ACCREDITATION
Whether you are trying to protect your home or business, two common systems are used for surveillance, i.e., Analogue CCTV and IP CCTV. Though both the CCTV serves the same purpose, they differ in the technology used to deliver your security requirements.
In this article, we will provide a brief guide on Analogue Vs IP CCTV. The starting point for most people is, understanding the difference between analogue and digital CCTV.
At first, we will see the misconception about both systems. There are certain misconceptions about CCTV cameras, which we will discuss here.
Both Analogue and IP CCTV systems will allow you to monitor your system on a smartphone remotely.
Both the systems record on a digital hard drive.
And they can both produce up to 4K 1080P HD images.
To clear your misconception, we will begin with an overview of both Analogue CCTV and IP CCTV systems.
Analogue CCTV
Analogue CCTV is a traditional version of the surveillance system. Analogue CCTV is like having an eye connected to a recorder, i.e., it only provides visuals, and hence that is analogue sent usually via a coaxial cable known as RT59.
In an analogue system, the coaxial cable gets plugged in the DVR (Digital Video Recorder). And hence the analogue footage from the surveillance cameras is sent to a Digital Video Recorder via coaxial cable, where it gets converted to a digital format.
The DVR has standard BNC connectors at the back and an RJ45 connector for a broadband router, allowing you to watch the video coverage on your mobile phone.
IP CCTV
The IP surveillance camera is an Internet Protocol camera that transfers real-time compressed digital image data wirelessly through the internet.
Here we will explain the simple way to understand IP cameras and how it differs from analogue cameras. In addition to video recording, think of an IP camera as a brain; it is an eye and a brain. It sends a digital signal back to the recorder. The data is sent in “0” and “1” format, which means the smart information is sent rather than an analogue signal.
The main point where the IP cameras and analogue cameras differ is when you want to extract the data, IP cameras will be useful to you.
For instance, think of a scenario where you need to extract the data of number plates; at that time, analogue cameras can only capture the images, but IP cameras can extract the data of all the car number plates those pass by.
You need to plug an IP camera into the NVR (Network Video Recorder). There are RJ45 connectors on the back of the NVR, which you can use on your laptops and computers because that is how your cameras interface with the recorder.
Two main options are available for sorting footage from the IP cameras.
IP cameras possess an SD card slot for a single-camera system where an SD card can be inserted to record footage.
For multiple camera systems, a software program known as Video Management System (VMS) or hardware known as Network Video Recorder (NVR) are used to record and manage the cameras. As IP cameras are digital, users can remotely view footage virtually from anywhere through the internet. Also, they provide a multi-user support option which means multiple users can control the surveillance camera from distinct devices.
What is the difference between Analogue CCTV and IP CCTV?
Herewe will see the main difference between Analogue and IP CCTV.
Resolution
Analogue cameras can do up to8MP 4K HD resolution. Many people think analogue CCTV cannot have HD resolution, but they can go up to 8MP 4K resolution.
There are different types of Analogue cameras. They are:
HD-TVi
HD-CVi
AHD
These are the cameras that are used to send a high-definition signal over a cable. HD-CVi and AHD cameras are capable of capturing video surveillance footage at 1080P HD resolution. And HD-TVi cameras can capture video surveillance footage at 720P and 1080P resolution.
While IP CCTV cameras can capture up to 30MP HD resolution and go beyond it. 30MP is usually a camera used in the casino or any huge public buildings.
Cable
Analogue camera uses coaxial cable, the traditional type of cable highly used in the CCTV industry. Other names for coaxial cable are RG59, power, Siamese or Shotgun cable. It is called Siamese or Shotgun cable as there are two cables joined together. Analogue CCTV has BNC and DC connectors. DC connectors are usually known as power connectors that all Analogue cameras have. The worth noting thing about coaxial cable is that the distance limitation is a maximum of 50 meters due to the power signal. If you want to run the video around 150 meters, you can, but you will have to power the camera locally.
IP CCTV uses a CAT5e or CAT6 cable, which is usually UTP (unshielded twisted pair). The IP cameras possess an RJ45 connector; the separate power cable is not there in IP CCTV as RJ45 cable carries power known as Power Over Ethernet (POE). IP cameras can go up to a distance of 250 meters that means you can extend the CAT5e cable to 250 meters and plug a camera back to the Network Video Recorder over a single cable. In contrast, Analogue cameras do not allow you to do that unless you start powering a local camera.
Features
On a single recorder, you can have up to 32 cameras in an Analogue CCTV. Analogue cameras offer limited smart features as they can only capture an image and record video that you can integrate with the system. But these cameras are sufficient if you just want to see your recording in high resolution and to have mobile phone access to watch your recordings.
In IP CCTV cameras, you can have up to 256 cameras on a single recorder, which are much more than analogue cameras. Moreover, IP cameras have flexible installation and also have much more advanced smart features. For instance, if you want to record a number plate, IP cameras will allow you to do that. Also, if you want to integrate the camera with a home automation system, you can go for this. So, generally, large companies like Google and others use IP cameras.
Installation
Cabling in analogue camera installation is messy as each camera will require a video signal going back to the recorder. For instance, you want to install it in the second building with the same recorder, then all the cameras will be required to connect back to the recorder in the main building. So, let’s say you want to install 16 cameras in the second building, then you need to connect back 16 cables to the recorder, which could become so messy.
If we talk about the IP system, as it works on addressable networks, you will only require one cable to install in the second building. You can keep one switch in the second building and connect all the 16 cameras to one single switch. Thus the installation is much easier as compared to Analogue cameras. So, in large buildings, IP cameras are more preferable than Analogue cameras.
Now moving further to the benefits of both the systems, we will note down the benefits of both cameras which may aid you in selecting between the two.
Benefits of Analogue CCTV
Benefits ofIP CCTV
Do you know what the biggest benefit of IP CCTV is? IP cameras cover a longer distance, and even the number plates are clearly visible compared to analogue CCTV. Let’s say suppose you want to extract the number plate of all the cars; in IP cameras; you can extract the list of number plates in an excel document, while in analogue cameras, to know the number plate of the car, you will have to view the recording now and then.
Another benefit that IP cameras provide is a relay connection which you can plug into your barrier to trigger automatically. So, suppose if you go to the airport, the IP camera will capture the number plate as you enter the car park. Then, on your way out, the gate opens automatically, and this is because it extracts the data from the captured image. This is how the IP camera differs mainly from the analogue camera.
So, the final question is which one is beneficial for you, which one should you go for?
I guess the first thing you should consider is for what you are looking for, i.e., home or business.
Now we will proceed further with other requirements.
The security you need. Both the systems provide HD security. If you want to monitor the recordings of the area, both can provide that. But if you want more smart features, you can prefer installing an IP camera.
Are you having existing cabling? If you have the cabling of the specific camera in your area, you can choose that as it may cost you cheaper.
What is your budget?
What features do you want? Whether you want to integrate your camera with Home Automation Integration, capture number plate or any other smart feature.
Can you do cabling on your own? IP CCTV is easy to install as compared to analogue CCTV.
Future Proof. It is worthwhile thinking about the future. Will you require feature expansion in the future, or will you require increasing the number of cameras. These are the things you should keep in mind while choosing a CCTV camera.
Seeing your family's safety and keeping your assets protected is the most important thing in this world. This can mitigate a whole lot of unnecessary hassle and inconvenience.