A system and method of controlling a video camera arranged to provide a video signal on a transmission medium including: transmitting command data on the video transmission medium to the camera, and receiving response data from the camera over the video transmission medium during a single vertical blanking period of the video signal, improving controllability of dome type cameras. Using an encoding format with data with bit widths narrower than those conventionally used in UTC protocols, increases the usable transmission medium length for the system by allowing for longer propagation delays without errors caused by interference. A method of downloading data to a camera by disabling the video signal, and a method of self-instantiating camera functions are also provided.