Analog vs. IP Security Cameras

ANALOG (CCTV) VS IP CAMERAS

Analog

Analog or CCTV (closed circuit television cameras) such as those typically used in video surveillance, transmit a signal to a specific place on a limited set of monitors. They have been a trusted and reliable solution for both homes and businesses for many years. Analog cameras are convenient, easy to install, cost effective and reliable.

CCTV systems can typically be set up to record continuously or can be motion activated, recording only when the sensor sees movement.  Analog cameras can be set to record straight to a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), which allows it to record analog signals as pictures. The DVR designed for CCTV purposes is connected to the camera through point-to-point coaxial cables which convert the signal from analog to digital and then record it on a hard drive.  The DVR and video recording software allow recording and playback of the video with a range of options in playback.

Upgrading a current analog system can be done with the latest in analog technology, HD-SDI (high definition serial digital interface) cameras.  This high definition analog based CCTV technology provide high quality HD video images with exceptional resolution and detail. Prior to the development of HD-SDI cameras the only way to get this type of resolution was through a megapixel IP camera.  This new technology offers a low cost solution to those wanting greater detail and many extras. The signal is still sent over coaxial cable, is point to point and plug and play.

IP CAMERAS

IP Cameras, or the Internet Protocol Camera is a type of cameraIP cameras are truly digital.  Whereas an analog camera transmits the signal via the coaxial cable to a DVR which then coverts the signal, an IP camera itself takes on the role of the DVR for compression, video motion detection and image adjustments.  It is then transmitted back to the NVR as a fully digital stream. The software in an IP camera offers some additional features but the camera does most of the work.

IP camera systems are able to offer higher resolution megapixel cameras than analog cameras.  They can be wired or run through your wireless network.  Megapixel cameras allow you to zoom in on a specific area with minimal loss of definition. You are able to capture important details such as a license plate or even a specific transaction on a cash register. For those with several locations, multi-site management is easy with IP cameras as everything can be viewed on the internet.  Replacing an existing analog camera with IP cameras may not be as expensive as you think.  For example, only one megapixel camera may be needed where there were four analog cameras.

More and more IP cameras are being used for their “intelligence” and not just recording incidents.  They are able to record and count customers and customer patterns. They can also be used in monitoring customer service, alerting and monitoring for deliveries, monitoring employees and register transactions and much more.  IP cameras are a necessary tool for complete management of your business and employees.

Higher resolution IP cameras do require a lot of bandwidth so plan accordingly.  There are ways to set up a system to reduce the required bandwidth, such as cropping out he unnecessary parts of the field of view, so having an experienced and trained technician with a reputable company is important. Higher resolution and the demands of an IP camera do require more memory, so when choosing a DVR or cloud storage, do not skimp on memory. This is one area to be more safe than sorry.

Conclusion

There are many considerations to make in choosing between an analog system and IP solution.  The cost of an analog system is typically less expensive but you will often sacrifice image quality and features.  The convenience and ease of set up in an IP system is a bonus but the required bandwidth and memory can be detrimental. Other considerations include simplicity, resolution, cabling, scalability and flexibility, pricing and intelligence.  It can be a big decision for businesses and homeowners on which video monitoring solution is best for them.  Working with a company trained and active with video surveillance installations is the first and most important step in your decision making process.  They can help guide you through the process, placement and options available. As in many instances, a DIY solution is not always the best or least expensive option.