Camera systems for recording and monitoring areas of risk are part of our daily lives. There are a variety of choices available these days that can be overwhelming at times, but can ultimately be defined as three types of CCTV systems.

Analog:

Recording of images based on the original concept of magnetic media. Although the initial comparison would appear to be perhaps misleading, the system records video somewhat like a VCR where actual images are converted into data directly at the recording appliance.

Analog CCTV camera systems are still widely used today, and still provide a useful platform to view areas that may be of concern on a property. As the existing wiring is already in place, the replacement of end devices can at times be a preferential method to upgrade an existing analog CCTV system. The medium is still highly efficient due to ongoing support and development in the marketplace, and the same wiring can be used when upgrading the cameras and recording devices to provide the best analog imaging available.

HD-TVI:

HD-TVI is a high-definition video signal that is delivered across standard coaxial cable. This transmission format allows the end user to upgrade their existing camera system to digital imaging without the additional cost of replacing the existing wiring. This format will currently support camera resolutions of up to 1080p. Like their analog counterparts, HD-TVI cameras from different manufacturers can be connected to the same DVR. As always, the industry continues to evolve and progress is being made to increase the maximum supported resolution beyond 1080p.

IP / Network:

IP cameras are computers, and transfer images directly from the image sensor into ones and zeros: Data. This information is sent down the Network cable to a recording device that stores the images. The advantage to these type of system are many: Increased resolution, enhanced image processing and simultaneous viewing from independent streams to name a few. IP cameras use the same methodology as HD Television, but more and more cameras these days actually exceed the resolution of even the highest HDTV using an HDMI interface.

IP Camera system technology has been evolving at such a fast pace that systems today are now as affordable as the relative analog counterpart, and make for a better experience for the end user. IP Camera Systems are essentially an independent Local Area Network with a number of computing devices attached to together that can be accessed from other computers and devices connected to the World Wide Web. Imaging can be recorded in a secure area on site, but could also be directly passed over the Internet to a remote location for storage and playback if required.