IP Video Surveillance
What is IP video surveillance?
There are three primary types of IP video surveillance.
The first type, closed circuit television (CCTV), is where video surveillance is used to monitor an area for security purposes and can be recorded by a DVR. The second type, open circuit television (OCT), serves the same purpose as CCTV but requires that all cameras are connected through a central area for recording. Access to the recording is typically limited and centralized, as opposed to most CCTV systems which are 'private'. The final type, network video recorders (NVR), can be considered a sub-category of OCT that offers more functionality. NVRs often include features such as cloud integration, analytics capability and support for public network standards such as ONVIF and RTSP.
CCTV has been used for over half a century primarily to monitor areas such as parking lots, hallways and other locations that require little interaction from visitors or passersby. The cameras capture the scene through an infrared spectrum and enable observation in low light conditions without changing settings. It is worth noting that while CCTV has been in use for a relatively long time, it is also one of the least advanced forms of video surveillance. Due to the highly specialized nature of video surveillance equipment and footage, hardly any meaningful enhancements have been made since its inception.
Yet another type of IP video surveillance includes open circuit television (OCT). OCT can actually be considered a combination of both CCTV and NVR, since the cameras used are DVR-based but can then communicate to a central recording device that is either an NVR or another type of OCT. Connectivity from camera to central unit is generally conducted over coaxial cable rather than a standard network connection.
CCTV records in a specialized format that is typically proprietary to either the manufacturer or a specific system. The NVR, on the other hand, records in a standard video format such as AVI and MP4. The use of open standards allows users to view footage from any system using a common player without having to install additional codecs for decoding proprietary formats. This flexibility also makes it easier to integrate CCTV equipment into a larger video surveillance system.
Network video recorders (NVR) are similar to OCT except that they can be expanded beyond the single recording unit typically found in OCT systems. NVRs include media server functionality, allowing multiple users to access recorded footage from anywhere around the globe. This cloud integration also makes it possible for users to quickly share recordings, as well as set notification preferences based on events recorded by IP cameras.
Video analytics functionality is typically found in either OCT or NVR systems and can serve a number of purposes. It can be used for purposes such as intrusion detection, motion detection and line crossing. The most advanced form of video analytics is facial recognition which can be used to identify persons of interest in real time. While this is still a relatively advanced technology, many companies are already investigating its potential for surveillance applications.
How IP surveillance works?
IP surveillance is a system that uses cameras to capture footage of an area and records it onto a computer. Unlike traditional surveillance systems, IP surveillance systems record the footage onto a computer, meaning that the footage can be accessed from anywhere in the world. This makes IP surveillance the preferred option for businesses and organizations that want to keep track of what is going on in their premises.
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An IP surveillance system consists of a camera and a recorder. The camera captures the footage and sends it to the recorder, which stores it on a computer. The footage can be accessed from anywhere in the world by logging into the computer that is storing the footage. This makes it easy for businesses and organizations to keep track of what is going on in their premises, no matter where they are in the world.
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IP surveillance is a more secure option than traditional surveillance systems. Traditional surveillance systems record the footage onto videotapes, which can be easily stolen or lost. IP surveillance systems record the footage onto computers, which are much harder to steal or lose. This makes IP surveillance the preferred option for businesses and organizations that want to keep track of what is going on in their premises.
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An IP surveillance system is also a more cost-effective option than traditional surveillance systems. Traditional surveillance systems require cameras, monitors, and videotapes, which can be expensive. IP surveillance systems only require a camera and a recorder, which are much cheaper. This makes IP surveillance the preferred option for businesses and organizations that want to keep track of what is going on in their premises without spending a lot of money.
