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How Does A Security Camera System Work?

As a business or homeowner you may be considering installing a security camera system for added security and wondering about the merits of different systems. To learn more about how each works and the difference between analog surveillance and an IP or CCTV camera system the information listed here will outline the differences.

Analog Security System

In general most of the security camera systems on the market today consist of a standard analog camera connected directly to a DVR ( digital video recorder ) using some type of transmission cables. The DVR uses the camera as a window allowing the DVR to then record any activity after which  the video is compressed, stored on a hard drive to be retrieved later. Most DVR’s also convert the analog video to digital format and then streams that over the internet with a built in webserver. With this commonly used system the DVR is the heart of the system and responsible for compression, conversion, storage and streaming of all video that comes from each camera. The brain or intelligence of the system is the DVR  and additionally is responsible for the motion detection, schedules,  notification, alarm input and more. Usually the least expensive, basic option consisting of cameras and the DVR which does all the actual work.

IP Surveillance Systems

The biggest difference between analog and IP security systems is that each camera in an IP system does the job of a DVR. Each camera is it’s own separate security system that compresses the video, converts it to digital format then streams it over the internet. Some IP cameras also have SD card slots and using the analog system store video directly using a SD card. IP cameras are connected to NVR ( network video recorders ) rather than a DVR and since the video is compressed and converted to digital by the camera, the camera then has the capability of streaming the video over the network to a DC or NVR that will record the compressed video. IP cameras allow additional cameras to be easily added to the system and offer higher resolution than a standard system The main drawback to this is the IP camera places a much greater demand on the bandwidth and storage. Presently IP security systems only comprise about 10% of the systems in use but as technology solves these issues they will overtake the analog systems.

Searching for more information, give Security and Cellular in Victoria BC  a call today.

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