IP - the future of CCTV cameras?
Please note the following Q and A’s refer to the hardware supplied by Vivatron and not necessarily all IP cameras (internet protocol).
What is an IP (or Network) camera?
As with a lot of technology the answer is quite extensive. For those wishing to see a full description please see the Wiki link at the bottom of this page.
For those after a more simple explanation we would describe an IP Camera (or Network Camera) as a small computer designed to obtain images from the lens / sensor and convert them into a video stream for transmission along a computer network. This can then be recorded on a computer for later playback.
Why Use Network Cameras for CCTV?
Used correctly network cameras can offer vastly superior image quality to traditional analogue CCTV. Basically they can achieve far higher resolution and therefore cover a greater area whilst still providing facial recognition. For example using a high resolution analogue camera recorded at the best current resolution you should be able to achieve facial recognition over a horizontal width of around 5m. Using a 5MP IP camera would allow facial recognition over a distance of 15m width and using our top-of-the range IP CCTV camera you would achieve around 30m (these figures assume ideal lighting/movement/weather conditions so should be used as a guide only)
Are IP cameras always the best option?
Not necessarily. Many decisions need to be made regarding the purpose of the CCTV system, the risk, the budget, the future requirements etc. We have on many occasions advised customers to opt for an analogue option - after all a Mini will still get you to the shops in the same way a Rolls will (just not in as much style).
Things to consider when choosing Analogue v IP CCTV
Before we visit it would be a good idea to consider the following points:
- CCTV system purpose and intended use
- Areas to be covered and clarity required
- Lighting (ALL CCTV cameras require light to produce an image despite what a lot of manufacturers will ask you to believe)
- Duration of recording
- Remote access requirements
- Sensitive areas requiring masking
- Envisaged budget
- Who will be able to view the system / training required
- Can the current I.T infrastructure handle the additional bandwidth
- Does the DPA apply to your business
We will of course help and advise you on all of the above and the many other considerations when choosing either an analogue or IP CCTV system.
Can Wireless be used for transmission?
Simple answer - yes. The longer answer is it is dependant upon the circumstances. Completely wireless solutions are available (including power from renewable sources). There are many instances when we do not recommend the use of wireless - high risk areas or ultra-high resolution image transfer.
How easy are IP cameras to use?
One of the advantages of IP cameras is that we can set the software to the complexity desired. For example when a system observer logs on the system can be set to show just the relevant cameras without any options for alarm view or playback, however when a guard logs they will require access to the alarm status and footage.
Can I still use PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) to focus on areas of interest?
Yes. Depending on the solution we can supply IP cameras that can be fully controlled with a joystick interface allowing zooming into areas with exceptional clarity.
What do you believe is the most important difference between analogue and IP CCTV cameras?
Without doubt recorded footage. Have you ever watched the News at Ten and seen a very poor quality image of someone who the police want to question and thought how can you possibly identify someone from that? In court you can only supply recorded footage as evidence so it makes sense to make it the best possible quality. The highest resolution analogue cameras record at around 0.4MP whilst our highest resolution IP camera records at 16MP (compare this to the camera on your mobile phone which will probably be around 3MP).
What happens if part of an IP CCTV system fails?
This depends. If a single camera fails then this will not affect the system. Depending on the level of redundancy built-into the system at the design stage if the recorder drives fail others will take over, if the power supply fails a separate unit will carry on and if the server itself should fail it will normally reboot as soon as possible. In any event if an error occurs an email or alarm signal will be sent to either ourselves on the on-site monitoring station for immediate action.
Can IP cameras perform ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition)?
Yes. The systems we use are especially good at this function
Are cheap Network Cameras good value?
Depending upon the application, lower end IP cameras do have a value in the marketplace and we do supply / install these IP cameras when the situation demands. Of course you get what you pay for in this world and we generally work on the principle that it is not worth using lower end IP cameras if an analogue camera can do the same role.
Do you need an operator to monitor the cameras 24/7?
Definitely not. The systems can be set to ring / email or sound an alarm when an event occurs. For example if a vehicle enters a site out of hours an email can be sent to an off-site guard with a picture so action can be taken. Depending on the system the guard can then verbally talk to the person and perhaps allow them entry (all via his phone).
Can you upgrade an analogue system with IP cameras?
Yes. One of our systems is particularly suited to this meaning we change the recording device and can then record multiple analogue cameras alongside the network cameras. The additional benefit is that the analogue cameras are recorded at far better quality than by using a traditional DVR.
What is the best CCTV camera in the world?
After years of research we believe we have found the best production camera and we have signed up with the manufacturer so we are now able to offer it to our customers. Have a look on our sample page to see what you think.
How mature is the technology?
IP CCTV has advanced at a pace over the years. In our opinion it has only surpassed analogue CCTV in the last couple of years with the introduction of multi-megapixel cameras and the take-up by the major manufacturers.
Can I use my existing network?
Yes. We can advise the bandwidth requirements for our cameras so you can calculate if your I.T infrastructure can cope with the extra traffic. Often we will recommend installing a separtate network for the CCTV to ensure no ’slowdown’ of your existing network.
Can I remotely access the cameras?
Absolutely. Live viewing of multiple cameras is one of the benefits of IP cameras.
Can all CCTV installers install IP CCTV?
No, in the same way not all mechanics can tune a Formula One car. Both the F1 car and an IP camera are computer based and therefore I.T skills are required. Vivatron have an I.T background.
What are the cost comparisons of IP to Analogue CCTV?
This is extremely difficult to answer and depends on the purpose of the system. One of our high resolution IP cameras can perform the role of up to fifty conventional cameras but doesn’t cost the same as fifty cameras so is therefore cost effective for large area monitoring. At the other end of the scale if it is just a doorway to be monitored then a single analogue camera should do just nicely. We will always provide advice and prices for both options in any quote we submit.
Can I zoom into recorded images with an IP camera?
Absolutely. With all of our IP cameras you can zoom into the image without loss of clarity. This depends on the resolution of camera used but can be anywhere between 2x upto 30x magnification.
How can Vivatron help?
As CCTV installers of both analogue and IP CCTV we can advise on the best solution for your needs. We do not employ sales people and therefore an engineer always attends site visits to ensure you get the correct system, fit for purpose and to suit the budget. We also offer various options on all of our quotations to assist you in selecting the best system for you. Best of all our quotations, advice and site surveys are free.
Links:
Please contact us for further information (you will speak to a technical person not a sales rep).
Wiki description for IP cameras
