Surveillance Camera Implementation

When you're shopping around for an IP-based video surveillance system, you will need to be particularly cautious about what exactly you're looking at and what the individual terms mean. How IP-based video surveillance works is open to interpretation as far as some video surveillance and security salespeople are concerned – not because they are trying to confuse the issues, but because there is no genuine consensus on what the term "IP-based" or related ones such as "networked" or "web-based" means.

Comparing analog and IP-based video surveillance

A better way to understand the differences between analog and IP-based video surveillance may be to compare the two and how they work:

Analog or CCTV+DVR video surveillance

  • Easy to use – operates like a VCR
  • Changing cassettes and rewinding regularly means human error frequently interferes with effectiveness
  • Image quality is poor
  • Storage tapes wear out over time
  • Broadcasting images live isn't practical
  • Storage is bulky
  • Uses analog recording, recording in low-grade picture quality and inability to search and track easily
  • Adding DVR systems must be done in 'blocks' of 16 channels IP-based video surveillance
  • IP-based recording means instant transmittal of images anywhere in the world
  • Can monitor multiple cameras from one remote location
  • No decrease in recording quality over time or with repeated replays
  • Digital picture quality far superior to analog
  • IP-base recording is highly compressed for easier storage and can be transported over a variety of media
  • Digital images can be encrypted for security purposes
  • Updates and add-ons are relatively inexpensive through software packages and Internet computer networking
  • Adjustable frame rates
  • Remote or shared viewing may be done over the Internet or a wireless connection
  • Standard IP video compression techniques are used
  • IP surveillance cameras may be added individually or in groups according to your needs

If you are contemplating increased or upgrading video surveillance for your company or home, understanding how IP-based video surveillance works will make your decision easier. It is the future of video surveillance and, although in the short term may be a bit more expensive, is obviously an investment in superior quality and flexibility. NetworkAntics offers comprehensive video surveillance solutions and outstanding customer service to back it up. Call us today!