One of the most important benefits offered by digital network camera surveillance equipment is that of not needing a video card for recording as the images captured are transmitted directly to a server or computer via digital technology. Another benefit obtained through the use of digital network camera surveillance is that of compression of the data. If the images cannot be compressed an enormous amount of hard disk space would be needed for storage of the images. With that being said megapixel cameras should be used to ensure high resolution. IDTek offers several ranges of network camera surveillance equipment that can provide the image quality required to capture detailed footage such as vehicle number plates even when the vehicles are moving fast. By converting to digital network camera surveillance a whole analog CCTV system can be replaced by a few digital cameras at an affordable price.
Digital network cameras which are hooked up to the existing network view footage and then the images are relayed to a computer or server where the images can be viewed, stored and retrieved as required. One of the benefits offered by digital network cameras is that of the zooming as well as tilting ability. This ensures that even difficult angles can be monitored. Retail stores where the digital network cameras have been installed have reported an improvement of security while also being able to make the most of footage to enhance customer service as well as increase sales. As such it is a far cry from strictly viewing that which has already happened. By making use of modern technology as offered by IDtek retailers can now also use the security system for marketing purposes. If considering the benefits of addressing two main concerns such as customer service and marketing together with that of security, it is understandable that so many retailers now switch to digital network cameras.
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.
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.