Video Surveillance and Security Systems: IP Cameras vs. Analog CCTV

Many home and business owners rely on video surveillance security systems to help protect and secure their premises. It has been proven to be effective in discouraging criminal elements from breaking in and catching those who dare.

Installing a video surveillance and security system in your home or office isn’t as simple as just installing a camera in strategic locations in your home or building. The first thing you need to do is to decide which type of video security system to use. The standard analog closed-circuit television camera system has been around for decades now and is currently still being used by many homeowners, companies and security agencies to protect their property against burglars and other criminal elements. As the technology used in providing security improves, so does the quality of the cameras and video surveillance systems. Many security experts see the death of the analog CCTV cameras and the rise of the more technologically advanced digital Internet Protocol (IP) cameras. Despite the fact that IP cameras offer more useful features, analog systems are still a reliable means to protect your home or business. This is why you should compare both video security systems before making a decision.

There are many factors involved in choosing the type of security system to use. To be able to decide which type of camera to select, you need to think of what you are protecting and how much you are willing to spend to do so. Make a list of what features you need to protect your premises and then go over the pros and cons of each type of camera system to see which type is best suited to serve your needs and fit your budget.

Analog CCTV Cameras

Closed-circuit television cameras make use of tapes and cassettes to record what the lenses capture. These tapes can be stored or written over at regular intervals or after being reviewed by your security team. The images are transmitted from the cameras to the monitors through cables that run through the whole building.

                Pros

·         Cost-wise, CCTV cameras are more affordable than their digital counterparts and are easier to maintain than digital cameras.

·         CCTV cameras come in a variety of designs to suit your aesthetic needs. They can be small and inconspicuous or large and intimidating, but they function just the same no matter what the size.

·         Brand compatibility is not a problem with this type of video security system. You can replace an existing camera with one of a different brand and it will still work without much problems.

                Cons

·         Analog cameras do the job just fine for smaller areas with limited coverage, but you may have trouble running the cables through larger spaces.

·         Wireless transmission is possible with analog systems, but since CCTV signals cannot be encrypted, it makes it easier for criminals to get around these security measures by jamming or intercepting the signal.

·         The functions available with analog cameras are limited. You won’t be able to zoom in or out too far and video recordings from CCTV cameras are difficult to enhance when you need a clearer view of an intruder’s face.

Digital IP Cameras

IP cameras convert analog images to digital ones through an encoder before the signal is streamed through a monitor or web browser depending on where you access the videos. The video feeds are stored in hard disk drives and other digital storage devices for easier access and review.

                Pros

·         Digital information can be secured by simple or complicated encryptions. This means criminal elements will have a hard time intercepting or jamming your signals.

·         Companies that use video surveillance systems have different demands when it comes to security. IP camera systems can be configured to have the most basic features or they can be quite sophisticated if the company needs these extra features you can’t find in your average CCTV system.

·         You don’t have to be in the same building or location to view your security video feeds. Since the digital video signals go through an internet network, you can access your feeds anywhere as long as you have access to the internet and the key to your signal encryption.

                Cons

·         Although IP cameras are becoming more and more popular, it’s still not readily available anywhere. Unlike CCTV camera systems that can be purchased at any electronics store, you need to find a specialist to be able to find a good IP camera system.

·         If you’re on a tight budget, you may have to reconsider going digital. Since IP cameras cost more than CCTV does, you may not be able to cover every area in your home or office.

·         You can hook your IP cameras up to your existing network; however, it takes up a lot of bandwidth which can affect your company’s productivity. If you don’t want to spend for a dedicated network for your security system, you may want to go back to analog instead.

New technology is being developed everyday and pretty soon, the older technologies we use will become obsolete. In the case of video surveillance and security systems, the jury is still out on whether IP cameras will be the new standard in video security or if CCTV cameras will stick around a while longer. As long as older technologies are still in use and newer ones are being developed, you, the consumers will always have a choice – and that’s never a bad thing. Contact CAMSINACTION directly through the "contact us" section of the website if you have any further questions as to what cameras are best suited for your environment.

 (Some images are courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net)