The Benefits of Moving From Analog to IP Video Surveillance Systems

January 23rd, 2024

Image Resolution

IP video surveillance cameras in , represent a tectonic shift in technology as all analog video cameras run along the NTSC analog video standards, developed way back in the 1950's. The main difference in image quality arises out of the recording standard used. The NTSC standards limit the image recording capacity to very low sharpness and depth. You can't zoom much into the picture with the NTSC standards as the pixel bursts before revealing the finer prints. Even the best analog security cameras produce images that are four times less clear the average low-end IP cameras. IP cameras have a flexible resolution base and have a far greater range and clarity of picture than analog ones. This helps to produce strong and zoomable videos. You can easily recognize faces, driving license plates, and even operate on a greater range with a single camera.

Scalability

One of the main problems with analog cameras is the use of physical storage in , , which comes with limited space and lots of unnecessary wiring. This creates a cluttered environment around the camera and requires addition set up of a VHS/DVD and a television screen to project live-feed. Moreover, since the system is complicated, a single failure results in a complete breakdown of the entire network. Additionally, the number of plugs that go into the VHS/DVD is limited and for simultaneous recorded of multiple cameras, a second VHS/DVD is needed. IP video cameras have a simple set-up with a lot less wiring and recording devices. An IP camera can digitally transmit all the video recordings into the internet, where it can be stored in an online cloud storage or an IT network. As the internet is not limited to physical ports, any number of cameras can be easily mounted on a single network. The internet becomes the sole VHS/DVD replacement and it can be accessed from anywhere easily. There are other advantages of using IP-based systems, where the video is recorded using NVRs (Network Video Recorders). This is an advanced storage mechanism that uses a backup technology called RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks). It compresses and flushes the data into multiple channels and also automatically creates additional back-ups. This safety net provides a fool-proof security framework. You can also outsource the recordings to any location you like, helping you a lot with space-management.

Ease of Installation

Contrary to popular belief, installation of IP video security systems in , is easier than analog systems. Technology always strives to make things simple and so is the case with IP security cameras. Most video cameras are built with a plug-and-play feature, that automatically activates itself once plugged. It works on the same principle of the simple webcam and requires no additional knowledge of networking. Analog cameras always use two wires, one to feed in power and the second to transmit the video recordings. For introducing additional locomotion like PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom) controls, the analog camera needs a third wire. In IP cameras, all the wires are bundled into a single wire through the PoE (Power over Ethernet), which simply needs to be connected to a network switch.

Analytics

Whenever we introduce smart technology into ordinary hardware, the aim is to reduce the human effort. In this endeavor, the IP camera has brought in a lot of fresh ways of looking at automatic analytics. The traditional analog CCTV systems have generally relied on human monitoring to track thefts, mishaps, riots, etc. in , . This method is not only tiresome but also has high chances of error. To tackle this tedious process of monitoring events through human effort, IP cameras now come with smart analytic capabilities. Advanced features like facial recognition, gait analysis, automated license plate reading technology and high accuracy motion sensing have a huge potential to optimize manpower and machine-learning. It is not only way more effective in catching errors than human-monitoring but has faster response time.