Differences between IP and AHD

First of all, IP and AHD are different signal transmission technologies. IP cameras use digital signal, ahd is a modified analog signal.

IP one and a half, twice as expensive, depending on the specific manufacturer.

There is a cheap option. using ip-cameras without a registrar, instead of it a personal computer performs the role of a video recorder, but this approach is considered unprofessional.

IP is a standard twisted pair network cable, with a rj45 connector. Cable length no more than 100 meters.

If you need a length of more than 100 m, you need to use another more expensive type of cable or install so-called signal amplifiers every 100 m.over, some ip-devices support PoE technology. power transmission via twisted pair, this cannot be done in analog systems.

Ahd is a combined coaxial cable. Wire length up to 500 meters without loss of quality.

In IP systems, the connection is more complicated, since we are working with ip-addresses.

Special knowledge in the field of building local networks is required. setting up ip-addresses and protocols.

it is necessary to crimp the twisted pair, you will need a special “crimping” tool.

You need to connect additional equipment router or switch to the recorder.

Digital cameras are connected to the recorder, the video recorder to the router.

Аhd video cameras are connected to the recorder, no need to set up ip-addresses.

• IP comes with built-in SD card and microphone;
• Deep analytics capability.

In IP, you can configure reading faces, detection, automatic fixation, reading car numbers.

If you take the same camera from the same manufacturer, the difference will be in the image, in the color rendition.

In IP systems, the quality is worse than in ahd. This is due to the fact that a digital camera generates a video stream, in order to transmit it via an rj45 or Wi-Fi network cable, the data has to be compressed. Then the data goes to the video server and the video is unpacked back. We get:

• the picture is displayed with a noticeable delay;
• side effects appear after signal compression, frame drops, loss of quality.

What is the difference between an IP camera and ahd?

When designing surveillance for an object, the question is. which CCTV cameras to use in the system, ahd or IP, and what are the differences between them? Debugged operation of CCTV cameras is the main criterion for the successful operation of surveillance.

What to choose?

When choosing between digital and analog Full HD cameras, you should decide what you need.

First you need to sketch the observation scheme. Answer the questions: how many cameras there will be and what is the distance between them?

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If only one video camera will be used, then it is better to choose an ip-camera without a registrar, because an AHD video camera cannot work independently, it definitely needs a video recorder.

• if several video cameras are used, then AHD will be cheaper, due to the absence of a switch and a lower cost of cameras;
• installation of equipment: up to 500 meters, no additional equipment is required;
• simplicity of setting up ahd systems, no special knowledge in the field of local networks is required;
• video transmission goes without freezes and delays;
• maximum resolution of 2 megapixels or Full HD, which is a disadvantage.

• high image resolution up to four megapixels;
• the ability to connect an SD card and an external microphone to the camcorder;
• the ability to use wireless Wi-Fi networks, which will eliminate the use of a twisted pair cable;
• the ability to power the ip-camera through a network cable of the fifth category “twisted pair”. PoE technology.

How IP cameras differ from AHD

Many people think about the differences in video surveillance systems only when it becomes necessary to install video cameras. And if everything is clear with the external characteristics, then the subtleties of technology are not always in sight. Which CCTV camera to choose. IP or AHD? Let’s compare these methods of transmitting video information.

Cons of AHD system:

• The equipment requires a hybrid video recorder, and it is quite expensive.
• When installing multiple cameras, each of them requires its own cable, so you get a whole bunch of cables, which is not always convenient.

To summarize, what is the fundamental difference between IP and AHD CCTV cameras:

connecting multiple cameras via one cable to the DVR

you need a high qualification of an installer to install and configure IP cameras

additional features: built-in microphone, speaker, PoE, wireless connection.

A more complete table of comparative characteristics in the original article.

Installing CCTV cameras in an office is not as easy as it seems at first glance. AHD camcorders are much cheaper than IP camcorders and this is often referred to as the main advantage. At the same time, other parameters of the equipment are overlooked. So for the operation of cheap AHD cameras, a hybrid video recorder is needed, and it costs an order of magnitude more than an IP recorder. Also, much more cables are required and the costs of their installation increase accordingly. Thus, at the output, both systems are approximately the same in cost.

Choose the necessary video surveillance system based on your needs. To monitor different areas, video cameras are needed that perform different functions, so do not listen when they say that some system is better than another. The installer will suggest the best option for installing video equipment suitable for your surveillance site.

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Disadvantages of the IP system:

• You need to have the skills to set up equipment.
• There are image delays of a few seconds in case of network problems.
• Cannot be connected to old cable networks (coaxial), when upgrading an analog video surveillance system, you will need to change the entire cable structure.

Advantages of AHD video surveillance systems:

• There is no “freezing” of the picture, since the signal is transmitted in a “raw form”, the image is stable, you will not lose sight of anything.
• Installation does not require special qualifications of a specialist. No need to set up hardware.
• Signal transmission range. up to 500 meters without quality loss.
• AHD cameras are much cheaper than IP.

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Advantages of IP video surveillance systems:

• Easy installation of networks, one cable is enough to connect several cameras.
• The presence of a speaker for receiving images with sound.
• Built-in microphone for two-way communication.
• Wireless connection via WI-FI possible.
• PoE availability when the camera is powered and the video signal is transmitted over the same cable.
• If you install only IP cameras, then you can purchase an IP recorder, which is an order of magnitude cheaper than a hybrid.
• If you have a home video surveillance system or you need to monitor one area, then the registrar may not be purchased at all. The IP camera can be connected directly to a computer to view video and store a small amount of information.
• You can connect to the camera remotely, from a smartphone or PC.

What is the difference between analog and IP surveillance cameras?

When choosing CCTV cameras for your home or business, you will hear a lot of talk about the differences between analog and IP cameras. Both types of cameras are suitable for both home use and business security systems. Analog cameras transmit the image directly to the DVR or video intercom monitor. IP cameras (network cameras) transmit images directly to a web server. Which cameras are best for you, analog or network, depends on your individual needs, so I’ll cover some of the differences between the two to help you make your choice.

First of all, let’s talk about the budget, because this is usually the main issue that worries anyone who is going to install a new security system or expand an existing one. Analog cameras are cheaper than IP cameras. The technology behind analog systems is tried and tested, reliable and old enough. about 50 years old. Therefore, these cameras cost less than newer and more technologically advanced IP models.

In general, IP camera models are easier to install than analog ones. They transmit the image directly to a web server, so any cables you may need are likely already routed in your home or business to set up a computer network. Thus, the IP cameras themselves can be more expensive, but the installation and cable costs for analog cameras can offset the price difference.

Besides cost, lighting is another important factor when choosing a CCTV camera. CCTV cameras will not do you any good if you cannot see the image they receive. Analog cameras provide high-quality images under various types of lighting. IP cameras provide better image quality in good lighting conditions.

With that in mind, if you, for example, are looking for cameras for your home security system and don’t want to disturb your neighbors with high-voltage fluorescent lighting around your property, analog cameras may be better for you. If you are looking for cameras for the security system of an enterprise whose territory is illuminated all night, then IP cameras are better for you.

Another parameter is distance. In this particular case, analog cameras will again be preferable for home use, while IP cameras are more suitable for business. Analog cameras provide good brightness, but the image loses clarity with increasing distance to the subject. IP cameras retain image clarity over longer distances, so they are better suited for securing large areas such as parking lots or warehouses.

However, in terms of motion sensitivity, analog cameras are much more stable. These cameras may not provide a clear image over long distances, but they are less susceptible to shaking from strong winds or even earthquakes than IP cameras. The image will be better on a shaky analog camera than on a shaky IP camera.

Sharpness from a distance is not your only concern, however, I often recommend IP systems to my clients who want clearer and sharper images. In this case, the difference in technology plays a significant role, being one of the reasons why IP cameras are more expensive than analog ones. As with photographs taken with a digital camera, the same rule applies here: the more pixels, the better the clarity.

The maximum resolution that an analog camera can currently have is 12 megapixels. An IP camera can have a resolution of up to 30 megapixels, therefore, the image of such a camera will be much clearer. This, of course, increases the cost of the camera.

Let’s take a closer look at the image transmission technology in the case of using both analog and IP cameras. In cases where you see a security guard observing the situation on the monitor screen, most likely, an analog video surveillance system is used. Analog cameras connect with cables to a recording device, such as a video recorder or video intercom, and continuously record and transmit the image to the monitor screen.

An IP video surveillance system can be either wired or wireless, while the image from the cameras is transmitted to the network server. The server can be accessed using any electronic device with Internet connectivity. If you have an IP camera based video surveillance system in your home or business, all you have to do is connect to the server that your cameras are transmitting to, and voila! You get instant access to the image of CCTV cameras from your computer, smartphone, tablet or other mobile device.

CCTV security.

It might sound a little odd to talk about camera safety for security purposes, but let’s get down to it anyway. Analog CCTV cameras transmit the image directly to the recording device. This way of transmitting video data is vulnerable, anyone can access your video.

IP CCTV cameras encode video data before sending it to a network server. This is done for several reasons, including compressing and securing information as it travels over the Internet. Therefore, if you are concerned about the security of video data, then you will probably feel more comfortable using an IP video surveillance system.

As you can see, there are some fundamental differences between analog and IP surveillance cameras. The type of cameras you should choose depends entirely on your individual needs. If you are building a security system for your home and you want a simple, inexpensive option, then an analog system is for you. If you need to ensure the security of your enterprise and you need to carry out video surveillance over a wide area, then an IP solution is better for you.

Functionality and specifications

Cameras that record and broadcast digital video content provide a web server, an interface, and direct integration with the online environment. The information goes through the OSI network protocol (ТСР, UDP, etc.), the images retain the format from the moment the clips are created in the matrix until it is displayed at the recipient on the receiving screen. PC monitor, display of a portable gadget. Most often, content is compressed before being sent. However, there is a technique that transmits it in its original form, including in megapixel resolution up to 1600×1200 and higher.

The cameras do not use the PAL and NTSC standards, so you can adjust the required video frame rate. In modern versions, it reaches 60 per second. Each device has its own IP address, which is assigned upon connection, which allows it to be linked to tablets, smartphones, and remote computers. You can manage the settings via the web interface or, which is many times easier, using specialized software with personal accounts and intuitive forms. such as Ivideon software products.

IP technology is produced by many manufacturing companies. Samsung, Sony, Sanyo, etc. Despite the abundance of varieties, general functional characteristics can be distinguished:

• resolution. more than 30 variations are distinguished according to the feature, from the initial, cheap ones, at 160×112, standard 1280×720 to FullHD and 2048×1536, this is a fundamental characteristic of the camera and a factor in the formation of its price;
• type of communication: via wire, wireless or hybrid method. the first type is cheaper, content is transmitted via cable faster, but there are restrictions on its length (100 meters);
• type of housing design. for outdoor or indoor use, with hidden installation for discreet monitoring of the situation, for regions with extreme climates (in a frost-resistant casing), etc.

Manufacturers release models with useful additional options. The design includes sensors that respond to movement, hands-free microphones, IR illumination for recording video at night, rotary mechanisms, etc.

Recommendations for buying and using IP cameras

Due to the variety of products, it can be difficult to choose it. First of all, this relates to the definition of the type of matrix. CCD models show the maximum light sensitivity characteristics, but they are more expensive than standard CMOS. In most situations, their performance level is not required. Manufacturers are constantly improving CMOS sensors, and their sensitivity becomes almost identical to CCDs.

Ivideon delivers affordable products, free software that greatly simplifies the organization of monitoring. The solutions open up all the possibilities for surveillance, and the IP cameras with pre-installed services are as easy to configure.

Another advantage of IP technology is the ease of viewing and managing video content. It is enough to enter the address of the camera in the browser, having previously connected it at the facility and set up the connection. For stationary PCs, Ivideon Server is provided, for portable gadgets. a special Ivideon Client. Through it, video is transmitted in any, even increased, resolution (additional processor load is possible).

You can integrate different cameras into the system, but if they do not support h.264 compression, or their resolution is higher than 1280×720, the content is recoded upon online request. The same happens if the stream is higher than 1 Mbps. All cameras have one property in common. access to video information directly, via a network IP address. This creates security risks.

How IP equipment differs from analog and web cameras

IP cameras work differently from analog and web cameras and have many advantages over them. With them, distributed surveillance systems are easily configured, scalable, they have an extended range of settings, an optimized video stream.

Unlike analog technology, IP video cameras do not have double signal conversion, they can use progressive scan. Due to the digital standards, the equipment transmits the audio stream in parallel with the video content. They have a high compression ratio, which saves storage space. You do not need a high-performance DVR for operation, the camera functions freely remotely, smoothly, without conflict with the infrastructure.

Compared to webcams, IP models also benefit. They:

• can work autonomously. no need to connect them to a PC;
• open up the opportunity for organizing round-the-clock surveillance. no need to keep the computer turned on 24/7;
• to fully monitor the object, a router and an IP address are enough;
• the transmitted video has better resolution. you can see small details, zoom in on the image many times, etc.

Technique working in digital format puts less stress on the computer processor and does not slow it down. Webcams require significant resources for encoding video information, for the operation of motion detectors. Data from IP video cameras are received after encoding, which reduces the load on the processor. It is mainly increased by the motion detector. the higher the resolution, the number of changes in the frame, the higher it is. The load grows when viewing content from iOS devices. they need their own video format, you have to include additional encoding in the “chain”.

Dangers when connecting IP cameras and how to neutralize them

Direct access to cameras makes the network path to them insecure. Passwords and video content are not encrypted, they are open, and the address is easy to guess just by going through the options. In most cases, due to the settings of local networks, it is not possible to access the recording equipment at intranet addresses directly from the Internet environment.

To transmit content with HD quality, high-speed channels are required, and for wireless broadcasting and working with mobile communications, the speed is significantly limited. Therefore, the transmission of materials from cameras in real time becomes more difficult, as well as video broadcasting for a large number of users. as the audience grows, the load also increases. Ivideon firmware helps to solve these and other difficulties.

Software embedded in IP cameras processes video recordings and encrypts data for security. Also the firmware:

• eliminates the need for direct access to the IP address. starting and receiving points are linked via the cloud service;
• video data is provided once, and not as copies for individual users, and upon request. high-quality broadcast for users is provided by the cloud;
• to send content, you do not need a separate, always-on PC. independent cameras integrated with Ivideon work independently;
• integrating the equipment into the monitoring complex and the Internet network is simple. just get an account and attach a camera to it from your personal account.

What is an Ivideon-enabled IP camera?

With the development of the Internet, more and more equipment appears that uses the capabilities of web communication. Video recording and transmission media are no exception. The IP video cameras created for this broadcast them via an Ethernet cable or wirelessly. via Wi-Fi or 3G / 4G. Access to them is configured through computer networks, and they record video in digital format and in high quality. For the primary processing of video information, software packages are built into the cameras. they are “stitched”.

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How does an IP camera work, what is it and where is it used? Equipment that records video content in “digital” is installed, first of all, in control, security and surveillance systems. It is an advanced monitoring tool. highly configurable, technically “advanced”, easy to use. This is how they organize:

How to use Ivideon solutions

To connect equipment with pre-installed software, you must:

• connect the purchased camera by reading the instructions;
• register an account to use your personal account;
• in your personal account, add IP equipment in the “My cameras” tab. in the wizard you need to enter the name and MAC address and follow the instructions, after which the camera will appear in the form (you can also use the QR code);
• complete the procedure. after that, access to all functions will open.

The service is also installed manually on a number of cameras. You can get information about them, as well as about the installation of software and the possibilities of Ivideon solutions from the company’s consultants. We will show you what an IP camera means and which one is optimal in your case. Support center staff are available online. Write to us by e-mail or call the phone numbers listed on the website.