Analog and IP: What is right for you?

The choice between IP and analog surveillance cameras is one of the first and most difficult decisions facing any potential buyer of a CCTV system, whether it is for staff supervision or control of a company. Both types of systems have advantages and disadvantages, and manufacturers do not try to make it easier to decide between them. There are a lot of hype and buzz marketing now due to the growth of the sector.

Both types of cameras work by using CCD and CMOS chips.These chips are visible light (and in some cases, infrared light) in a signal. The analog camera signal to turn this into something that can see a TV, much like a camera. IP-based cameras for something a bit 'more complicated. Take the data from the chip and feed the analog signal into an encoder. This encoder is combined with an embedded Web server. This allows the camera to a network device becomes. This makes it possible for users on an existing or displayednew network, such as a web page.

Analog cameras have been around since 1970, starting as a vacuum tube based devices. Since then, the cameras always better. Improvements have occurred in the decisions of each year. But the improvements go beyond increased resolution. auto-iris lens with fluorescent lamps have facilitated the management of situations. Backlit controls were introduced to go with lights to help in an area like the light streaming in through a windownext to a door. Privacy screens are built in PTZ process some of the concerns for abuse of CCTV cameras.

Analog cameras induce a number of ways to transfer the signal from Wireless to Cat5 with various types of connectors. In this way, long distance runs in the same building much easier because you use the right and the most economical cable for each run. The variety of types of cable, is a source of confusion and useful. Cat5 Works for small runs, theless than 250 m Professional Grade balun can release up to 2,500 m.

IP cameras Web cameras has grown from humble. The idea was to move some findings from the DVR to the camera. Many of the current IP cameras have their own built-in motion detection. This allows for some camera cameras to record in the SD card itself with a layer of redundancy. Other features include the addition of an analogue output from the camera to make aA bridge between analog and IP-based system.

IP cameras can be connected to a network of wireless transmissions with or Cat5. Through the use of switch / hub / router and Cat5 cable can be extended almost indefinitely. The use of IP cameras may require the installation of new RJ-45 connectors. Existing connections are generally not well positioned to securely connect the camera. Some IP cameras are hybrid in nature, so that the network connections and analog. ToshibaLine of IP cameras usually have this capability.

Analog Pro:

Cost: analog cameras will usually be a better value for money IP.

Flexibility of design: There are many types of camera range, from small hidden cameras to PTZ domes large internal IR. This may be the achievement of certain goals more easily by using a camera designed for your needs.

Compatibility: analog cameras using either NTSC or PAL. In North America almosteach camera you buy NTSC. This makes it easy to use cameras or to combine existing equipment suppliers.

Maturity: Many of the initial problems have been processed. Things like privacy masks (blackening an area for privacy in a PTZ) and the BLC lesions consist learned in the past.

Analog Cons:

Analog cameras have some of the characteristics of digital zoom, built as their IP, but the higher price points.

Wireless analog cameras with interference problems and are not encrypted. Anyone can use the signal.

Analog cameras can be difficult to treat over long distances.

Pro-IP:

Better wireless support: Analog Wireless has more problems with interference, then the network-based cameras. The 802.11 standard encryption capabilities.

IP cameras can use existing lines to take.

Add one or two cameras in a remote location may be easier.

IP-Con:

the use of high bandwidth: depends on the camera, but 500kbps to 1.5 Mbps is a joint bid.

Cost: Because of the cost for the hardware, the camera moves up, comparable cost more than analog cameras and IP cameras.

Vendor lock-in: Many third party applications support more than one type of camera, but most vendors support only their cameras. Because not all brands of all support functions, it can be difficult to choose the right brandunless you turn to third.

It 'important to assess your situation and evaluate both options, not only for current needs, but the opportunities for expansion in the future.