IP vs. CCTV

IP Network Video will soon overtake CCTV as the standard for video security and surveillance. This transition is inevitable due to the many advantages of IP vs. CCTV systems. Those advantages include:

Lower Cabling Costs

When comparing IP vs CCTV, the Cat 5 network cabling used in IP Network Video is a fraction of the cost of the co-axial cables used in CCTV. Not only is the cabling less expensive but the cable runs are typically much shorter with IP video. Cable runs with CCTV cameras can be thousands of feet, as the cable from each CCTV camera must run back to the recording device, whereas cables to IP cameras run back to a network wiring closet. Finally, it may be possible to limit cabling even more with an IP system, as network cabling that could accommodate video may already be in place.

Remote Monitoring

There is no IP vs CCTV comparison with regards to remote monitoring, as it does not exist with CCTV cameras. Each IP camera has a computer enclosed that allows direct connection to IP Networks (think Internet) without being attached to a PC. So, IP cameras are accessible (with permission) from anywhere in the world through a PC or - with newer cameras - even a cell phone. This Remote Monitoring capability allows people to keep track the people, places and things that are important to them and is not possible with CCTV cameras.

Scalability

An IP Video System can be configured for exactly the current requirements. As requirements grow, expansion is as easy as adding Network Cameras to the network in increments of one, and industry standard storage (i.e. hard disks) to the file servers. Expanding a DVR based CCTV system means adding camera capacity in units of 16 for the proprietary DVR, and installing the complicated and expensive cabling of CCTV cameras. Hopefully, the storage capacity can also grow on the DVR as the number of cameras increase or more frequent archiving will be required.

Remote Management and Recording

In large, multi-site installations, large savings can be realized with IP vs CCTV through the ability to not only view, but also record video and manage operations from anywhere with IP Video. It is no longer necessary to duplicate staff, room and storage equipment at each location as would be the case with CCTV. Control with Network Video can be centralized at one location and recording/and or back-up can occur at any server around the world. This lack of duplication across many sites with IP Video, leads to bricks and mortar savings.

Data Redundancy

Video data can be recorded and stored at locations remote from the cameras, resulting in better data security.

Improved Security Effectiveness

The automated and advanced features of IP vs CCTV Cameras (such as e-mail notification upon detected motion) provides automated, real-time event notification, which allows better analysis and a timelier decision/response to events and thus, a better chance at prevention.

With advantages such as these for IP vs CCTV, it is easy to see why IP Network Video will soon be the standard for video security and surveillance.