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10 Reasons to Switch to IP-based Video for Security Systems

If you are currently using analog cameras for your security system, it’s time to consider upgrading to newer IP cameras. They offer a host of benefits that analog cameras can’t match!

Here are the top 10 benefits of IP-based security video:

1.     Easy to Install

IP cameras are easy to integrate into your existing data network.

Only one cable is needed per camera to provide power, video, and data. And, if you have Power over Ethernet (PoE) you won’t even need a power outlet near your camera.

Furthermore, most IP cameras offer installation options that make the initial setup simple.

2.     Fully Integrated

Analog PTZ cameras require a separate cable for the audio, the power, the video, and controlling the pan, tilt, and zoom.

IP cameras need only one cable for audio, power, video, and I/O. They’re less costly, more flexible, and have a greater potential for integration.

Here are a few other integrated features you can achieve with IP cameras:

  • Entrance control using the input or output ports
  • Two-way audio so the operator can speak to the person in front of the camera
  • Use audio for detection

3.     Easy to Scale

As your needs grow and technology changes, you will want a security system that is easily scalable.

As discussed above, IP cameras use far less complex cabling than analog cameras. That means adding new cameras is less costly and more straightforward.

Furthermore, installing new intelligent plugins extends the functionality of IP cameras. You don’t need to install new equipment or deal with limited selection available from a single vendor.

IP camera surveillance is easy to expand, both in terms of infrastructure and functionality.

4.     Lower Total Cost

IP-based security systems have a lower total cost of ownership. This is because they require less labour costs, less expensive equipment, and less complex infrastructure.

With less cabling infrastructure, equipment, and cameras, your maintenance costs over time will also be lower.

5.     High Resolution

IP-based cameras have higher resolution than analog cameras. Images are up to ten times clearer!

You can choose the aspect ratios of IP-based cameras, allowing you to cover larger areas and wide scenes, or improve the focus of the image and capture more detail in faces.

6.     Crystal Clear Motion

Analog cameras use interlaced scanning. They scan lines with odd numbers on the first pass, then lines with even numbers on the second. Next, they combine these two passes into one image. However, this leads to blurry final images if motion occurs between the first and second passes.

IP cameras use progressive scanning. The whole image is scanned on every pass, showing a final image that is crystal clear despite any motion.

Ip Security7.     No Degradation of Quality

Images from IP video feeds are truly digital, meaning they won’t degrade in quality – like analog video will – if they are transported long distances or converted to different formats.

One IP camera can provide simultaneous streams of different parts of the image in multiple locations at once. This lowers bandwidth and storage costs. You’ll also cut down on installation and maintenance costs, because you won’t have to install as many cameras.

8.     Camera Intelligence

IP cameras are designed to be intelligent.

For example, an IP camera may have built-in motion detection, allowing it to trigger an event when it senses movement. This may be calibrated to an entire area or as “cross line detection” where the event is triggered only when objects move across a specific virtual line.

The beauty of IP-based video security is that new functionality can be added as it becomes necessary, or as innovative technologies are introduced. You just need to install the latest application.

9.     Built-in Security

Your security system should be, well, secure! IP cameras allow you to encrypt the video feed to protect from third-parties and set up multilevel user access control to control who sees what.

Analog cameras are less secure, as the feed lacks encryption and authentication. The video can be tapped into, altered, or replaced by a third-party more easily than with IP-based cameras.

10. Keep Pace with New Opportunities

IP-based security systems can adapt to the latest technology, taking advantage of new opportunities and rising to meet new challenges.

>> Activo offers robust IP-based security systems to meet the needs of any facility or business. Contact us now to discuss our surveillance technology systems.

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