'Active X', Idiot Exploiter, M$ & streaming video

[videobruce]

I didn't know where to put this since it could fall under a few topics.

Please enlighten me on 'Active X' controls (other than connecting the term to 'viruses') regarding streaming video. Namely, CCTV (closed circuit television) cameras via Internet access and the need to use 'Active X' to either view and/or control remote CCTV cameras and equipment.

From some initial investigation, it appears that to access any CCTV equipment that has web access you need to run 'Active X' scripts. I'm also told these only work in Idiot Exploiter (which is a immediate negative).
Which brings the questions;

1. Is 'Active X a M$ 'product' (for lack of a better term)?
2. If so, how about using other browsers (Opera or Mozilla/Firefox)?