IP cameras, or network cameras, are the latest trend in surveillance technology and are rapidly surpassing the older analog cameras used in most surveillance systems. Simply put, IP cameras use digital imaging and network communications to send video footage straight to your computer from any location. This means you can set up cameras anywhere you please -anywhere in the world- and monitor the camera or cameras from the comfort of your own computer.
How do IP Camera’s Work?
An IP camera is basically a computer that takes pictures. Each camera has its own Ethernet connection chip, CPU, memory, and input/output interfaces, so it’s essentially a fully functional part of the network.
Once the network camera captures an image, it converts the image to digital format and sends it via Ethernet to a remote network computer, where authorized users can view, store and manage the video footage. The camera’s CPU and I/O interfaces make it programmable and bi-directional, so you can send commands and information as well as receive images.
Benefits and Features
As an integrated security system, IP cameras are cost-effective and convenient. Because network cameras come with most of the necessary equipment built in they cost less to install, run and maintain -no expensive cabling, no complex infrastructure and -if you’ve already got a communications network- you just need to configure it to your existing system.
Network cameras also have many advanced security features. You can opt for motion sensors, integrated audio, and on day/night cameras, removable infrared filters for sharper colors by day and clear black-and-white footage by night. Encrypted signals allow for secure communication and I/O ports enabled you to directly control the camera’s pan/tilt/zoom capabilities, monitor alarms or even speak through the camera intercom-style. You can also program the camera to operate selectively, telling it when to turn on, which information to send and to whom.
Network Cameras vs. Analog Cameras
Network cameras have several advantages over analog cameras. First of all, as mentioned before, they require less equipment and excess wiring -especially if you want to include audio- and are therefore more convenient and less expensive to install and maintain. Second, because they connect via Ethernet, they draw less power and cost less to run. Performance-wise they’re more versatile and offer more features than uni-directional analog cameras. They also provide higher-resolution images that are better suited to computer viewing. While the network camera itself may be more expensive than an analog camera you save more on energy, maintenance and peripheral equipment in the long run.
Of course, you can find cameras of all types on our site. Network/IP cameras, Pelco's Sarix technology equipped cameras, standard box cameras, PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom), even lower priced cameras from Midcam.
How do IP Camera’s Work?
An IP camera is basically a computer that takes pictures. Each camera has its own Ethernet connection chip, CPU, memory, and input/output interfaces, so it’s essentially a fully functional part of the network.
Once the network camera captures an image, it converts the image to digital format and sends it via Ethernet to a remote network computer, where authorized users can view, store and manage the video footage. The camera’s CPU and I/O interfaces make it programmable and bi-directional, so you can send commands and information as well as receive images.
Benefits and Features
As an integrated security system, IP cameras are cost-effective and convenient. Because network cameras come with most of the necessary equipment built in they cost less to install, run and maintain -no expensive cabling, no complex infrastructure and -if you’ve already got a communications network- you just need to configure it to your existing system.
Network cameras also have many advanced security features. You can opt for motion sensors, integrated audio, and on day/night cameras, removable infrared filters for sharper colors by day and clear black-and-white footage by night. Encrypted signals allow for secure communication and I/O ports enabled you to directly control the camera’s pan/tilt/zoom capabilities, monitor alarms or even speak through the camera intercom-style. You can also program the camera to operate selectively, telling it when to turn on, which information to send and to whom.
Network Cameras vs. Analog Cameras
Network cameras have several advantages over analog cameras. First of all, as mentioned before, they require less equipment and excess wiring -especially if you want to include audio- and are therefore more convenient and less expensive to install and maintain. Second, because they connect via Ethernet, they draw less power and cost less to run. Performance-wise they’re more versatile and offer more features than uni-directional analog cameras. They also provide higher-resolution images that are better suited to computer viewing. While the network camera itself may be more expensive than an analog camera you save more on energy, maintenance and peripheral equipment in the long run.
Of course, you can find cameras of all types on our site. Network/IP cameras, Pelco's Sarix technology equipped cameras, standard box cameras, PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom), even lower priced cameras from Midcam.
