| CCTV cameras, short for Close Circuit Television, are | | | | that you won't be paying for extra work of |
| in many places being replaced with new Internet | | | | completing additional wiring and the maintenance |
| cameras, also known as IP cameras. These cameras | | | | involved, and the other is security cameras can be |
| send video information via the internet, rather than | | | | installed far more neatly and discreetly than |
| an on-site location in the method of CCTV. So which | | | | previously possible. |
| is preferable? This article highlights a few key | | | | IP cameras can also be combined with other security |
| differences that should convince you of the | | | | hardware that utilizes the Internet. This can include |
| superiority of IP cameras in protecting your home or | | | | card readers, glass breakers, access controls and |
| business. | | | | alarms. Say, for example, you'd like to arrange your |
| A major advantage of IP cameras is compatibility. If | | | | cameras in such a way that they turn on and film |
| you were to purchase a CCTV security system, the | | | | your front door whenever a card is read and |
| analog based cameras would all have to be similar | | | | determined to be illegitimate, or when glass is broken |
| models, and are more or less "attached" to the | | | | or an alarm set off. Such capabilities that are quite |
| central monitoring system. It would be inconvenient, | | | | manageable with the power of the internet would be |
| if not impossible, to set up a different camera that | | | | highly inconvenient and expensive when utilizing the |
| was not adaptable with the settings of your current | | | | technology of CCTV. |
| system. | | | | Another advantage of IP cameras is the ability for IP |
| The software that runs an IP based system, | | | | camera hosting. This is a service that allows video to |
| however, is much more compatible with various | | | | be recorded from the IP camera itself to a remote |
| models of IP cameras on the market. What this is | | | | location over the Internet. The video recorded is |
| means is that if you'd like an AXIS wireless camera | | | | securely saved and can also be monitored by remote |
| with audio capabilities in one room of your office, to | | | | guards or advanced monitoring software. This |
| monitor the sounds that occur, and a Sony PTZ | | | | provides the benefit of having the cameras |
| camera with pan, tilt and zoom functions for outside, | | | | monitored for you without the need of onsite |
| this won't be a problem. Then if you find one of | | | | recording software. |
| these cameras should be replaced, this can be easily | | | | The high levels of compatibility, PoE convenience, and |
| done with very little overall changes needing to be | | | | interactivity with other security hardware that are |
| made to your server. In fact, if the server software | | | | provided by IP cameras have never been so easy to |
| itself isn't to your liking, this could also be changed | | | | achieve. While some of the features that this exciting |
| without needing to replace the cameras. Such | | | | new technology provides could be possible with |
| compatibility is not apparent with CCTV cameras. | | | | CCTV, the level of monetary cost and inconvenience |
| Another great feature of IP cameras not available in | | | | usually served to make such solutions impractical. |
| older technology is Power Over Ethernet (PoE). What | | | | Nowadays, security technology available to only the |
| this refers to is the fact that the wire plugged into | | | | richest of businesses a few years ago is within the |
| the camera to send video data can also act as a | | | | reach of small to medium level companies, and should |
| power cable. There are two benefits of this. One is | | | | be taken advantage of. |