What is an IP video security system?

IP video cameras broadcast their video as a digital stream over an IP network. Like an analog system, video is recorded on hard drives, but since the video is an IP stream straight from the camera, there is more flexibility as to how and where that video is recorded. The DVR is replaced with an NVR (network video recorder), which in some cases is just software since it doesn’t need to convert analog to digital. Video footage can then be stored on new or existing network RAID drives as directed by the NVR software.

How do IP Surveillance Cameras Work?

There are essentially two types of IP Wireless Home Monitor camera operating systems; centralized and decentralized. Centralized IP systems require an NVR (network video recorder). The NVR is a program that records video in a digital format to a hard drive, flash drive, or other storage device. Decentralized IP camera systems do not require an NVR because each of the cameras has built-in recording capability and can record directly onto digital storage media. All data recorded by the IP camera can be accessed from anywhere using Internet access.

Analog, closed circuit cameras are unable to send and receive data. As opposed to transmitting video over a video cable to a traditional monitor or television, audio and video are transmitted via a data connection. IP surveillance cameras have the capability to do all of the same things as a closed circuit system with analog video, with the added benefit of remote viewing. Because these systems can be as complex or as simple as needed for security or surveillance purposes, they are just as effective in a private residence as they would be in a large office building.

Why IP Surveillance Cameras?

There are a number of benefits to using IP surveillance over other closed circuit systems. In addition to the digital nature of the recording media, the cameras offer practical advantages over the alternative closed circuit security systems. These benefits are further detailed next.

* Easy plug and play
* Higher Image Quality and adjustable frame rate
* Digital recording does not decrease recording quality over time even with playback
* Multiple camera operation and addition from one remote location
* High compression offers easy storage and transfer to numerous forms of media
* Instantly transmits images to any location in the world through remote or shared viewing via the web
* Easily encrypt digital images for security. Add updates and extras with simple software upgrades

Types of IP Surveillance Cameras

① Decentralized vs. Centralized IP Cameras
Centralized IP cameras are a network of linked security cameras; however, they are only the eyes of the security system because a central video recorder that all the cameras link to handles video recording. Central storage ensures that the security footage remains safe even if the camera is damaged or stolen.

On the other hand, decentralized IP cameras are stand-alone recording devices. Each records the video stream in a local storage medium, such as a hard drive or thumb drive. Decentralized storage ensures that there is very little chance of losing all surveillance and security footage at once.

② Wired vs. Wireless IP Cameras
Wired IP cameras are linked to local computer networks or the Internet via Ethernet cables. This allows the cameras to use maximal network bandwidth and ensures a steady and stable connection. Wireless home cameras are connected to the network by Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Because they are wireless, these IP cameras can be used to survey a wider area than wired IP cameras, and they are easier to install, but the connection is not as reliable.

③ Fixed vs. PTZ IP Cameras
Fixed IP cameras are network cameras placed in fixed positions. Therefore, they have fixed viewing directions and angles. A fixed network camera is, therefore, used to survey the same area of a property without ever panning away. Although they are fixed, these cameras may also be equipped with different lenses to enhance their functions.

On the other hand, a PTZ IP camera can pan, tilt, and zoom using either manual or automatic controls. This wide range of motion allows one camera to conduct surveillance from different directions and multiple angles, which makes it ideal for continuously tracking an object of interest and zooming to investigate.

④ Day and Night IP Cameras
This type of IP camera is used to provide all-day surveillance. During the day, the camera functions like a regular IP camera and produces full-color images. At night, it employs infrared light to see in the darkness and produces black-and-white images.

⑤ Megapixel IP Cameras
A megapixel IP camera is equipped with a high-resolution lens to produce detailed images. The minimum resolution of a megapixel IP camera is 1280×1024 pixels. This camera requires significantly higher bandwidth and storage capacity than a regular network camera in order to transmit and store its HD images and videos. These cameras come in handy when users regularly need to review surveillance tapes for details.

Home Security Applications

IP cameras can be used at home for personal use, whether it’s monitoring the liquor cabinet or the front porch.  Their uses are nearly endless.  Since some cameras are only a few inches long, they are easy to place in many spots:  on a shelf, beside a computer, on a counter, or even a windowsill.  The latter may be especially appropriate if there has been a rash of thefts in the area.  Parents with young children need to get out of the town once in a while, and they will often hire a nanny or babysitter.  That’s a perfect time to use a small camera for home surveillance.  If anything goes wrong, the parents can watch the footage and quickly get to the root of the problem.  When a teenage girl starts dating a boy the family doesn’t know, her parents may have some concerns.  While they may not want to embarrass either teenager with their presence, they may want to have a hidden camera in the living room or a bedroom– just in case.

Your safety is important to us. For the best affordable, high quality security cameras, visit us online at www.jimilab.com. To speak with us directly, you can email us, our staff is always ready and willing to help.