Though most of our attention these days is focused on the transition to IP video technology, it is important to note that analogue CCTV solutions can still be highly effective for many surveillance applications, especially those on a budget. With traditional CCTV, the video signal is processed and transmitted in analogue format for local viewing from one central monitoring location. But that doesn’t mean you cannot use analogue cameras in an IP-based surveillance environment. Using IP video encoders and other equipment such as digital video recorders and hybrid DVRs makes it possible to leverage your existing analogue cameras while migrating into the world of digital surveillance.

In its truest form, a CCTV (or closed-circuit television) camera is an analogue video camera that transmits signals via coaxial cable to a single central location for monitoring, recording, and video analysis. While the recent trend is a push towards IP network cameras, CCTV cameras are still widely used, and offer a cost-effective answer to many common surveillance scenarios.

CCTV technology has been around since the 1940’s, and became a major player in the security industry around 1970. The technology is tried and true, and there are CCTV camera models for virtually any surveillance application. The two main categories of CCTV cameras are fixed cameras and pan/tilt/zoom models which can rotate horizontally and vertically to cover more area.

PROS AND CONS OF ANALOG SURVEILLANCE

These days, there is a lot to think about when putting together a video surveillance system. And the first question on most people’s minds is Do I go with traditional analogue cameras, or IP network cameras. There are pros and cons to both choices. Let us focus our attention on analogue CCTV cameras.

Pros of analogue CCTV

Lower initial cost in most cases, analogue cameras cost less up front than IP network cameras.

Wide-spread compatibility of Mixing and matching camera models and surveillance equipment form different manufacturers is easy with an analogue CCTV setup.

Lower initial cost of Analogue cameras tend to handle low-light situations better than IP cameras on average, though IP camera technology is improving in this regard.

Cons of analogue CCTV

Expensive cabling for large-scale surveillance applications, analogue cameras require complicated cabling schemes that can be quite expensive and also challenging to install.

Limited features as many of the advanced features now available with IP cameras (for instance: megapixel resolution, digital zoom, and video analytics), are not available in analogue CCTV models.

IP video technology provides flexible, scalable, and cost-effective surveillance solutions suitable for a wide range of industries and applications. With an IP-based video surveillance setup, users can monitor and record video remotely using an IP network as the systems backbone. IP video installations can be deployed in any environment, and offer many benefits previously unavailable with analogue CCTV systems.

Network Camera Considerations

A network camera is essentially a camera and computer in one. These cameras capture and transmit video across an IP network, which allows for both local and remote viewing and video management. IP cameras connect to your existing IP network just like any other network device. The advantages of network cameras over analogue equipment include remote monitoring, digital storage, cost-effective installation, flexibility, and scalability should you need to install additional cameras down the road. IP cameras are available in countless makes and models offering limitless surveillance possibilities. Choosing the right network camera setup depends on the specific needs of your surveillance application.

Video Surveillance Management

The network camera is only one piece of the IP surveillance puzzle. Because network cameras transmit data digitally over an IP network, new worlds are opened up in terms of video management. Users can access their cameras from anywhere using a standard web browser, and are provided with advanced tools for monitoring and recording with IP video management software.

Surveillance System Considerations

There are a number of factors to consider when setting up an IP-based surveillance system. Network cameras transmit data over your existing IP network, so optimizing bandwidth is important. You all also need to think about storage: How long will footage are archived? What type of image quality do you require? Will recording be continuous or triggered by motion? Other key considerations include network security and system scalability. Putting thought into these areas before you set up your system will help to ensure that you have the right equipment and the proper game plan to full fill your surveillance requirements.