IP vs. Analog
If you are thinking about investing in a CCTV system you are bound to get involved in the argument over whether analog or IP (Internet Protocol) systems are better. Don’t feel intimidated by all of the highly technical wording; just know the basics about how you can benefit from using a security system to help you at home, or to make your customers at your business feel safer inside and outside.
IP was developed back in the mid 1970s as a way for computer systems to communicate with other computers that weren’t on the same network. The development of specialized instructions allowed computers to talk to each other at remote locations for the very first time. IP developed other protocols that established the World Wide Web. Analog viewing of a picture in video format is the forerunner to the IP way of recording, and it's on its way out as a way to view.
Why is IP better?
Picture quality
A few problems that you’ll find with an analog system are that no matter how expensive your camera is, the images captured on screen will end up blurry and jumpy. The signals that an analog sends out are from made up of lines that don’t transfer well onto a screen. The line become overlapped when scanning, and ends up looking smudged and blurry when viewing the image on a TV or even a PC. It’s true that an analog will be cheaper to set up, but the quality is lost, and that’s something that one doesn’t need for any type of security uses.
Improved security features
An Ethernet cable connection for an IP is better too when compared to an analog system. Since the computers that run your security have a protocol in place that means that other computers online for security can in effect read each other. You’ll not loose captures, and if you ever lose power the main control in the security operator’s area will power the computers to keep running. Remember too that clarity of pictures means a lot with security. IP gives higher resolution pictures and the ability to capture a much larger area (and with new network capabilities and cameras you can buy the ability to tilt, zoom, and automatically pan the entire area).
Ability to record audio
Audio is an area that’s increasing in importance. You can’t use audio with old analog technology unless you run totally separate audio lines to the camera. More people are moving to cameras that are IP networked because sound is captured by the camera itself, or even integrated with streaming video and audio and then recorded for playing back. You can then store that information on a CD burner if an event does happen or just for review later.
Protection from hackers
Another advantage when using IP network computer systems is that it is much safer from hackers. Analog information doesn’t provide this ability for safety. With cameras that are networked you can place authentication tags between each computer, and place in the video vital information such as date, time or any other specifics you need.
Conclusion
Set up costs for a network with IP for cameras are higher, but in the long run you’ll save money. The quality of surveillance is better, and IP offers more protection from hackers. Recording audio is possible with IP systems.
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