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What is IP Network Video Systems?
CCTV to IP Network Video
Until very recently, video security and surveillance was accomplished using Closed Circuit Television or
CCTV. This technology included analog cameras, coaxial cable and video tape recorders. Video security and
surveillance started entering the digital age with the advent CCD sensors which digitized image capture in
the camera. However, transmission was still analog, via coax to analog VCR's. The next step was the
introduction of Digital Video Recorders (DVR's) connected directly to analog cameras, which made storing,
searching and retrieving video much more efficient. PC's were then introduced for display of the images
through a modem or network connection to the DVR.
The entire system has now been digitized with the introduction of Network Cameras incorporating onboard
processors and web server software. These Network Cameras - either wired or wireless - can be connected
directly to existing IP networks such as an Ethernet Local Area Network (LAN) and the Internet. This
direct connection to the network eliminates the need for separate and expensive coaxial cable networks
as are required for CCTV systems. Images can be viewed and cameras managed from anywhere via a web browser,
plus any hard disk on the network can be set up to record the video output.
IP Network Video Systems will soon replace Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) as the standard for Security,
Surveillance and Remote Monitoring. The advantages of remote monitoring, hard disk recording and the
ability to connect existing analog CCTV cameras to the network via Video Servers, make IP Network Video
Systems much more cost effective and useful than CCTV Video Systems.
Incorporate Existing CCTV Cameras
Another significant technology called Video Servers allow existing CCTV installations to gain the benefit
of Network Video, while protecting investments in analog cameras. Video Servers connect to IP Networks and
convert the signal from analog cameras to digital format. Like Network Cameras, Video Servers contain
onboard processors and web server software that makes each camera IP addressable. So, essentially Video
Servers turn CCTV cameras into IP Network Cameras.
Range of Applications
This simplicity and low cost has made IP Network Video Systems accessible to a much wider audience in small
and medium sized businesses and the home. This accessibility has opened up numerous new applications for
Video Surveillance and Remote Monitoring Systems beyond their traditional use for property security. Child
monitoring, low cost video conferencing, controlling remote access, unattended office reception, Web
broadcasting, and monitoring remote properties such as cottages, are all applications possible with IP
Network Video Systems.
What is an IP Network Camera?
An IP Network Camera is a digital video camera with an on-board processor and web server built-in, making
it web addressable. So the camera can connect to an IP network without being attached directly to a PC.
Features can include wireless communication, two-way audio, alarm sensors and motion detection. The motion
detection feature will trigger still image capture and send the results via e-mail or to an FTP location.
IP addressability means the video stream can be viewed from anywhere in the world with appropriate
permission. Management and recording software allow multiple cameras to be controlled and recorded to any
hard disk drive in the network.
Benefits of IP Network Video Systems
The Internet and digital camera technology have increased the benefits of video systems for traditional
security applications, and opened those benefits to small and medium size businesses and homeowners. They
have also allowed video systems to be used in an extremely broad variety of new applications, from the very
complex to the very straight forward.
The benefits of IP Network Video Systems include:
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Low cost compared to Analog CCTV Systems |
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Optional wireless operation |
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Less labour due to plug and play set-up and operation |
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Automated operation/recording |
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No maintenance due to hard disk recording and storage |
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Remote accessibility and recording, 24/7 from around the globe via your PC |
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Easy to set-up and operate |
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IP addressable |
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View/control from Browser software (Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator) |
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Automated remote recording (real time, time sliced or event triggered) |
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Automatic e-mail of video clip or image of detected motion |
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Incorporate existing analog cameras |
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More than just security |
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Low cost video conferencing |
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Control remote access |
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Monitor progress of remote activity |
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Unattended office reception |
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Web broadcasting for marketing and promotion |
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Child monitoring |
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