The primary issue with the type of data transmission used is the significant difference in image quality when comparing analogue to IP CCTV and the need for physical tapes that have to be rotated to save the material for analogue systems.
When you compare an analogue system with a modern digital – or IP – CCTV system, there are a range of immediate benefits, including:
- Vastly improved image quality
- Data stored to a hard drive or cloud recording solution
- Remote monitoring of systems
- The ability to site cameras in more remote locations across large sites
- The ability to provide ‘PoE’ – power over ethernet, meaning cameras can be placed in areas that don’t need an electrical supply, providing an ethernet connection is available
- The ability to incorporate a range of artificial intelligence driven triggers and actions
- Improved system resilience
- Improved ability to search and use CCTV images
- Simplified system changes and upgrades
Analogue camera image quality
IP camera image quality
So What Is an IP CCTV System?
In very simple terms, an Internet Protocol (IP) CCTV camera is one that captures images in a pure digital form and transmits them over an IP or Local Area Network with no need for any local recording device. Installing an IP CCTV system will require some form of network within the zone to be protected, but this can be installed as part of the system if required and can be delivered in a variety of ways including:
- A wired Local area network
- A wi-fi enabled local area network
- A 4G / 5G network connection
- A combination of wired, wi-fi networks and 4G/5G
By virtue of the way these cameras operate, there is a huge range of inter-operability, allowing customers much greater freedoms to mix and match solutions from a variety of different manufacturers to create a truly bespoke system designed specifically to their needs.
CCTV is generally used as part of a wider security and access control system now and IP CCTV solutions can easily be configured to provide a wide range of different controls that will help you to manage your business more effectively.
Upgrading Your Analogue CCTV System
Analogue and digital systems are not mutually exclusive. The reality is that you can undertake a process of phased upgrade to your system. You can focus on the elements of your existing analogue system most urgently in need of replacement first, or look at which upgrades will provide the most immediate or urgent benefits for your business. With budgets always under pressure, your best approach may not be a system-wide replacement of the CCTV that protects your business. You may be better served with a planned upgrade programme phased over multiple years, with a service and maintenance contract that protects your legacy analogue system and new IP CCTV system.
For many businesses, their CCTV system is a requirement of their local authority licensing requirements. Investing in your system is a way of protecting your business from potentially having to temporarily close in the event of any failure.
Why Use Securus To Help Upgrade Your Analogue CCTV System?
Securus are architects of security solutions. We design systems that are uniquely matched to the needs of each individual customer. Our first question is always to understand what your objectives are, not what equipment do you think you need. We’re proud of our ability to create innovative solutions that help our customers solve problems that address not only security concerns, but also help them create safer working environments and even understand how their businesses can be more profitable. We are independent of all the hardware manufacturers that we work with, allowing us to offer truly impartial advice to every customer. Why not give us a call and put us to the test?
Speak to one of our team today.