CCTV - Analog vs IP.

Hi everyone!

Along the years of CCTV installation, the commonly asked questions & comments made from our customers are:

1. I heard that IP CCTV is the latest technology. Is it good? I want that.
2. In IP CCTV, everything runs through the Internet network. This means is able to view remotely. I want that.
3. IP CCTV can be wireless. Therefore, no cables is required and less hassle. I want that.

Due to such questions asked and comment made, we would like to take this opportunity to share with you all a little bit of professional experience, or rather, our take on this.

Analog CCTV has come a long way since the beginnings. Its technology has continuously been developed from using VCRs as recorders, recorders with multiplexers to current age of HD CCTV over coaxial cables, power, OSD control, PTZ control and so on.

IP CCTV evolution started in the 90s' with the intention of video transmission over network, providing the flexibility to conduct surveillance on any PC in LAN till today's technology of possessing the ability to input video intelligence and all other functions.

Is IP CCTV really good for your applications? Not necessarily.

Whatever IP CCTV can do, analog CCTV is able to perform most of the functions as well, including providing HD resolution at a LOWER COST!!

Summary of our sharing -

 Advantages of analog CCTV

• lower cost.
• easy to use, install & setup.
• perform the same functions as IP CCTV, mostly.

Disadvantages of analog CCTV 

• unable perform video intelligence functions
• integration with building management system is weak.

Advantages of IP CCTV

• Able to perform video intelligence such object tracking, foreign object notification, missing object notification, people and/or vehicle counting, licence plate recognition, etc.
• Able to integrate with other systems in the building with correct source codes to form an integrated building management system.

Disadvantages of IP CCTV

• High cost, especially higher with the inclusion of video intelligence functions.
• More time required on configuration setup.
• more likely to face latency issues if network management is not properly done.

Our take: Choose analog CCTV for higher stability and lower cost since it can do whatever IP CCTV can do mostly. IP CCTV will serve you well if your building requires a high level of security and integration.

For more detailed consultation, please feel free to call us at +65 6100 1323. Cheers!