If you are thinking about installing a new CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) system for your business, then you have to decide between an Analogue and an IP camera solution. Understanding how the technologies work and the differences between Analogue and IP cameras will help you make the right choice. There are a wide range of IP and Analogue solutions available depending on your requirements and budget.
What is an Analogue Security System?
An analogue security system begins with a CCD image sensor and then converts the images into a digital form for processing. But before it can transmit the videos, it needs to convert back in an analogue form, so analogue devices such as video recorder and monitor, can receive the videos.
What is an IP Security System?
An IP security system broadcasts their video as a digital stream over an IP network such as a WAN, LAN, Internet or Intranet. IP cameras combine the capabilities of cameras and some PC functionalities so that they don’t require a direct connection to a PC to operate. This means it can be placed anywhere within a network and can be accessible from any computer or smart phone with the correct security permissions.
What are the Major Differences in Security Cameras?
Quality:
Excel in capturing high definition, megapixel images. The maximum amount of pixels that can be created by analogue cameras is 0.4 megapixels, and up to 10 megapixel by IP cameras. Just like pictures taken with digital cameras, the more pixel the better image quality. Provide Full HD quality at up to 30 FPS which is real-time, and footage can be stored locally or remotely and be accessed at anytime from anywhere. If you need face recognition features or high quality images, then IP Cameras will be the best solution for your business.
Installation:
Analogue cameras are simple to install because they require no configuration and limited network knowledge. It requires some networking skills for small installations and more technical skills for enterprise size installations as there are numerous components to consider when installing an IP Camera network. Considerations needs to be made of the quality and locations of IP cameras as they can only be a certain distance from the active equipment.
Cost:
IP cameras are more expensive than analogue cameras. One of the main reasons is that IP cameras have higher megapixels and provide much higher quality. However it is important to note that high megapixel means that they can cover a larger area and can take the place of several analogue cameras. Therefore in the majority of cases, IP cameras can be more cost-effective solution on all fronts.
Benefits:
To sum up, both types of cameras have their use in commercial or residential security environments. Better quality, higher definition and enterprise wireless applications, while analogue camera’s advantages are more practical, easy to operate, install and cost-effective. Available style options of current cameras are Dome, Bullet, Fish Eye, PTZ, Weatherproof and Vandal proof.
Whether an analogue or IP is best for your business it all depends on the security requirements and budget of your business.