Understanding Analogue HD versus IP CCTV Cameras

The superiority of IP cameras over analog HD cameras is a topic of ongoing discussion in the CCTV sector. Here, we weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each while hearing from Rapidtech Digital Solutions, Kenya’s leading CCTV installation service provider in Kenya.

Rapidtech Digital Solutions not only installs CCTV systems but also supplies the necessary tools and equipment, such as CCTV cameras, DVRs, NVRs, and tools for network video recording. To reach us, click here.

Let’s take a look at the differences between analogue HD and IP CCTV security cameras.

What is an Analogue HD CCTV camera?

Analogue cameras that record in high definition (HD), including 720p, 1080p, and beyond are known as analogue HD (AHD) cameras. This function was previously restricted to IP cameras. When HD video is needed for proof but not all of an IP camera’s features are necessary, it is appropriate.

In an analog HD CCTV system, the camera records an analog signal that is transferred via a coaxial cable to the DVR (Digital Video Recorder), where the signal is converted to digital, compressed, and stored on a hard drive within the DVR. The video can be viewed on monitors that are connected to the DVR or it can be sent over a network to a computer so that it can be viewed there.

What is an IP camera?

With digital IP (Internet Protocol) cameras, each IP camera captures an analogue signal, but the biggest difference is that this is converted to a digital signal within the camera itself. Digital processing may also be completed within the IP camera. The digital signal is then sent via a LAN (Local Area Network) to the NVR.

Instead of the analogue system’s DVR, for IP cameras, the video from each IP camera is compressed and recorded onto an NVR (Network Video Recorder). The key difference is that the signal is sent digitally and at a much better resolution than analogue cameras. The NVR streams the video from all cameras and broadcasts over LAN and over the internet for remote screen.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Analogue HD Cameras

Analogue HD Camera
Advantages	Disadvantages
Low price hence affordable	Lower quality than IP Camera
When replacing old analogue cameras can use existing infrastructure/cable	Records onto DVR locally not in cloud
Easily available online and in shops	Does not have built in UPS (uninterruptable power supply)
Less technical and easier to install, less troubleshooting required	Does not have built in camera memory card functionality
	Not smart like IP Cameras, more of a ‘dumb’ camera
	Requires 2 cables for Power cable and Video cable

Advantages and Disadvantages of IP Cameras

IP Camera
Advantages	Disadvantages
Better quality picture than analogue HD Cameras	Expensive compared to analogue HD Cameras
Has firmware upgrade functionality which allows improvements to cameras, e.g. better compression	Slight latency (delay)
Uses one Ethernet cable for both power and video
Cloud recording, camera direct to cloud	Need Gigabit network switch and NVR to handle network bandwidth
Has a memory card slot
Max 100 meters Ethernet cable length but extendable by network extender	Needs a network infrastructure to work
Can utilize UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply)
If camera and NVR are the same brand then usually installation is plug and play.	If camera and NVR are different brands, e.g. Dahua camera and Hikvision NVR then you need a technical background for you to configure it. An IT engineer or experienced CCTV installer required and often need manufacturer technical support.

Network connectivity

IP cameras are ideal for connecting to the cloud, where video is stored on an internet-connected server owned by a third party. With services like Dropbox and Google Drive, cloud storage is now widely used to enable offsite file storage. One advantage of cloud storage is that you can access CCTV footage on your phone, computer, or tablet from any location with an internet connection.

One strategy used by thieves, according to CCTV surveillance experts, is to cut cables and steal the Digital Video Recorder or Network Video Recorder, preventing the use of footage as evidence. However, thieves cannot access video stored in the cloud. Besides, you can also record internally in the IP camera onto a micro SD card. Thieves can also disconnect the internet connection, and experts say that this is a challenge. Yes, the thieves can take the cameras as well, but it’s a matter of erecting barriers to make it harder for them. The average time burglars spend in a property is between 15 and 20 minutes, according to experts who have watched a lot of video of break-ins. The less likely it is that the CCTV footage will be altered, the more reliable it will be. For instance, if there are 15 cameras on the property, it would take a burglar a long time to break each one, making it too risky for them to do so in case they are discovered.

UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply)

With new IP cameras, a UPS inside the camera will activate when the power supply is cut to power on the IP camera, allowing recording for some time. These cameras are still very expensive as of August 2017, but the cost will eventually drop.

Which Camera is better? Analogue HD or IP Camera?

Although there is a heated debate on both sides of this significant issue, CCTV experts believe that IP will eventually replace analogue HD due to its limitations. There will be numerous network connections and cloud storage. For the same price, IP camera footage is superior to analogue HD, in part because the latter transmits the signal analogue down a coaxial cable, where it may deteriorate before being recorded in the DVR.

Also check:

Key Benefits of CCTV for the Home

Significance of CCTV Cameras in Kenya

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