HD-Analog 4K dome camera
IP 4K dome camera
Are IP based security camera systems better than HD-Analog based systems? No not necessarily, it depends on the application. Let’s first step back in time. The initial technology for security camera systems or CCTV was Analog based. The video quality was very poor. IP based camera systems then came along but not until an improved compression method (H.264) was adopted that allowed Mega Pixel cameras did the video quality improve. HD-Analog based systems then came along and replaced the initial Analog systems. The first generation of HD-Analog systems called SDI had many compatibility issues with cameras and recorders. The second generation HD-Analog systems have eliminated the compatibility issues and provide full HD quality video. Today’s HD-Analog security camera systems have increased resolution of 5 MP and 4K. Initially the most technology features were built into IP cameras and network video recorders. Today many of these technology features are available in HD-Analog based systems and the feature gap is narrowing.
IP based security camera systems provide the most resolution options available today and the most technology features. Cameras encode/digitize and compress the analog image and send video via computer network technology to a network video recorder for storage. IP cameras send IP packets to the NVR just like your computer communicates to other computers. IP cameras resolutions start at Full HD 1080p or 2 Mega Pixel (MP) and increase to 4MP, 6MP, and Ultra HD 4K or 8MP.
HD-Analog based security camera systems provide budget conscious consumers high resolution with standard technology features. Cameras send analog video to a Digital Video Recorder where the video is encoded/digitized and compressed for storage. HD-Analog cameras send an analog signal to the DVR similar to how you get your cable TV signal to your Full HD or Ultra HD TV. Since HD-Analog cameras do not have an encoder built in, they come at a lower cost than comparable IP cameras. Resolutions start at Full HD 1080p or 2MP and increase to 5MP and Ultra HD 4 K or 8MP.