CCTV Cameras

Analogue vs. IP Cameras

Analogue and IP Cameras are similar in many ways, in both technologies the lens projects the image to the analogue image sensor where the signal is then converted to digital using an analogue-to-digital converter. The signal is then processed by the cameras on-board digital circuitry (DSP). In IP cameras the video is compressed and encoded internally then sent to the NVR (Networkable Video Recorder) via IP (Internet Protocol). In an analogue camera the signal is converted back to analogue and sent to the DVR (Digital Video Recorder) where it is compressed and encoded.

Advantages of Analogue systems over IP systems:
  1. Analogue systems are cheaper than IP systems - IP cameras can be up to three times more expensive than their analogue equivalent. DVR’s are cheaper than NVR’s and power supplies are cheaper than (POE) Power over Ethernet switches. Generally there is less hardware used on an analogue system. Analogue systems are also less labour-intensive, are easy to install and require little to no network and configuration skills.

  2. Analogue cameras cope with low-light and varying light conditions better than IP cameras - WDR (Wide Dynamic Range)cameras have superior image quality in varying light levels and compensates for bright background and low light conditions producing clearer images with greater contrast. To date, WDR technology has not been applied to any high definition megapixel IP cameras.
  3. IR (Infra-red) technology is unavailable in IP cameras - IR cameras have built-in IR illuminators which allow the camera to see in zero lox or complete darkness. As IR cameras draw more current than standard cameras, the load is usually too great for an IP camera which draws its power from the network switch. Standalone IR illuminators have to be installed separately for IP cameras.

  4. Real-time images can be viewed from analogue systems - As the image from an analogue camera is compressed at the DVR, the image can be viewed live from the camera with no latency. IP cameras have latency and 'lag' for up to two seconds which can lead to over-correction issues if an operator needs to track something from a PTZ camera.

  5. Cable distances to Analogue cameras can be greater - Using active Baluns on Cat5E cabling, the video signal can be transmitted up to two kilometres to the DVR. IP camera cable distances are restricted by structured cabling regulations which limit the cable distance to 100 metres between the camera and the network switch.

  6. Analogue video signals are more reliable - Analogue video traffic is not subject to any networking issues or risks such as bandwidth limitations, network congestion, varying bit rates, large file sizes, viruses and latency. Once installed the analogue systems are very reliable and require little maintenance.

  7. Analogue systems are compatible with any brand of camera - Any analogue camera can plug into any DVR. IP systems use NVR’s which need the correct protocol installed to communicate with each camera. Different brands of NVR and camera may not be compatible with each other and may not be able to communicate.
Advantages of IP systems over Analogue systems:
  1. IP systems have superior image quality - IP cameras can deliver high definition images of up to 8 megapixels in resolution, compared to a maximum of 650TVLine (equivalent to 0.4 megapixel) in analogue cameras.

  2. IP systems can use the existing network infrastructure - Unlike analogue cameras, IP cameras don’t have to be wired back directly to the recording device, they can be wired to the nearest network hub or switch and the existing network infrastructure can be used to carry video signals to the NVR, eliminating the need for un-necessary wiring.

  3. IP systems have superior wireless capabilities - IP cameras have the flexibility to integrate with a wireless network and are virtually unlimited in terms of expansion. Analogue wireless cameras use radio frequencies and are limited to about sixteen cameras before they reach full capacity.
For more information on CCTV Cameras contact us now, or request a no obligation quote.
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