Thursday, January 22, 2015

The Difference Between Analog and IP Cameras

It's natural for our clients to have questions about the sophisticated electronic systems they use on an everyday basis. I believe it's the responsibility of Electronic Systems Consultants to help answer those questions and to provide help in whatever way possible.

The following question concerns the use of IP (Internet Protocol) cameras versus older, analog type. If you should have a question, send it to ESC at electronicsystemsconsultants@gmail.com or use our Contact Us page.

What's the difference between analog and IP cameras? I've been hearing a lot about them lately. What makes them better than the older ones I installed in my shop more than 20 years ago?

Thank you for asking about IP cameras. The first thing to know about IP cameras and the older ones you have relates to performance and value-added features and benefits. IP cameras produce what we call high-resolution images that far surpass the best that your older cameras could ever hope to achieve. What that means to you is clear, discernible pictures that provide enough information that you can clearly identify people in them.

Your older cameras used what we commonly call “analog” technology whereas the newer IP cameras uses “digital.” Unlike older analog cameras that require an individual cable for each and every camera, today’s digital cameras operate over a computer network. Thus, anywhere there's a network router or switch, you can connect an IP camera. It also means that anyone who's given authority can access and view IP camera images in real time and after the fact via recorded video. What this also means is that you can be at home and can still view events as they unfold. Also, when there’s an alarm, you can pull up relevant camera images, such as before, during, and after the alarm, thus verifying the presence of people at the time the alarm took place.

Electronic Systems Consultants’ UL listed, 24/7 central station can use these video images to ascertain the presence of criminals in your buildings prior to dispatching law enforcement, thus saving you expensive false alarm fees. In addition, in communities like Akron, Ohio, where some form of alarm verification is required by law, video verification will not only satisfy police requirements, but it will help to reduce the number of false alarms that law enforcement officers respond to.

Analog-to-IP Migration

There are ways to migrate from your older analog video cameras to that of modern IP models without breaking the bank. One way is to replace your old time-lapse tape recorder(s) with a new DVRs (Digital Video Recorders). And, if you already have a network, which you most likely do, our factory trained and certified technicians will connect it to your new DVR, thus making it possible to view your cameras in real time.

In addition, you can review recorded video from any network-connected computer in the facility, on campus, at the central station, or remotely at your home. Then, after a time, we can begin to replace each of your analog cameras one or two at a time using the very same DVR.

I invite you to reach out to me to learn more about IP cameras and how ESC can utilize your existing network to better secure your assets. Call 614-754-1393, email me at electronicsystemsconsultants@gmail.com, or use our Quote Form on our website at http://www.electronicsystemsconsultants.com.

John Larkin, Senior Partner

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