What is the Difference Between Analog and IP Cameras in a CCTV System?
When you are considering different security systems and potentially implementing surveillance cameras into your home or business, a big question is whether you want IP or analog cameras. Global Market Insights estimates that the IP camera market will be worth more than 20 billion by 2025.
With today’s technology both IP and analog systems can be viewed from a multitude of platforms including your pc, television, and through a network connection to your smartphone or tablet. The principal differences between the two systems are cost and video quality. Analog systems are less expensive, but the quality of the picture is limited to HD. IP systems, although more expensive, provide extremely high-quality video.
Analog Cameras
Analog cameras are what most people think of when thinking of a CCTV, aka closed-circuit television, system. Typically, an analog system was a camera or cameras connected to a VCR and every day or two the tape had to be changed. Over the years, analog became a bit more complex using multiplexers and multiple VCRs. In more recent years, analog to digital converters were introduced making analog cameras more sophisticated. In today’s world, analog cameras are very similar to digital IP cameras less the picture quality and the cost. Like IP, analog can be streamed, viewed remotely, and stored in the cloud.
IP Cameras
Internet Protocol cameras, also known as network cameras, are what most businesses today are choosing because of their flexibility. IP camera systems are a bit more complex to install than analog systems since each device has its own IP address on the network. In most cases, the CCTV system will reside on its own network because the CCTV system will demand more bandwidth than is typically available on a company’s internal network. Each camera is connected directly to the network and its video is sent through routers and switches to a location determined by the user. Some cameras may be viewed live, others recorded for later viewing, and others may be sent to a mobile phone or other device. All, or a select few, can be recorded and saved either on an internal or cloud-based server.
Wireless IP cameras can also be used for small applications, such as in-home use or just for a couple of cameras in your small business. These are easy to setup in your home or small business, but again be aware that too many wireless cameras will bog down your internet speed and you may not be able to view them live remotely if you do not have enough bandwidth. The typical home might have a doorbell camera, a back patio camera, and one or two others. Any more than that and your internet speeds may be compromised.
Considerations
Designing a CCTV system can be complex. Without the proper guidance, you may not get the system you want. There are a ton of CCTV systems available online, and out of the box options at your local retail store, but none of these can give you the quality and personal service you will get from a professional. Don’t waste your money on these cheap camera systems. Use a reputable firm that provides service, support, and warranties for their products and will help you design a system that works for you.
If you are interested in learning more about different security cameras and want to find out which one will suit your needs, give the FSS Technologies experts a call!
Explore Our Other Blogs
Can Your CCTV and Access Control Systems be Integrated?
When setting up security for your business, you might consider adding CCTV and access control systems. These two security measures work great to deter crime on their own, and provide even greater security when integrated. This pairing has many advantages, but it is also a complex setup that may not be right for you. There…
Cons of DIY Home Security Systems
When considering getting a home security system, some people might assume they can set up a fully functioning system themselves. The reality is that DIY systems come with some significant drawbacks. Here are some of the things to consider before you decide to take on this project yourself. Not Professionally Installed The importance of…
Home Security Solutions for People with Disabilities
According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five American adults live with a disability. The most common disabilities are hearing or vision impairments, mobility issues like arthritis or a diminished ability to live independently, speech and language challenges, and cognitive conditions including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Recently we talked about…
Why Are Fire Hydrants Different Colors?
The eye-catching colors of a fire hydrant are hard to miss, whether you’re walking through a city or driving around a neighborhood. What many don’t realize, however, is that these colors are integral in helping emergency responders identify and assess their available resources when preparing to fight a fire. Fire hydrant colors are distinct to…
5 Ways Your DIY Security System is Failing You
In the digital age, DIY projects are the rage in all things, including home security. People turn to DIY home security because it seems easy and can save you a few bucks. Unfortunately, you really do get what you pay for if you choose a DIY security system. Whether you are a homeowner, a business owner, or…
Has My Home Security System Been Hacked?
With more DIY security systems than ever available with the touch of a button, families around the world are choosing to protect their homes with easy to install cameras and alarms. The expert team at FSS Technologies aims to help homeowners make the right choice for their families when selecting a home security system. A…
Who Are the Best Security Companies in Indiana?
Finding the right company to install and monitor the security in your home (or business) is an important choice. You need to know and trust the people who will be responsible for keeping you safe. In Indiana, we know that there are many teams ready and capable of protecting your home and business. To help…
Advantages of Having an Alarm System
There are a lot of advantages to having an alarm system. For starters, the National Council for Home Safety and Security says that homes without an alarm system are three times as likely to get burglarized. 3 Benefits of Alarm Systems
Security Cameras Are Not Created Equal
The Difference in Security Cameras Cameras are one of the most critical components in your security arsenal, and not all security cameras are the same. Why you ask? Consider these differences: Various types and sizes of cameras Indoor vs. outdoor cameras Cameras that are easy to camouflage Cameras that provide high-quality video footage Wired cameras vs….
Local Alarm System vs. National Home Security Company
When looking for home security, you may find yourself stuck between local alarm companies and national home security. Find out why more and more people are turning to local home security companies. Knowledge One of the biggest advantages of using a local company is that they will be familiar with local safety concerns, any jurisdiction regulations…