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IP vs CCTV Systems

Choosing between IP and CCTV Systems in Tampa is important for businesses. When visiting potential customers, we are frequently asked what the differences are between these types of systems and which is better. Below we review, in an unbiased manner, the pros and cons of IP and CCTV systems. Tampa-based Surveillance Technology firmly believes the type of system should be determined by the business’s specific environment and needs.

CCTV Systems Pros

Less Expensive: In most cases a quality CCTV system is les expensive than an IP system for two primary reasons: The equipment itself and in many cases if you have an older CCTV system in place the cable will not need to be replaced. The new Hybrid systems are also backwards compatible so the customer may upgrade cameras as their budget allows.

Security: Most DVR (Digital Video Recorder) based systems use an embedded Unix operating system, this makes them very secure as they do not have the same vulnerabilities as windows based NVR’S (Network Video Recorder). Additionally, CCTV cameras do not have IP addresses so they can not be accessed directly or hacked over the internet. Each camera is directly connected to the DVR with a Siamese cable

Network Traffic: Since CCTV cameras are not on your network they do not utilize any network bandwidth, the only time CCTV systems use bandwidth is when a user logs into the DVR to view the cameras or to perform playback remotely

Stability: CCTV system are very simple and thus are extremely stable in most cases as long as they have power they will be recording footage even if you network goes down.

Resolution is getting Better: The newer hybrid DVR’s boast H.265 compression which is about 60% more efficient than the old H.264 which has allowed the industry to release CCTV cameras in resolutions from 1080p all the way up to 4K UHD all over your old siamese cable

CCTV Cons:

Analytics and Intelligence: Currently only IP systems offer analytics such as people or vehicle counting nor do CCTV systems offer intelligence such as trip lines which can then trigger another camera to follow a would be perpetrator

Resolution: Currently CCTV cameras have a maximum resolution of 3840 X 2160 better know as 4K, while IP cameras have a maximum resolution of 5472 X 3648 and boast 20 megapixel images sensor for crystal clear digital zoom

Specialty Cameras: CCTV systems do not offer 360 or 180 degree cameras that can be flattened via software to offer a variety of views

Check out our recent Tampa CCTV Systems Client Success Stories:

Plant City Police Department – IP Bullet Security Camera Plant City
Rosa Valdez Early Childhood Learning Center and Lab School – Surveillance Security Company Tampa
Habitat for Humanity Restore – CCTV Security Camera System Tampa
Eye Associates – CCTV Surveillance System Tampa

IP Systems Pros

Higher Resolution: IP Systems are currently available in resolutions up to 5472 X 3648 with 20 megapixel CMOS sensors

Analytics and Intelligence: With higher end IP systems the customer can use analytics to determine traffic patterns in designated areas for both pedestrians and vehicles. Additionally customers can also setup advanced notification systems to inform them if a person or vehicle has entered a specific area which can the trigger a PTZ camera, for example, to follow them through the covered areas

Specialty Cameras: IP systems can utilize both 180 and 360 degree cameras, these cameras can take the place of up to 4 individual cameras with only one Ethernet cable,. Additionally these cameras can be custom configured to provide a verity of views and view styles.

Cabling Cost: If you are starting from scratch Ethernet cable is about half the price of 95% copper siamese cable

IP System Cons:

Expensive: A quality IP system that incorporate the advanced feature described in this article can easily cost 2 to 4 times more than a CCTV system

Bandwidth: Because IP camera systems are installed on a network they can easily bring your companies current infrastructure down to a slow crawl. Even if you setup a separate network just for your surveillance cameras the amount of bandwidth required for a 4K camera is approximately 16 megs per second per camera even with H.265 compression. Remote viewing and play back can be even slower and even frustrating.

Latency: All IP cameras compress the cameras video image at the camera in an attempt to reduce the amount of bandwidth required. Because of this function the viewer will experience a delay from when an object actually crosses the cameras field of view verses when that same object appears on your viewing monitor, in some case as much as three seconds lapse.

In conclusion it is our experience that CCTV systems are the better choice for most surveillance applications, however there are definitely applications where the advance features of IP systems are required.

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  • Our Customer Reviews
    Franco RomeroFranco Romero
    16:09 28 Apr 22
    Recognized as a Historic Landmark Resort in the St Petersburg downtown area, we were looking for the best in the surveillance camera and equipment system business. We talked with Luis from Surveillance Technology Inc, and seemed like the right choice for us. He was very professional, honest, promised us prompt response and even took the time to walk the entire property. I am so happy that we choose his company for our surveillance needs and professional advice. Luis has been with us since 2021 and has made several installations. The results have all been outstanding clear picture, easy viewing and storing.I would like to especially point out an installation done this week at our Marina. His wonderful techs led by Jaime, performed a cable installation where a "dinghy" had to be used. Fighting hightide and waves they managed to install approximately 1 mile of cable and deliver the best video viewing on all cameras. I will recommend Luis and his company to anyone looking for surveillance equipment hands down.
    John SmithJohn Smith
    16:32 09 Feb 22
    Alan and the guys did another fantastic job. Highly recommended and very professional. Our tech Jame did a excellent job ! very happy
    Yvonne SveYvonne Sve
    18:24 16 Sep 21
    Our Association was very impressed with the installation and quality of our new security camera system. They did everything they said they were going to do and when they were going to do it. Professional staff that did their job with no fuss or mess. We are happy to recommend them.
    Jeanette WeissJeanette Weiss
    16:08 13 Sep 21
    Although very busy, this company sent out their technicians within a reasonable amount of time.. The technicians Jamie and Josh were very professional and friendly. Jaimie identified and rectified my problem I had with on line visualization of the camera views and playback. He also assisted with making sure our phones were able to bring up the same views. One hour later....done. PLUS I received a call the next morning to answer any questions I may have had. Thank you!!! BTW,, Louis is the person that answers the phone and is extremely helpful and phone friendly with curteous professional communication. KUDOS
    Doug DeLozierDoug DeLozier
    14:27 04 May 21
    Ordered a system and it was installed on the date promised with everything working as promised. Great work getting it done on time.
    MarcMarc
    15:44 25 Sep 20
    Well done Luis, Jamie, C.J. and Josh! You all made a complex surveillance system installation look easy. That's the genuine sign of professionals. Keep up the great work! AAA Storage - Englewood, Florida
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