombus, Ava (Motorola), OpenEye, ArcadianAI

• AI Analytics: BriefCam, Rhombus, IronYun, ArcadianAI's Ranger

• Monitoring Software: Immix, SureView, Bold, Stages, Calipsa

• Guards/Mobile Response: Paladin Security, GardaWorld, Securitas, Allied Universal

H3: 3. Central Station Infrastructure

• Redundant power and network

• VPN or cloud VMS access

• Immix, Bold, or custom UIs

• Incident workflow: from detection to dispatch

H3: 4. Reporting & Compliance

• Reports on activity, incidents, and health checks

• NDAA-compliant camera audits

• Chain of custody preservation for legal footage

H3: 5. AI's Role in Modern Monitoring

• Motion filtering, object classification, anomaly detection

• Ranger by ArcadianAI provides real-time alerts, forensic search, and recommendations

• AI reduces noise by up to 95% while increasing response precision

Comparisons & Use Cases

H2: Canada vs USA Video Monitoring Ecosystem

Use Case 1: Retail Chain

• Problem: Shoplifting, loitering, false alarms

• Solution: ArcadianAI filters alerts, notifies only verified threats, connects to 100s of camera brands

Use Case 2: Construction Sites

• Problem: After-hours trespassing

• Solution: Zedcor and Live Patrol deploy mobile cameras monitored 24/7

Use Case 3: Cannabis Dispensaries

• Problem: Compliance, robbery risk

• Solution: NDAA-compliant cameras + cloud access + monitoring logs

Use Case 4: Remote Northern Sites

• Problem: Limited connectivity

• Solution: Northwestel + Starlink + ArcadianAI bandwidth optimization

Common Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is AI replacing human monitoring agents?
No—AI like Ranger enhances their work by filtering noise and surfacing verified threats. It supports faster, smarter decision-making.

Q2: How is Canadian monitoring different from U.S.?
Canada has fewer national players but strong regional firms (Zedcor, Live Patrol, Paladin). The U.S. has more consolidated platforms but also higher saturation.

Q3: Are cloud-based monitoring platforms secure?
Yes, especially NDAA-compliant platforms using AWS, Azure, or private clouds. ArcadianAI uses EKS clusters and encrypted streams.

Q4: Do I need to buy new cameras to use a monitoring service?
Not necessarily. Camera-agnostic platforms like ArcadianAI work with 3,000+ camera models.

Q5: What certifications should monitoring centers have?
Look for ULC, TMA Five Diamond, ISO 27001, and NDAA compliance for trustworthy monitoring operations.

Conclusion & CTA

Video monitoring in 2025 is no longer just about watching screens. It's a blend of intelligent automation, human judgment, and layered technologies built across VMS, AI, cloud, and guard networks. Understanding the ecosystem—and the brands powering it—helps you make smarter security investments.

ArcadianAI is leading the evolution with its camera-agnostic, AI-powered Ranger assistant. Whether you're managing a retail chain, a cannabis dispensary, or remote infrastructure, smarter monitoring starts here.

Book a live demo today: https://www.arcadian.ai/pages/get-demo