Installation of video surveillance

If you want to install a video surveillance system in your home or office, one of the main decisions to be taken is to choose  the type of video camera - network or analog.

Deciding on the use of IP cameras is not always easy, because there are advantages and disadvantages to each type of camera.

Installation of ip video surveillance

The main difference between the two types of cameras is the way the video signal is transmitted. Analog video cameras convert a video signal into a format that can be obtained by a television or other receiver, such as a video recorder or a security video monitor.

Network video cameras, also known as IP cameras, compress the video signal using a dedicated video compression module, after which the signal is transmitted over the network using the built-in HTTP server of the network camera.

This allows the IP camera to function as a network device, which makes it possible to view the received video image not only through an existing local network, but also through a web browser that can connect via the Internet.

To compress the video signal, as a rule, algorithms of frame-by-frame or stream compression are used. In the first case, each individual frame in the video stream is compressed separately (for example, using JPEG compression in the Motion JPEG algorithm). In case of streaming compression, in addition to individual compressed frames, only the difference between frames (MPEG4, MPEG2) is transmitted for other frames.
Both types of video cameras can transmit signals, either over a wireless channel or using cable connections, such as a twisted pair of the fifth category.

IP cameras have the added advantage that they can use switches (switches) and routers, which will expand the network built on a twisted pair to a wider scale.

To make the right decision to choose the type of cameras used, you should start with an accurate assessment of your needs.

In order to determine which video camera is best suited for your needs, consider some of the pros and cons of each type of camera.

Advantages of analog video cameras

• Lower cost - Analog video cameras, as a rule, are cheaper than network cameras.
• A wider range of cameras - The range of analog cameras is still wider than network cameras. For example, miniature cameras, hidden cameras are more widely represented among analog cameras. If you have unique needs, you may find that it is easier for you to find a suitable analog video camera.
• Enhanced compatibility - No doubt it's much easier to match video cameras from different manufacturers, if you use analog cameras. This is especially important if you already have existing equipment for video surveillance.

Analog Cameras Minuses

• Lack of some functions- Many of the main analog cameras often lack some modern capabilities, such as digital zoom, built-in audio channel, built-in motion detector, pan / tilt control (PTZ) over the same cable, etc.
• Immunity from interference - Analog systems are susceptible to interference and interference. If the analog camera cable passes along the power cables, the resulting interference greatly degrades the image. When using coaxial cables, the problems are even greater - the cable can be pinched or incorrectly bent during the laying, which leads to the occurrence of signal re-reflections.
• Lack of signal encryption capability - For wired or wireless signal transmission from an analog camera, the video signal can not be encrypted. This means that someone else can view your video signal.
• Scaling the system is much more difficult - If your video surveillance system is large enough or distributed, then analog cameras can not be the optimal solution. Analog cameras, as a rule, do not assume large distances, and scaling of systems based on them is difficult.

The advantages of network cameras

• Application of high resolutions - Unlike analog cameras, where the format of video signal transmission is limited to PAL or NTSC standard and where the vertical resolution limit can not be overcome, in the case of network cameras there are no such restrictions. Now a wide range of IP network cameras is available for megapixel permissions, which allows in some cases to examine the face of an intruder or to see the number of a motor vehicle at a distance.
• Ability to use an existing network - Because IP cameras on the network behave like standard network devices, you can use them together with other network devices in an existing local network in your office or home. This makes the installation task much easier.
• Ease of organizing remote access - IP cameras are better suited for organizing remote video surveillance.
• Integrated audio channel - Virtually all IP camera manufacturers have released models with one or two-way audio transmission. The built-in audio channel allows not only to overhear what people are talking about in front of the camera, but in the case of a duplex channel, they allow dialogue with the person, which can be used both to improve the security of the site and to improve the quality of the service - for example, can cope with his menu, he can get advice right on the spot.
• Simplify the powering of cameras - Using the Power over Ethernet (Power over Ethernet) standard allows powering network cameras centrally from PoE compatible network switches (switches). If, at the same time, to equip such a switch with an uninterruptible power supply, the problem of organizing the power supply of the cameras in the conditions of a power outage will be immediately solved.
• More advanced wireless mode - Wireless network cameras use the popular wireless standard WIFI. The encryption capabilities of the video stream are built right into the WIFI modules of the IP cameras, which guarantees enhanced system protection. Interference is also a lesser problem when using the WIFI standard.

Disadvantages of IP cameras

• Higher cost - Due to the additional electronic modules that are placed in each camera, the cost of the network camera is usually higher than the analog one. Although over time, with the massive deployment of IP cameras and mass production, the price of electronics will decrease significantly.
• Increased requirements for the computing resources of the monitoring station - The need to decompress the compressed video signal for all cameras that need to be displayed leads to a greater load on the monitoring station. In the case of analog cameras, the monitoring station receives an uncompressed video stream and compresses the video only for the cameras that are being recorded. This problem is discussed in more detail in the article "Processors and FPS: How many IP cameras can be connected to a computer". It is clear that with time, there will appear more productive computers and this defect is leveled.

Cost of video surveillance installation

We charge only $ 10 per point (per camera). If you need to install for example 8 cameras, the cost per object is only $ 80. We work with VAT