If you are considering CCTV or a network camera for surveillance and security for your business then the following guidelines will help you in selecting the correct network camera:

• Establish whether the network camera must be able to operate outside and under poor light conditions. In this case it is better to opt for a network camera that offers black and white footage as it will improve resolution under the above circumstances.
• When it comes to the selection of an indoor network camera there is a wider range to select from based on the angle of footage, distance from the lens and the object being monitored. Make sure you select a network camera that is POE ready.

Traditional CCTV cameras make use of analog technology with a much lower resolution capability than that offered by IP surveillance. IP surveillance offers the advantage of megapixel camera quality. Analog technology in surveillance normally means the use of a camera which is based on NTSC/PAI standards. IP surveillance requires the use of a megapixel camera that provides a much higher resolution and thus better imaging possibilities. No blurring of objects that move take place, which is frequently a problem encountered with analog surveillance technology. The fact that a megapixel camera is used also offers the advantage of zooming and tilting applications beyond that offered by analog technology.

Traditional CCTV makes use of coax cabling and has some limitations. IP surveillance makes the most of existing networks and as such offers benefits such as email notifications, high quality footage, flexibility, ease of installation, remote control and then also being Power over Ethernet ready. Instead of coax cable, a single cat5 cable is used. Power over Ethernet means that both power and video are carried over the same line. Instead of having to install additional cabling, costs can thus be saved. To make use of the technological advantage a Power over Ethernet switch must be installed. This also holds a benefit as multiple cameras can be run from the one switch.

Up to the 1990′s businesses had to rely on analog video surveillance. The disadvantages of the analog systems were numerous including that of slow image recording and storage of footage on bulky tapes. In addition live monitoring wasn’t possible. The only benefit was that you could see what happened at a specific time and date if you didn’t mind scrolling through footage. IP Video which makes use of close circuit cameras that view the images and then transmit the footage through network cables to a server where the images are stored has proven to be a great success and cost saving solution. The images can be viewed in real time and can also be accessed via the Internet from anywhere in the world if the system has been setup correctly. In addition advanced software platforms make it possible to share images and get additional zoom-in functions etc. As such the move towards IP Video should be done as soon as possible to save costs and ensure live covering of stores, estates, labs, and more.

There are so many IP surveillance advantages that it is difficult to understand why anyone would still prefer analog monitoring equipment. Just a few of the IP surveillance advantages are listed below:

• Supports numerous streaming media formats.
• Saves bandwidth because of this ability.
• Open source software platforms.
• Uses the network infrastructure that exists and thus savings on installation and maintenance costs.
• Extremely sharp imaging abilities.
• Supports Power over Ethernet.
• Scalability.
• Multi-location routing possibilities.

The above are just a few of the benefits offered by IP surveillance. If you are still using analog surveillance compare the two technologies and then opt for the best.

The first Internet Protocol cameras were introduced as far back as 1996. Internet Protocol cameras or otherwise known as IP camera surveillance make use of the Internet standards and protocols to record video images and do monitoring of a specific area. Axis was the first company to utilize the power of Internet Protocol cameras and is still a leader in the provision of platforms to manage the technology. Companies converting to IP camera surveillance technology have the advantage of open source software, the use of existing network infrastructures, lower monitoring costs and increased image sharpness. One of the advantages not to be overlooked when selecting Axis technology as available through IDTek is that of being able to upgrade the firmware through the existing Internet infrastructure, making additional uses and installations in future possible.

Axis is an esteemed leader of IP camera solutions. If you are at present utilizing analog video surveillance and wish to convert to digital surveillance, then you should consider the Axis solutions as available through IDTek. Whether you want to make the shift from analog CCTV to digital CCTV outdoors, wireless or indoors, through the use of Axis technology IDtek can help you make the transition with minimal costs. The Axis solutions have been successfully implemented in the government, education and financial service sectors. By making use of existing networks the transition can be facilitated without adding to expenses. The scalable solutions ensure that your digital CCTV can grow with the expansion of your business.

Security management through video surveillance at any size enterprise is facilitated by the flexibility offered through Honeywell DVM video surveillance systems. Depending on your specific requirements you can either select stand-alone units or the Honeywell DVM solution that can be fully integrated with your existing building management functions. This ensures complete security and monitoring at a fraction of the cost whilst functionality is increased at the same time. The Honeywell DVM solutions as available from IDTek can be integrated with HVAC and life safety functions of the building as well. This ensures a security solution that can be combined with fire safety and convenient building management.

IDTek provides clients the highest quality cctv and video surveillance equipment including that of Pelco Endura, known for its distibuted architecture and excellent platforms to be used with modern day Ethernet.The Pelco Endura makes it possible for clients to utilize an existing network. This ensures tremendous savings on network installation and maintenance costs. Another reason why clients prefer Pelco Endura is the interactivity possible amongst video and audio as well as specific control data. All the monitoring is done over an IP network. The excellence of analog systems is not lost, but integrated with that of digital technology ensuring the best of both worlds.

Key components of a Bosch Vidos CCTV over IP system include cameras, RAID storage, IP Network and decoders. The IP network is a key area where failure can occur and as such the Bosch Vidos architecture for this is exceptional. Reasons for failure of the Bosch Vidos or other type of CCTV over IP network failure can be:

• Network overload where the traffic is too much. This can occur if too many persons try to access the videos at once.
• When a switch fails.
• Faulty cables.

By addressing the above issues in time you will ensure a fully reliable Bosch Vidos CCTV over IP system.