FUNDAMENTAL KNOWLEDGE OF ANALOG AND IP CAMERAS
Trantech Security Wholesaler’s initial training courses provide basic knowledge for security beginners who perhaps do not have a high level of past practical experience with CCTV installations – In particular, understanding the fundamental differences between analogue-based systems and IP systems. We emphasize that understanding the security system you are working with, is crucial to determining how to use it. Although both systems’ fundamental purpose is to capture security footage, the hardware and cabling used between the two types are quite different
Therefore, as highlighted in our first training course, an installer first needs to work out how to decide: “Should I be quoting an analogue-based system or IP system?”
Even if the end-user does not know the fundamental difference between the two, as a competent installer, the responsibility lies with you in gaining their trust by demonstrating your knowledge and providing the most appropriate solution.
1. SIMILARITIES
Before jumping into the differences between analogue-based cameras and IP cameras, the fundamental points that any security installer must remember (regardless of the type of camera system being used) include.
A. Field of view
The field of view is determined by the lens size of a CCTV camera and is something that most security installers forget about. We have provided a detailed table below, to help you understand this important information. A professional security installer must know in each area of the end-users premises, which lens should be used to achieve the best result.
For example, the front yard of a typical Australian residential house is more suitable for a 2.8mm lens, as it provides a wider field of view to help capture any intruder(s) and unexpected objects, yet still wide enough to capture an overall view of the whole yard. Meanwhile, if there is a requirement to install a camera on the side of the house (e.g., a side walkway), ideally a camera with a 3.6mm lens should be opted for. This lens will help focus on objects in greater detail at the far end of the walkway, and at the same time will not be too wide of an image that it captures the house next door.
| Lens Size | Horizontal Angle (degrees) | Vertical Angle (degrees) | Diagonal Angle (degrees) |
| 2.8mm | 96 | 79 | 110 |
| 3.6mm | 81 | 64 | 95 |
| 6mm | 53 | 41 | 64 |
| 12mm | 28 | 21 | 34 |
B. Zoom options – Optical zoom vs Digital Zoom (Motorized vs Fixed-lens cameras)
This function is available on certain models of cameras, both analogue-based and IP system. The main advantage of an optical zoom camera (motorized) is that it provides the benefit of being able to electronically adjust the lens size (mm) to adapt to different scenarios where the angle of view requirements may change. Comparatively, digital zoom (fixed lens) only allows you to digitally enlarge the image, resulting in a lower quality, more pixelated image.
2. DIFFERENCES
Now that we have identified the two main similarities between analogue-based and IP cameras, we can now focus on the main differences between them. In short, analogue-based cameras are the original and conventional type of cameras used in CCTV systems. Effectively, the camera transmits a video signal to a VCR or DVR, usually via a coaxial type cable. IP cameras are entirely digital-based cameras that transmit an IP video stream via CAT5E/6 cable, to be stored on a network-based recorder (NVR). There are also hybrid recorders, which accept video signals from both analogue-based, and IP cameras.
A. Video quality
IP cameras generally provide a higher quality image than a standard analogue camera. This makes an IP camera more suitable for facial recognition and/or license plate recognition, especially when capturing at high distances. Even though the overall image quality of analogue cameras tends to be lower than that of IP cameras, they tend to perform better in low light situations, as the lower resolution sensor allows for more light to enter.
B. Resolution
Generally, the resolution provided by digital cameras is 6 to 20 times that of standard analogue cameras. The range of a standard analogue camera is usually anywhere from 420TVL to 700TVL. IP cameras can provide video resolution from 1.3MP all the way through to 12MP for encoding and compression streams. This allows more detailed images in both narrow and enlarged observation areas.
C. Transmission media
Traditional analogue cameras function over coaxial cable, whereas IP cameras additionally can be used over UTP (CAT5E or CAT6), coaxial cable using IP-Coax converters, and with additional hardwire, wifi.
D. PoE capabilities
One of the advantages of IP cameras is that they are powered via ethernet (POE). This eliminates the necessity for camera power supplies to be used and means that both the video stream and camera power source and transmitted via one type of cable. Older analogue cameras cannot be operated with POE.
E. Wireless
In areas where wiring is too difficult or too expensive, network wireless IP cameras can be a very practical solution. Wireless technology can also be used in buildings that cannot be wired, such as in some historical or heritage-listed sites.
F. Distance
Analog cameras can transmit video through twisted-pair cables with a transmission distance of up to 1.5kms, while coaxial cable transmission distances can reach 300 meters. However, as the distance increases and the signal is converted from one format to another, analogue broadcasting loses image clarity. IP cameras can transmit a network video stream, therefore a maximum transmission of approximately 100m between the IP camera and NVR applies. Since the images are digital, they are 100% clear when converting between long distances and different formats.
E. Intelligence and manageability
IP cameras provide intelligent network and remote-configuration functionality. You can send the image and different parts of the image to different recipients simultaneously. You can perform other tasks, such as sending a notification to a smartphone when motion is detected.
H. Ease of installation
Analog cameras can require more cabling than IP cameras. For example, they can require a separate cable to control pan, tilt and zoom functions. If there is audio, an additional cable is needed. An analogue camera may require three separate cables: power, audio, and video. IP cameras can receive power, video, audio, PTZ control and control signals through a single CAT5E/6 cable.
I. Security
Analog cameras are more susceptible to security breaches because it is possible to physically intercept the signal and can steal tapes and recording equipment. The analogue video signal is also unencrypted. It is difficult for IP cameras to intercept data, as the stream is encrypted and compressed before transmitting it through network signal to the NVR or server, and are also VPN supported.
J. Reliability
Analogue CCTV cameras have existed for more than half a century and have a long history of reliability. The IP system has built-in security through encryption and data compression. Although backup systems can be installed, they are as reliable as the network is.
K. Expandability
Compared with analogue cameras, IP cameras provide higher expandability and scalability due to their wiring requirements being less complex. However, it is still possible to use the existing wiring infrastructure by migrating to IP cameras using converters and extenders.
L. Costs
Although the price of IP cameras continues to fall, IP camera systems are considered more expensive because the cost of manufacturing IP cameras is higher than that of analogue cameras. However, due to the lower cost of cables and recording equipment, the total cost may be lower than expected. By using extenders and media converters to install IP cameras in the existing wiring infrastructure, costs can also be further reduced.
TRANTECH SECURITY TRAINING SESSION BENEFITS
It is inevitable that installers will have faced numerous unexpected issues on-site or when trying to achieve the trust of their end-users. The good news is there’s always room for improvement. A training program allows everyone in the industry the opportunity to strengthen their skills and knowledge. This helps ensure that each individual installer is can achieve the best end result with their installations, day in and day out without difficulty. With proper training and development, Trantech’s experts believe that your weaknesses can turn into strengths and your end-users will be thoroughly impressed.
In our first training session, we provided useful knowledge, advice, real products for attendees to practise with. We always want you to understand not only the core knowledge but also be able to configure the products yourself, which is our target to walk you through your challenges and win the project with you.
Not only do we feature products for attendees to help customers familiarise themselves with during our training sessions, but also a real practising room for attendees with computers, cameras, and NVRs. By that, we create a real site environment for attendees to “play” with these products, giving them the ability to ask so many questions related to real site experiences.
At the conclusion of the first training session, the importance of training just can’t be overstated; our attendees were extremely pleased with the knowledge they attained via this training, especially the one-on-one benefit to help attendees understand the products in detail.
If you are ready to experience the benefits of CCTV training and deliver the service, advice and results that your end-users expect and deserve, our Trantech training sessions would be of great benefit to you.
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We feel these are a great addition to complete any security system and one of the best proactive solutions you can invest in. Trantech Security Wholesaler is proud of being the top wholesaler that provides useful knowledge to all readers, which bring benefits for both customers and the security community.
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