The invention provides a video security system for monitoring a plurality of locations simultaneously. In one embodiment, the system includes a text insertion means connected between a video camera and monitor, a control means connected to the text insertion means, and a playback means operatively associated with the text insertion means and control means. Other embodiments include a video camera substitution system having a fixed video camera and a pan-tilt video camera and a video recorder substitution system having a plurality of alternate VRDs. In another embodiment, the system includes a programmable equalizer having a plurality of video input devices, a video output receiver, a switch connected between the input devices and receiver, a variable equalizer connected between the switch and receiver, and a controller storing line loss parameters for each input device, thereby providing equalization among a plurality of video cameras, monitors, and video signal recording devices.