Are you considering purchasing and installing IP camera systems in your home or office? You may want a better understanding of how these systems work and their advantages over more traditional surveillance methods.
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Differences Between IP and CCTV Systems
IP camera systems connect wirelessly via a network to a computer, where the video footage can be viewed on a monitor remotely. CCTV cameras are wired into a monitor or DVR using coax cables. With an IP camera system, there is no need for a DVR; instead your PC sees the camera as any other computer or device attached to your LAN.
This gives IP camera systems several advantages over CCTV. There is no need for additional equipment, such as a video recorder or DVR because the video streams into your computer and can be saved to any media device or the hard drive. The resolution of the video from an IP system is much higher because the cameras themselves are available with resolutions utilizing a much larger number of pixels. The higher the resolution, the larger the file size of the video image, which can make it easier to zoom in on specific details. It is also simpler to connect additional cameras to an IP system – all it takes is connecting them to the network, as well. Upgrades to software are a piece of cake. The video footage can be viewed from any number of devices with an Internet connection, such as a cell phone, adding to its convenience.
Details About IP Camera Systems
Some customers are concerned regarding the high bandwidth required by IP camera systems and whether or not it will be supported by their internet service provider. Bandwidth used depends on the number of cameras connected, the resolution of the video images, and the camera’s frame rate (how many frames per second are captured).
The camera system has its own IP address. In effect, it functions as its own web server with a limited amount of memory. IP camera systems can also be used for videoconferencing provided it has a microphone built into the camera.
The type of camera you select for an IP system depends on several factors. Such determinants are where the video footage is coming from – a large or small space? Indoors or out? What are the light sources? You may also want to investigate purchasing a camera with advanced features, such as the ability to pan, zoom or tilt via remote manipulation. If you are recording moving people or objects, the frame rate becomes an additional consideration. To capture fast movement, you will need a faster frame rate than the typical one or two frames per second. The quality of the video images also comes in play. The required resolution of your camera depends on whether or not you need a picture which shows fine detail, or one which captures a broader view.
IP camera systems are some of the most advanced surveillance systems on the market today. They utilize the latest in technology and work in conjunction with your computer, making them easily mobile and adaptable. With the best quality hardware you can afford, your IP camera system should serve your needs for years to come.
