IP Network Camera-based System.

Traditional Analogue Camera-based System.

 Access.

Open or closed access as needed.  Remote access to live images and remote administration of a network camera are possible from anywhere using a standard Web browser on any PC.  Subject to appropriate access permissions.

Closed circuit.  Limited possibility for remote access using expensive proprietary hardware. Limited control of images and information.

Ease of Use.

You can administer and view the images remotely using a standard Web browser on any PC.  Images are recorded on a hard disk, enabling easy search possibilities, easy storage and no image degradation or wear.  The hard disk can be located at a secure location for security purposes.  Unlimited archiving is possible using standard network hardware and disc systems.

Images can easily be exported for evidence purposes, i.e. DVD, CD-ROM, Printed on a standard printer.

Remote administration or monitoring is not possible.  Images must be stored on video tape cassettes or DVR recorders, which can often require constant changing and lots of storage space.  The quality of recorded images deteriorates over time.  DVR recorders offer limited capacity for storage and only record at low frame rates, omitting vital information.  The video cassette recorder or DVR must be located near the cameras or multiplexer.  This could potentially enable unauthorised persons to have access to the video tape.

 Quality.

Digital images do not lose quality in transmission or storage.  A digital picture is created using Motion-JPEG.  Once created, the image is free from degradation.  Each frame within a video stream is sharp.

Image quality is lost when using long cables and the resolution of a magnetic tape is normally quite low.  In addition, the quality of the recorded video deteriorates over time.

 System
 Requirements.

Everything needed to stream live video over networks is included in the network camera.  Simply connect the network camera to a network. View, record and administer from any networked PC (located anywhere). 

Connection to a coaxial cable, to a multiplexer, to a video, time lapse recorder or DVR, and to a locally placed CRT monitor.  Each camera requires a separate coaxial cable.  Numerous cameras equates to numerous cables.

 Installation.

Simply connect a network camera to the nearest network connection.

Attach a coax cable to each and every camera and connect to the multiplexer.

 Cabling.

One standard UTP (unshielded twisted pair) network cable can forward images from hundreds of network cameras simultaneously.  Fibre optic cable can transport images from hundreds of cameras over vast distances, up to 2KM without any loss of quality.
 

One cable can transport video signals from only one camera at a time.  If you have two cameras, you have to have two cables.  This often means large cable trunks filled with thick and sensitive cables that are connected to a locally placed control room.  Image quality deteriorates over relatively short distances.

Scalability.

Adding more network cameras to the system is easy.  Cameras can usually be added to existing cable runs.  Programming cameras is easy as all work is undertaken via a web browser.  Setting PTZ patrols is easy with no specialist knowledge required.

Very difficult.  Each camera requires its own cable.  Image quality is lost when using long cables.  Programming PTZ patrols is a complex task often requiring specialist knowledge or device specific instructions.

Power & Fault Tolerance.

Camera’s can be powered using Power over Ethernet technology whereby both data and power utilise the same network cable.  Installation costs are much lower as mains power requirements are reduced.  Battery backup provides continued operation in the event of a mains failure.  Cameras provide alerts by email or Text Message in the event of a communications or power failure alerting operators to possible breaches in security.

Each camera requires it’s own mains feed directly to the camera location.  Expensive cable runs and installation costs can compromise the best camera locations.

No battery backup, if power fails, so does the camera.  No possibility for alerts in the event of a communications or power failure, if a camera fails the onus lies on the operator to notice it, therefore allowing potential security breaches to go un noticed.

 Cost.

External grade Cat 5 network cable typically costs around £30.00 per 100 metres.  External grade RG-59 costs around £65.00 per 100 metres.  More than twice the price.  A network cable can also support hundreds of network cameras and other devices.  An IP-based network infrastructure is often already in place, which means the cost is reduced to only that of the network cameras & Recording PC.

Expensive coaxial cables.  RG-59 cable typically costs more than twice the price of a Cat 5 network cable.  In addition, more cable is required as each camera requires its own circuit, whereas a network backbone cable can support numerous cameras.  High labour and maintenance demands, plus cost of the analogue camera(s), video tape recorder and video tape cassettes.