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.

5 Great Reasons to Track your Teenage Driver

Teen Drivers are expensive.  Their insurance is expensive and they tend to get in more accidents due to their inexperience. More often than not, that is not the primary reason parents want to put a GPS tracking device in their children’s cars.  It is much more about tracking where they are going and who they are going with.  With the increase use of cell phones we often feel a false sense of security. 

We feel like we can call or text them at any time, so we know they are safe. They can check in, but we really have no idea of where they are or what they are doing.  A GPS device will let you know, in real time, where they are, how long they have been there, when their car starts up and if they are speeding or idling. 

All this information can be seen in real time or sent as an alert to your cell phone of email.  As a parent, this give you reassurance that you are doing all you can to keep your teen safe and out of harm's way.

5. Reduction in Insurance Rates-Often insurance companies will give a 10-20% reduction in the rate of a driver if they have live tracking GPS.  The GPS deters them from speeding and reckless driving. It also can let you know if they are driving the vehicle out of the hours you have set up on a schedule.  So if you worry about whether your teen is sneaking out of the house and taking the car, you won’t have to stay up all night to find out. A text alert can be sent to your email or phone letting you know the vehicle is moving.

4. Theft- Do you worry your teenagers leaving the keys in the car or the ignition running while they run into a convenience store?  Idling reports will give you an indication this is happening. If you vehicle is stolen, you will know exactly where it is and give the police this information.  At Moore Security Solutions, we have had several incidents of stolen vehicles from our customers who use fleet GPS for their work vehicles.  Recovery is fast and easy.  A recent study by the FBI show that the decline in vehicle theft over the last 10 years is directly linked to the increase use of GPS devices.

3.  Worry About Their Activities- Teens don’t always make good choices when it comes to who they hang out with.  Parents worry about drug and alcohol use.  GPS tracking will record very specific behaviors, addresses, stops and idles.  This will give a parent a good indication of the activity their teen is involved in, allowing them to take action before it is too late.

2.  Lying About Where They Are Going or Where They Have Been- Cell phones let us be in contact with our teens but they do not let us know if they are really where they say they are. Teens that know their parents are watching their activity will be much more truthful about their whereabouts.

1. Speeding- Teens often don’t realize the power and danger of their vehicles.  They get in a car as an inexperienced driver with their friends. They are showing off and drive too fast. With the onslaught of cell phones and texting it is even more important to watch the driving and speeding patterns of your teenage driver.

Installing a GPS device in your teens cars may seem to some like and invasion of privacy (mostly the teen).  In reality it is a measure to keep them save not only with their driving habits, but also allows you the peace of mind to really know where they are at all times. For only a few pennies a day you will have comfort in knowing you have done all you can to keep an eye on them until they are out of the house.

Call Moore Security Solutions at 520-881-2885 for a live demonstration of our Fleet GPS Tracking Solutions.  You will be happy you did!

Moore Security Solutions

2432 E. Broadway Blvd

Tucson, AZ 85719

(520) 881-2885

"Everyone Needs Moore Security"

Crime Around the Clock

Statistics show that Tucson crime is frequently a function of opportunity. Burglaries of homes...

happen during the day, when the occupants of those homes are at work. In contrast, burglaries of businesses can often happen at night, when the employees are at home.

If a business owner wants to know what's going on at all times, what is the best way to accomplish that?

We find that a surveillance system is the most affordable and effective option for keeping your family and business safe. Just a couple strategically placed cameras can do wonders for your peace of mind. Todays generation of HD cameras provide stunning clarity and access from any mobile device.

These aren't your grandma's 7/11 security cameras! Quality in color and definition of the image can increase chances of making a positive facial recognition of the intruder exponentially, Don't just rely on the Tucson Police Department!
Many new security cameras shoot in color during the day, switching to black and white or even night-vision in the dark. They can be a exactly what you need, providing you flexibility and security without having to spend a four tune.

Depending on what one has to keep safe, a business owner has a range of technologies to consider, all available right now at our showroom if you'd like to take a look up close.

One really popular option for high-traffic or wide spaces is thermal security cameras. When placed outside the perimeter of your location, they can be used to determine if a disturbance is from an animal or a person. In the dark, from a distance. Really cool stuff.

It might be night time, off-hours, or holidays, Intruders, but we are always watching.

Whatever is right for your home or business, Moore Security is committed to providing you the right consultation and offering you the best options. Taking care of your family and meeting your business needs, that's what we stand for. Make sure to ask for you Tucson Neighborhood Crime Report and keep updated with the crime activity in your neighborhood. about keeping your home or business safe and secure.

Moore Security Solutions

2432 E. Broadway Blvd

Tucson, AZ 85719

(520) 881-2885

"Everyone Needs Moore Security"