IP Cameras VS Analog cameras - The truth you have been waiting for

Security cameras have been around for decades now. From the day one, they serve as a loyal, helpful and truthful companions who are on watch for our safety.  Analog cameras were pioneers in security world. They had been dominating on security camera market before IP cameras came around. Since than people have been discussing whether IP cameras are worth throwing away analog cameras forever. If you are one of those wonderers, you have come to the right place. In the article we will break down for you how do these two camera types differ from each other and which one is the best choice for your surveillance plan.

Here are main differences between an IP camera and an Analog:

• Picture quality – If someone asks you to imagine some scene from the point of security camera, we are sure that you will picture foggy footage displayed on a small monitor. Well that perception comes from analog cameras we were so used to seeing in 90’s crime shows. While analog cameras served loyally for so many years, picture quality they provide cannot even come close to the quality of the footage recorded by IP cameras. Since IPs appeared on market HD quality became available, which is crucial when it comes to identifying criminals from security camera recordings.

• Smart characteristics – In their glory days, analog cameras were considered smart devices because they had simple night vision (if you are thinking about blurry greenish footage, yes, that is what we are talking about). However, compared to what IP cameras can do analog ones do not seem so smart anymore.  For example, Amcrest’s newest outdoor IP cameras, which are customized for front doors have IR LED Night vision up to 98 feet. Yes, you heard correctly. Apart from that motion detectors and intelligent digital zoom are one of the most innovative features of these outdoor IP cameras.

• Flexibility – If you decide to secure your home or workplace with analog cameras be prepared for messy wires everywhere. Analog cameras require centralized connection. They store all their data on DVR, which by the way adds to your costs. Now let’s move to IP cameras: IP is an abbreviation for Internet Protocol. New cameras get their name from the fact that they operate through internet connection. IP cameras also work on Wi-Fi, which solves the problem of endless cables. Each IP camera stores recorded data on their own, therefore does not require additional device like DVR. A wireless IP camera is so easy to set up and move around, while analog ones usually require help of the professionals to be installed or moved to another location.

Differences between IP cameras and analog cameras can be listed continuously but the ones listed above are the most important. Knowing all these, now you can decide which kind of cameras you will go with in case you decide to set up a security system of your own.

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Four things you need to know about installing security systems

Have you decided to purchase CCTV system and install it at your house/office? Applause to you, mate, because you are about to make a huge investment for your loved one’ safety! However, setting up surveillance system should not be spontaneous decision. There are infinity number of details you need to consider in case to make a right decision. Do not get scared away though! We are here to provide you with essential information about security cameras that will put you on the right track. Here are four paragraphs that will give you enough knowledge to make all the right decisions from now on:  

• Know your aim – Before you decide anything, write down what are your goals and needs. Do you want to secure your home from burglars? Do you want to safeguard your office? What amount of ground do you need to cover? Is your goal to set up the system indoors or outdoors? Make sure you have answers to all these questions. Make a list of requirements according to your answers and start looking for a perfect system to satisfy them. This step may sound stupid but doing so will limit your search and make is much more effective and time efficient.

• Know your limits – CCTV cameras, such as Wi-Fi cameras are indeed great but they are not perfect. Therefore, there are some limitations to cameras’ abilities and other characteristics. Here are few of them – Security cameras are not cheap; therefore, you need to make sure that your investment will pay off. Each security camera can only cover limited territory. This means that if the ground you want to secure is large, you are likely to need more than one camera. Quality of the footage should also be considered. If you are looking for high-resolution recordings be prepared to pay relevant price. In the end, if your CCTV system installation plan becomes too pricy consider alternative ways of safety that might save you some money (alarms etc.).

• Safe bets do exist –If you are scared that your lack of experience may lead you to wrong decisions we have a simple solution – Wi Fi camera! The device is indeed designed to make your life easier and here is why: If you have a Wi Fi camera than you are always connected to it through your PC or phone. Wi Fi camera allows you to look at your home wherever you are whenever you would like. Wireless cameras allow maximal flexibility. You can choose their location anytime you want without making a mess. Most of the Wi Fi cameras also come with motion detectors that allow it to record only when the movement is spotted. This way, storage of your cloud will be used more effectively.

• Final touches - Proper placement – CCTV experts recommend you thoughtfully choose places for cameras. Avoid bright white walls or direct lights in the frame if they are close to the camera, because this will confuse automatic exposure of your camera and ruin the footage. Do not position cameras behind glass looking out. The reflection may bounce back and swamp the sensor of the camera. If you go with wired option instead of Wi Fi camera, get ready to learn where each cable goes, because proper installation is crucial.

Considering four things we listed above is key to successful CCTV system installation. Follow this tips and your investment will definitely pay off.

Top Reasons Why You Need to Upgrade from Analog to Wi-Fi IP Cameras

Instances of crime on property are on the rise now more than ever. Protecting your home and business premises is becoming a part of our daily routine and we should all adapt to the best practices.

One of the best ways to protect your property is by using a Wi-Fi IP camera. Analog/traditional CCTV’s have been used for decades, but with recent advancements, digital IP cameras have offered more advantages and features which are not accessible with CCTV security systems.

IP cameras are interconnected with network connectivity which sends and transmits data. IP surveillance system has improved the way surveillance footages captured, stored and processed. If you are using an analog CCTV camera, you can connect a digital device known that can convert all analog data to digital IP data.

Difference between CCTV and IP Surveillance System

CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) and IP (Internet Protocol) systems differ in many ways, and you must learn how to distinguish. CCTV’s are analog and send footages and data directly to VCR’s, televisions or DVD recorders. This technology has been used for many years, but it comes with loads of disadvantages, from the quality of the camera and medium of storage.

For IP Wi-Fi cameras, it uses Megapixels technology which offers higher quality videos which can be sent over a LAN (Local area network) to a web server or computer. The advanced features on an IP system bring with it many more options than those available on pure analog systems.

Here are some key points of why you need to upgrade an existing analog CCTV camera to a more advanced IP security system camera:-

•  Better Resolution - IP cameras use megapixels options which are 20 times or more than the analog systems. Using the 1080p or 720p high definition pixel technology, the systems results in a more excellent image and video quality and can be enhanced with powerful software enhancement tools that exist in the market.

•  Encryption - There is a severe flaw with analog systems as one can send signals directly from the camera to the display screen via a cable. Anyone with common cabling equipment can easily intercept these cables. IP technology uses encryption where the signals are first encrypted before been transmitted. This ensures that the message is secure and cannot be blocked or compromised.

•  Scalability - Traditional CCTV cameras are difficult to expand with additional cameras. The standard CCTV equipment has a limited number of ports that may require other expensive components. When it comes to the IP system, the design is made with scalability in mind. The camera can connect to an unlimited number of cameras to an existing network and don’t require any particular type of installation.

• Remote Access - The whole system can be connected via a network or internet. This allows for features such as offsite management and storage. Its compatibility allows for a wide range of Apps and software integration thus allowing for remote access. As a user, you can log into the system from anywhere and view all the footages you need.

• Ease of Installation - IP camera is wireless thus making it simple and less costly by eliminating the wire costs and professional labor required to install the cameras.

When considering which camera to install, you’ve to find what matters to you most. Hopefully, this article will help clear up questions you had.