Curious, don't most CCD cameras automatically detect IR? Its just that you still need IR illumination to see it.
Yes... and No. Yes most cameras can detect the IR part of the light spectrum... to some extent. But... No. Detecting a broad range of the light spectrum isn't the same as being able to use it all effectively. Or... at least that is how it was explained to me. I am not a camera person.
I have often thought that X10 could make the filter changes needed in it's lowlight camera to make it more IR friendly and sell add-on IR spotlights.
But it really gets back to what is the camera being used for. If your a home owner... you want security cameras to deter intruders and crime. If the cameras aren't seen they can't deter. I don't think anyone would be happy with good sharp video of an intruder breaking they're stuff and hurting they're loved ones.
If you can deter crime... and get video that could maybe help police capture criminals... that is the holy grail. But I don't think the dark... would be an aid to that end ether.