Mega-Pixel Security Cameras

Video surveillance has made tremendous advances in the last five years.  One of the significant advances is in IP video surveillance.  IP or internet prootcol has revolutionized video surveillance in several different respects.

  1. Quality.  IP cameras are able to achieve resolutions of 8 mega-pixels or more.  That is higher than high-definition TV and 100 times the standard resolution (320×200) that many CCTV systems support.  This resolution is extremely valuable for two types of applications.  First, any application where detail is important, like point of sale, facial recognition and licence plate recognition will benefit from the ultra high resolution.  Second, One IP camera can provide the same coverage as more than 10 traditional cctv cameras in applications where large areas are to me monitored like warehouses and factories.
  2. Simplicity.  IP cameras can utilize existing IT infrastructure for connectivity.  This reduces the expense and speeds installation.  Many can also utilize POE or Power over ethernet so that separate power is not even required by the cameras.
  3. Analytics.  IP cameras also benefit from advanced analytics.  That means that complex processing can be done like tying cash register transactions to video, tracking people and vehicles, reading license plates, and much more.
  4. Evolution to IP.  There are several products that are helping client migrate to IP.  Hybrid DVRs can terminate a combination of IP and analog security cameras so that you can leverage your existing investment and tailor the system to leverage the benefits of both technologies.  Cat 5 transmission is now possible on analog cctv cameras which means that you can use ethernet cabling for analog cameras today and then reuse it for IP cameras in the future.
  5. Cost.  The cost Of mega pixel systems continues to drop and is now between 2 and three times the cost of traditional systems, but with far greater performance, depending on the application.

In conclusion, IP cameras are a remarkable tool for many applicaitons, but traditional analog cameras are rugged, reliable, and cost effective, so they’ll likely be around for years to come.

Tony Thurman

SHIELD Security Systems | 7111 W. 151st Street, Suite 30 | Overland Park, KS 66223 | (913) 667-7500