Legacy devices are interfaced into a comprehensive multi-media surveillance system without requiring any modification to the legacy system. This allows a facility equipped with such systems to upgrade overall surveillance capability by overlaying the multi-function networked system over the legacy system and incorporating the legacy system directly into the more comprehensive networked system. This both enhances the functionality of the legacy system and preserves the investment made in prior art technology, while at the same time providing the user with state of the art capability for the overall system. The system provides an interface between legacy devices and a comprehensive, multi-media surveillance system. Data generated by the legacy device or legacy system is “picked-off” and transmitted to the multi-media, networked system. Any legacy device meeting minimum requirements can be interfaced to the networked system.