Potential advantages of IP cameras
 IP Camera | |
| Media type | Internet Protocol |
|---|---|
| Encoding | MJPEG and MPEG4 |
| Capacity | 30+ frame/s |
| Developed by | Axis Communications |
| Usage | video transmission |
Some of the most commonly cited advantages of IP-based video surveillance as compared to analog CCTV summarized in this section.
[edit]Cost advantages
- Reduced system cost and added functionality due to general-purpose IP networking equipment infrastructure.
- Lower cost of cabling in large installations (CAT5einstead of RG-59 coaxial cable).
- Reduced space requirements in large (many camera) CCTV setups because video switching and routing is done via computer and does not need physically large and expensive video matrix switchers.
[edit]Flexible image format
- Support for a variety of image resolutions including both standard analog CCTV resolutions (CIF, NTSC, PAL, andSECAM) and megapixel resolutions.
- Capability for digital zoom of high-resolution megapixel images.
- Progressive scan (versus interlaced scanning). Note that not all IP cameras operate in progressive scan mode. Progressive scan allows still images to be removed in better quality from a video feed. This is particularly true for a fast moving target, in which case interlaced scanning will introduce shutter-blind artifacts.
- Ability to select specific frame rates and resolution for each camera in a system.[8]
- No additional video encoder hardware is required to convert analog video signals into digital data for recording onto hard drives.
- Choice of video compression codec such as Motion JPEG, MPEG-4 Part 2, or H.264.
[edit]Extensible network infrastructure
- Convergence onto new or existing IP cabling infrastructure, including sites with multiple buildings.
- Ability to use Power over Ethernet allowing for one cable to handle power and data.
- Capability for deploying with a wireless bridge.
- Ability to use legacy coaxial cables with appropriate converters.
- Ability to use fiber optic links with appropriate twisted-pair to fiber converters.
- Transmission of commands for PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) cameras via a single network cable.
- Simple to add one camera at a time to the system.[9]
[edit]Greater functionality
- Wireless allows the camera to be placed just about anywhere.
- No limit on resolution inherent in standard analog video formats. Megapixel cameras can far exceed image detail from conventional CCTV cameras.[10]
- On-camera automated alerting via email or file transfer in response to video motion detection or dry-contact alarms.
- Password lockout of unauthorized personnel to prevent viewing images or altering the camera configuration.
- Support for different streaming media and compression formats to relieve transmission bandwidth and data storage requirements.
- Encryption of camera control data and audio/video data.
- Support for new embedded intelligent video motion detection (video analytics) with shape recognition and counting applied to objects, people, and vehicles.
- Integration of video surveillance with other systems and functions such as access control, alarm systems, building management, traffic management, etc.
- Remote configuration, diagnostics, and maintenance.
- Future-proof installations with field-upgradeable products due to the ability to upgrade camera firmware over the network.
