What's the Difference Between IP vs. Analog CCTV Cameras?
What is the Difference Between IP and CCTV Cameras?
Today’s digital security cameras are light years ahead of older CCTV analog models. But what is the main difference? IP (Internet Protocol) cameras digitally transmit a signal, while analog CCTV (closed-circuit television) cameras send footage over a cable the old-fashioned way. But these aren’t the only difference between analog vs. IP cameras. There are also a host of advanced features in new, digital, Internet-enabled cameras that older analog CCTV cameras simply lack. These features give business owners new ways to keep an eye on their properties and deter any malicious activity. Here’s what you should know about analog CCTV cameras vs. IP cameras.
Image Quality
It’s not just the Internet connectivity that makes the latest generation of security cameras different from older models. Here’s one of the biggest differences in analog vs. IP cameras: picture quality.
IP cameras have a much better picture quality over CCTV analog security monitors. We’ve all seen grainy images of criminals in our favorite murder mystery shows. If only fictional businesses switched to high-quality IP cameras, these detectives would have a much easier time solving crimes!
In reality, there is no “high-resolution CCTV” when compared to the digital images captured by an IP camera. The highest-resolution CCTV security camera will capture images that are blurry or grainy compared to digital cameras. This is especially true if the object is moving quickly or the environment is dark.
The problem is that when compared to IP cameras, analog CCTV technology itself is simply outdated, causing distortion of the video images no matter how much you paid for the camera. You can add a DVR to record the images you film on a CCTV camera. However, even though the analog signal converts to digital to record to the DVR, the footage itself will still be blurrier than that of a completely digital camera.
Footage quality is a top benefit of IP cameras vs. analog ones, because seeing and recording an image is the entire point. However, there are pros and cons when comparing CCTV analog vs. IP Cameras.
Image Transmission and Storage
When compared to analog cameras, IP cameras use technology that transmits the video signal through the cloud. An IP security camera digitizes the video by using an encoder with an onboard web server. The camera then uses a Wi-Fi or hard-wired Internet signal to transmit data online. This allows you to view the images in a web browser.
Prior to the widespread adoption of broadband Internet, analog CCTV was the only option. These cameras still exist today, but they work quite differently from IP cameras. Analog security cameras capture images then convert the video signal so it can be viewed by a TV monitor or stored on a hard drive.
Analog CCTV Camera vs. IP Camera – Main Benefits
Analog CCTV Cameras
While the picture quality is a strong drawback of analog cameras vs. IP cameras, there are benefits to analog CCTV cameras that include:
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Lower costs: This may make analog cameras a viable option compared to newer IP cameras. For example, say you have a small retail storefront with a tiny footprint to monitor. A CCTV camera may be all you need to protect your business. If you have an office in the back, you could run camera footage to a DVR or a computer hard drive. Just be sure to keep the area locked.
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Compatibility: CCTV cameras are often compatible with each other, so you can add additional cameras without worrying about matching the brands. This could also save you money. These cameras are simple to install with a coaxial cable.
IP Security Cameras
An IP camera vs. an analog CCTV camera offers a number of superior security features to protect your business besides the high resolution:
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Wireless build
They don’t need hardwiring, since they can connect wirelessly to a cellular network. Some CCTVs do also support this, but it is much less common.
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Solar power options
They don’t need wired electricity but can operate with solar panels and a battery backup.
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Secure cloud storage
When compared to analog CCTV cameras, IP camera systems are scalable; you won’t run out of server space because the data is stored in the cloud.
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Instant visibility
They let you access video images through a web browser on any digital device.
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Easy footage search with tags
They support AI-powered categorization and easily searchable databases, making the review of camera footage less time-consuming.
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Advanced analytics
They support video analytics tools that can flag specific events and show you the footage, such as motion detection or camera tampering.
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HD footage
As mentioned earlier, IP cameras can capture crisp footage — even if the subject is moving quickly.
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Audio & Visual deterrence
These cameras can play a loud recording or an alarm if motion is detected. They are also smart enough to discern a criminal trespasser from a plastic bag blowing across a parking lot. This cuts down on annoying false alarms.
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Smart features
If a trespasser crosses a certain geographic threshold, the camera can zoom in to capture the footage while alerting security that there is a problem. Pan-tilt-zoom cameras are available if you want to control where your cameras are pointing through a tool like Mobile App. The cameras will return to normal when you are done viewing.
We live in a world filled with risks. Video security tools give you a way to help mitigate risk while letting you rest a little easier at night.
Which is Better for Your Business: Analog CCTV Camera vs. IP Camera
There are pros and cons to both analog CCTV cameras and IP cameras. If you’re buying a camera solely for a smaller location and price is a major issue, the analog CCTV camera won’t break your bank. However, in almost all cases, an IP camera will provide more advanced security, and will be more effective if you can accommodate it in your budget. This is especially true if you have a larger business, since more hidden egresses create vulnerabilities and increase risk. In these cases, an IP security camera is the best tool to protect your assets.
EFG Technology works with businesses just like yours to design and install security systems to protect your assets. Whether your goal is to deter employee theft or catch thieves and trespassers after hours, our line of sophisticated, intelligence surveillance tools can meet your goals and lessen your risks. Call on us to discuss your options.
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