IP camera, its features

It is the IP-type cameras that are gaining special popularity. They can also have a different name, for example, Wi-Fi cameras. The princIPle of operation of the camera is quite simple: the image captured by the camera optics enters the CCD matrix, after which it is differentiated into an electrical signal.

All IP cameras have a separate:

• IP server.
• IP addresses.
• Network interface.

Such cameras are capable of working and transmitting information using a local network, as well as using an Internet connection. The advantage of such a device is the ultimate autonomy, no need to purchase and install additional equIPment. The only thing that must be of high quality and reliable is the data transmission line cable.

Having your own static address allows you to receive information from the camera from anywhere in the world where there is access to the Internet. Depending on the design and operation of the camera, there are:

• External.
• Internal.

External ones are distinguished by a set of those functions that are able to protect devices from the effects of weather conditions. moisture, wind, low temperatures. In addition, outdoor cameras have a set of protection against mechanical impact and vandalism.

Indoor cameras, which are installed indoors, do not have such a set of protection, which explains the low price position. Most of them transmit images in HD quality. The design and appearance of an IP camera may differ, which determines their functionality and intended purpose.

There are several types of IP cameras:

• Hull. The most common cameras, which have a rectangular protective case. They have a low price.
• Compact. They differ in their small size and ability to work with a wireless connection, via Wi-Fi. Applicable where there is a need to install them in a hidden place, for example, in banking structures.
• Dome. They have a special shape of the camera, which is very difficult to damage or pull out from the installation site. Ideal for locations where there is a risk of damage to the surveillance system.
• Cylindrical. Made in the form of a cylinder, which has fasteners in the form of brackets.
• Swivel. Such IP cameras can rotate the view, which is carried out remotely.

Any IP cameras can be additionally equIPped with microphones, night light, motion sensor.

How an IP camera differs from an analog one: descrIPtion and differences

The era of digital technology provides a lot of opportunities for humanity. The advent of modern devices makes life much easier and more comfortable. In addition, the level of security has increased significantly. This is due to the ability to install various surveillance systems. Cameras are present on the streets, in public places, and also serve to protect private households. The most popular are analog and IP cameras.

Analog cameras, features

Analog surveillance cameras are devices that convert an image through a light flux that enters through a lens and is transmitted through a coaxial cable. Connection is via RCA or BNC connectors. The stream is read by connecting the tape recorder to the monitor.

Depending on the purpose and design, analog cameras can be:

• Street. Designed to work in an external environment, they have a special design and a protected case. External cameras EquIPped with IR illumination, high focal expansion, night mode. They can be of various sizes, miniature, domed or cylindrical. Small cameras usually give black and white images.
• Internal. They are used for observation inside the house, as a rule, they do not have a night mode, are less light-sensitive and are cheaper. Can be made in a small case, which can be used for flush mounting.

What is the difference between an IP camera and an analog one?

Both types of cameras do an excellent job of fixing both outdoors and indoors. The difference is the connection method. Analog devices transfer information directly to the reproduced tape recorder with subsequent display of the image on the monitor. IP cameras can send information to the server, they are more expensive, but they are easier to install than analog ones.

Reliability level

When digital equIPment is used, the replacement of faulty elements is significantly less than when using an analog solution. With the help of standard network tools, it is quite easy to organize a backup system and duplication of the communication line. Twisted-pair power supply makes it much easier to organize backup power.

If analog equIPment fails, then replacement is only possible with similar equIPment. Unable to create duplicate or backup entry.

Data access

IP surveillance can be closed or open. The user becomes able to flexibly manage user rights, you can always browse online from anywhere in the world using an application or a standard browser. All data has secure access, so a third party will NOT receive the data. In analog surveillance systems, remote viewing is very limited.

Quality

Image in IP cameras will not lose quality during storage or transmission. In addition, when using an IP camera, the quality is much higher and the detail will certainly please. In analog surveillance cameras, the recording quality is generally worse than the image quality of surveillance cameras.

System Requirements

Everything that is necessary for the operation of network surveillance is integrated into the IP cameras, you just need to connect the surveillance camera to the network. Recording, viewing and administration can be carried out absolutely from any computer. For the analog surveillance system to work, you need to connect to the multIPlexer via coaxial cable, DVR and analog monitor.

Processing in equIPment

Digital surveillance cameras have various functions that improve the quality of the image, as well as automatically handle alarms, how often to change frames, etc. In analog observation of such possibilities In fact, there is, or is organized too primitive.

The main differences between analog and digital surveillance

Connecting a remote camera

The user can easily mount a remote camera, which is located at a great distance from several hundred meters to one hundred kilometers using standard network devices. Wi-Fi, modems, optical communication lines. During this time, the image quality will not change.

If the cameras are more than a kilometer away, installation will be difficult. It is necessary to use only specially designed expensive equIPment. At this time, the image quality drops significantly.

Monitoring system launch

If the IP surveillance is correctly formed, then it starts working immediately or will NOT start working at all, so you will know exactly what to do. In the case of analog equIPment, interference may occur, and it will be quite difficult for you to determine what the problem is. Digital surveillance uses digital data transmission methods, which are NOT subject to pickup and interference, and the coaxial cable is subject to strong electromagnetic interference. There is a possibility of interference.

Openness and compatibility level

The digital surveillance camera equIPment is BASED on an open standard, which allows the installation of equIPment from different manufacturers in the same surveillance system. An analog surveillance system is a closed technical solution that is aimed at using specific equIPment.

Signal transmission features

To transmit the signal, analog cameras use a classic coaxial cable with an impedance of 75 ohms. Such cables have long been laid at all objects that have a surveillance system, which will be a plus when upgrading the network, if old analog cameras are replaced with the same, but more modern, high-resolution ones, since you do NOT have to replace cables with twisted pair. But these cables carry an analog signal, which is very sensitive to electromagnetic interference. At the same time, let’s NOT forget that the maximum length of one segment of a twisted pair cable used by digital cameras should not exceed hundreds of meters. A coaxial cable of good quality allows you to transmit a signal at a distance of up to four hundred meters, and if there are signal transmitters in the network, at a distance of up to a kilometer, or even more.

Another burning issue is delays. IP cameras require broadband Internet access to display real-time images, and there is NO way to completely eliminate the possibility of packet delays. Analog cameras are devoid of such a drawback, there are no delays in them and cannot be. At the same time, the communication channel is always stable, while due to the overload of the local network, some frames from digital cameras may be lost, which, in fact, leads to display delays

Standard definition is a thing of the past

Manufacturers are gradually moving from standard definition to high definition. Modern monitors have long been able to view a picture in FullHD resolution, therefore, outdated analog cameras of D1 and 960H standards (704×576 and 960×576 pixels, respectively) look inappropriate. Security equIPment manufacturers are currently offering three new high definition analog surveillance standards. These are HDCVI, HDTVI and AHD.

Useful

We recommend watching the plot in connecting analog surveillance from a charming expert.

Distance

As mentioned above, digital cameras are able to broadcast a signal over a long distance only if there are switches installed every 100 meters. Analog devices can transmit images over twisted pair for several kilometers. Additional features of IP systems include:

• A large number of programs for image analysis;
• Unlimited system scalability;
• Remote access via the Internet.

When choosing a monitoring system of one type or another, you should decide on the range of tasks that this system should solve.

Analog or digital?

It is worth starting with the fact that the definition digital observation does not accurately reflect how THESE systems work. Rather, they can be called IP or network.

Why are analog systems needed?

If the whole world is going digital, are outdated cameras and related equIPment really needed? Will I forgive you to immediately switch to figure? These systems are needed and in demand. over, they will remain in demand for a long time. There are millions of analog surveillance systems deployed around the world today. All of them are installed on the basis of cable infrastructure using coaxial cable.

Digital cameras DO NOT support cable networks, so it will NOT work to upgrade the system by simply replacing cameras with digital ones. you will need to change all equIPment, which is equivalent to a complete installation of a surveillance system from scratch. In contrast to digital cameras, modern HD analog cameras work perfectly with the old cable network and allow you to upgrade any analog system with little blood. Just replace the coaxial cable with a twisted pair cable, which is required for digital cameras. The second important point is that analog systems have a number of fundamental advantages over digital.

Features and characteristics of cameras

The characteristic difference of this type of equIPment is its simplicity of design and lower cost in comparison with IP cameras. The world’s leading manufacturers produce many models, differing in size, shape, type of rotary instruments, lens and hardware. In the princIPles of operation and the device of cameras, we suggest reading here.

The main task of any analog camera is to convert an optical image into a signal. This is a key element of any such system, the reliability and quality of which the effectiveness of security directly depends on. In modern models, specialized CCDs are used for signal conversion. In monochrome, the cameras are sensitive to visible and infrared radiation. The main characteristics of the devices are:

• Signal standard used.
• Picture resolution.
• Minimum illumination level (sensitivity).
• Brightness range width.
• Signal transmission distance over cable.
• Ability to transmit sound and control signals via cable.
• Power consumption and supply voltage.
• Type of shell.
• Availability of additional functions.
• Reliability and simplicity

Unlike digital systems, analog versions are easier to use, install and configure. Most of the kits already have preset operating parameters by default, therefore DO NOT require the presence of a specialist to configure the software. The simplicity of systems can be called their main advantage over digital options.

Security personnel do not need to undergo additional training, and the system itself is immediately ready to work after connecting. The reliability of the equIPment lies in the fact that problems with a working computer, local network or the Internet will have little effect on the performance of the system, allowing you to continue to monitor the object in any situation.

Briefly about new standards

All modern standards for high definition analog signal imply the use of monitors with an aspect ratio of 16: 9 and resolution HD 720p and Full HD 1080p (1280×720 and 1920 × 1080 respectively). Compared with the old D1 format (704×576), the image with HD 720p resolution is 2.3 times better in quality, and Full HD is more than five times superior. It is obvious that the transition to new analog cameras is economically and technically justified. Cameras with modern resolution allow you to view details that were not available to the old analog CCTV models:

• Car numbers;
• Human facial features;
• Banknote denomination;
• Other small details.

It should be said that the market is developing very dynamically and therefore the not too high price of cameras of the new standard contributes to it. It is not much higher than the cost of old CCTV cameras. Sometimes the are even comparable. It is also important that some manufacturers have failed to monopolize the market for modern analog cameras by registering patents and other actions. Open standards are actively developing, so any design solutions are available to everyone and are inexpensive.

Installation and adjustment. Cable requirements

The installation process is quite laborious as a separate connecting line is required for each camera. The maximum line length depends on the type of cable, its quality and the type of system. In theory, in CCTV surveillance systems, the signal can be transmitted up to 300 meters. Modern standards HDCVI, HDTVI and AHD allow signal transmission over coaxial cable up to 500 meters. In the case of using a twisted pair UTP CAT.5e, the distance ranges from 100 to 150 meters.

The analog signal is quite dependent on the level of interference, so it is difficult to get a good quality image on too long lines.

Coaxial cable is more susceptible to interference than twisted pair cable. This is worth considering if the surveillance system is installed in rooms with a high level of interference, for example, in a production.

Analog surveillance has a very high reliability, since the software part is contained only in the display (recording) device. Hanging pictures, image delays and dropped frames are rare. The overall reliability of the entire system is directly dependent on the hardware component.

Scaling an already built system can be too expensive, since in addition to additional cameras, it may be necessary to increase the image registration channels. If there is no channel reserve, this will result in the purchase of a new recorder or an additional computer input board (for CCTV systems).

No special preparation is required to install and configure a small system. It can be mounted independently in the country, in an apartment or in a country house. Materials and equIPment have a fairly affordable cost, and if necessary, you can even choose a budget version of the system.

Disadvantages of the IP system:

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

Advantages of AHD surveillance systems:

• There is freezes pictures, since the signal is transmitted to raw, then the image is stable, you will not miss anything.
• Installation does not require special qualifications of a specialist. Any need to set up equIPment.
• Signal transmission range. up to 500 meters without quality loss.
• AHD cameras are much cheaper than IP.

Complain about a comment. Cons of AHD system:

• A hybrid recorder is required for the operation of the equIPment, 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.

comparison table

Let’s summarize what is the fundamental difference between IP and AHD surveillance cameras:

Connecting multIPle cameras via one cable to the DVR

Goes to the registrar bunch cables

You need a highly qualified installer to install and configure IP cameras

No camera setup required

The camera can work independently

A registrar is required

The picture may freeze

Image is transmitted stably

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

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

Installing surveillance cameras in an office is not as easy as it sounds. AHD cameras are much cheaper than IP cameras and this is often cited 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 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 Surveillance System Based on your needs. To monitor different areas requires cameras to perform different functions, so DO NOT listen when they say that one system is better than another. The installer will suggest the best option for installing equIPment suitable for your surveillance site.

45 comments

How IP cameras differ from AHD

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

Advantages of IP surveillance systems:

• Simple 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.
• Wi-Fi wireless connection possible.
• PoE when the camera is powered and the signal is transmitted over one 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 surveillance system or you need to monitor one site, then the recorder can NOT be purchased at all. The IP camera can be connected directly to a computer to view and store a small amount of information.
• You can connect to the camera remotely, from a smartphone or PC.

Add a comment

Connecting multIPle cameras with one cable.

In general, a pretty good article for beginners, in fact, if you take it globally, then IP vs AHD is distinguished only by the place of signal processing, the processor on the camera in IP and the processor of the recorder in AHD. You can add a transfer method.

Basically the moments about okay and connecting via one cable have already noted.
I will add that I have repeatedly seen moments when a lot of twisted pairs from each camera came to the security room in the hub, and from it to the router and recorder, that is, on small objects, IP does not differ in any way from AHD.
No adjustment is required only for the simplest AHD. no one has canceled the lens and OSD settings.
Poc PoE analog. Power over Coaxial
An analog camera can also work independently if it is connected to an intercom or to a TV. But the functionality will be, but different.

= GreatBeart Ugh!
So 500 m. 2500 rubles. Optics, SC connectors (4 or 2 double?) Well 80-100 rubles.
Converters 1500 rub.
Sockets or machines for power supply converters (suddenly). 2 pcs. RUB 300.
Uncoiling 4 points. 400 rubles.
Optics boxes. 2×200. 400 rubles.
Oh yes! You won’t leave converters and boxes lying around on Armstrong or in the open air?
Boxing 300x220x120mm for example 800 rubles.
Power cable type PVS. n meters and rubles.
I do not take into account the corrugation and fasteners.

Total 5600 rubles power cable, fasteners and corrugation. Forgotten nothing?

Coaxial cable ZhK-75. 7-10 rubles. / M.
2 BNC connectors. 30 rubles.
3500 cable 30 = 3530 rubles. All.
Mount 2 connectors. priceless.

And yes, now the pitfalls:
Not a single self-respecting specialist with equIPment will go to uncoiling 2 connectors. As far as I remember, start from hundreds of points, exit price, etc. Otherwise it is unprofitable.
You can have a specialist and equIPment that costs half a lam of wood. you pay a specialist salary at least if you did not spend on his training, and the price of equIPment, suddenly, also adds to the cost of laying the line and falls with each new point, so that boldly multIPly the price of optics (implicit) by 2. And do not forget the salary of a specialist.
Of course, you can rent equIPment. it will be cheaper, but for a one-time job the coefficient will be higher.
This does not mean yet that for laying optics the skill of the installer must be higher than for laying coaxial. at some bends and bends, it does not say already, and in a simple broach you can get to replace the line.

Total 3500-4000 g Against, um, 10-12 thousand rubles.
Obviously?

Greatbeart
Stick your kilometers, you know where. I’m just having fun arguing with you. In your experience, I can only judge by bragging without a single figure or argument. It all started with simple frieze and justification:
A contrived plus. the permissible length of the cable section is greater than that of the copper sections of IP CCTV systems. Contrived because no one canceled the optics and it has long been worth a penny.

Something I was distracted. so your cameras WILL NOT work at this distance either, because. Indicate what they eat you did NOT bother.
But I will. because I either laid 220 lines from the nearest point, or used the existing network. This is anyway better than 12/24 V line at this distance.
Or use a cable solution you’ve never heard of HighP Fiber Optic Cable® (type U-DQS (ZN) BH)

What is the difference between analog and IP surveillance cameras?

When choosing surveillance cameras for your home or business, you 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 recorder or doorphone 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 take a look at some of the differences between the two to help you make your choice.

The cost.

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 cameras are easier to install than analog cameras. They feed the image directly to a web server, so any cables you might need are likely already routed through 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 reduce the price difference to comments.

Lighting.

In addition to cost, lighting is another important factor when choosing surveillance cameras. Surveillance cameras will NOT do you any good if you can NOT 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 do NOT 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.

Distance.

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 maintain 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 compared to IP cameras. The image will be better on a shaky analog camera than on a shaky IP camera.

Definition.

Sharpness from a distance is not your only concern, however, I often recommend IP systems to my clients who want a clearer and sharper image. 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.

Image transmission.

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 guard observing the situation on the monitor screen, most likely an analog surveillance system is used. Analog cameras are connected by cables to a recording device such as a recorder or intercom, and continuously record and transmit the image to the monitor screen.

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

Security cameras.

It may sound a little odd, talking about the safety of cameras for security, but let’s get down to it anyway. Analog surveillance cameras transmit images directly to the recording device. This way of transferring data is vulnerable, anyone can get access to your

IP surveillance cameras encode the data before sending it to the network server. This is done for several reasons, including compressing and protecting information when transmitted over the Internet. Therefore, if you are concerned about data security, then you will probably feel more comfortable using an IP 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 the enterprise and need to carry out surveillance over a large area, then an IP solution is better for you.