Why the Big US Manufacturers Never jumped Into IP Cameras
There are many reasons why the big US manufacturers never jumped into IP cameras. One big reason is that their distribution networks are made up of installers, who were against the change to digital and didn’t want to be left out of business.
Consider how your facility uses cameras when choosing the right model for your needs. You might need night vision, for example, or PoE capabilities for your system.
High-Definition Video
IP cameras are basically computer devices that send data via a network. As such, they offer a number of advantages over their analog counterparts. They can produce high-resolution footage, provide onboard video analytics, and support a wider range of network protocols.
They also have a greater theoretical bandwidth capacity than analog CCTV systems. That said, the maximum amount of video an IP camera can process is actually tied to its incoming network bandwidth—and this can limit your overall surveillance capabilities.
Generally, IP cameras require a wired network connection to function. Wired connections are considered the most secure and stable, as they’re less susceptible to interference or hacking. However, cellular networks can also be used for remote access.
Most modern IP cameras feature a digital signal processing system that improves image quality. Samsung, for example, has developed a unique algorithm that reduces noise by buffering frames and comparing groups of pixels. This helps to eliminate smearing caused by moving objects.
Home security systems that use IP cameras are gaining popularity in countries like the US and China. Leading players in this sector include Nest, Ring, and Arlo. These systems are designed to be easy to install and manage, with minimal maintenance requirements. Many of these systems are built around a central hub that can handle multiple doors, as well as integrate with other parts of a facility’s security ecosystem.
Motion Detection
Motion detection is a common feature of security cameras that allows the system to record only when movement is detected. This saves both storage space and power consumption for the camera.
Many models offer this function as an option that can be turned on or off from the device’s app, allowing for flexibility. Motion detection is usually wireless ip camera company done by comparing frames of video to detect differences. If the change in frame is attributed to body heat (which it often is, depending on where the sensor is placed), it will trigger the camera to start recording and alert you to the event.
One of the biggest issues with this form of detection is false positives. Trees blowing in the wind, extreme shifts in lighting, and other factors can confuse the camera into thinking there is movement when it’s not. Several manufacturers have implemented options for mitigating this, such as the ability to mask out areas of the scene to tell the camera to ignore activity there.
Another option is to choose a PIR (passive infrared) sensor instead of a CV (contrast velocity) sensor. While both will be able to trigger an alarm when someone is moving nearby, PIR sensors are more sensitive to body heat, avoiding the problems caused by other factors. In general, PIR sensors tend to be more effective at reducing false alerts than CV-based systems.
Storage Options
There are a few ways to save IP security camera footage. Options include SD cards, cloud storage, FTP, and NAS. Each has its pros and cons, but the best way to store your videos will depend on your needs.
A popular choice is cloud storage. Cloud-based storage is a great option for businesses as it allows for offsite monitoring and unlimited archived data. However, it does require a reliable internet connection and a substantial amount of space.
Another option is to use a personal FTP server on your computer. This requires some technical knowledge, but it is a cost-effective solution for primary storage. You can use a program like FileZilla to turn your PC or Mac into an FTP server that your cameras can upload video and snapshots to continuously or when motion is detected.
Lastly, some cameras come with built-in storage. This can be useful for light-duty applications, such as public transport vehicles, where you may want to record commuter-related events for a limited period of time (8 hours). The built-in storage will be encrypted and stored locally, and it can be accessed through an app or a web browser. Choosing the right storage option for your business will help you to protect your property and keep your employees safe.
Flexibility
The flexibility of IP cameras provides plenty of scope for designing a system that meets specific needs and environments. This freedom translates to the ability to change camera numbers and locations as needs shift after installation.
Additionally, the flexibility of an IP camera system allows for a choice of power WiFi Camera options. Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in portable electronic devices but they are not suitable for IP cameras because they require a constant and reliable power source to operate continuously. IP cameras are best powered through external power adapters or PoE (Power over Ethernet) connections, which provide a stable power supply and eliminate the need for battery recharging or replacements.
While bandwidth bottlenecks are a possibility with IP video surveillance systems, they can be avoided by implementing a well-designed system that understands limits and is configured in a way that doesn’t cause network congestion. Features like motion detection and event-triggering functionality can help reduce bandwidth requirements by only recording video when activity is detected.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in Tampa, Florida, has shifted to a completely IP-based system and expects to purchase around 2,000 cameras from Axis over the next five years. The organization is primarily using megapixel cameras, which deliver a better image resolution than its older analog cameras and can help prevent wrongful arrests. The sheriff’s office is also implementing built-in motion sensing and pre-alarm and post-alarm recording to conserve disk capacity.
