CCTV is an “Analog” Video Surveillance system
A CCTV camera is an analog video camera that transmits video over coax cable to a single central location for monitoring, recording, and analysis.
While the current trend is IP network cameras, CCTV cameras are still widely used, and offer a cost-effective answer for many common surveillance systems.
CCTV technology has been around since the 1940’s, and has been a primary video surveillance system option since around 1970.
The two primary types of CCTV cameras are fixed cameras and pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) PTZ cameras can rotate horizontally and vertically to cover more area.
Pros and Cons of Analog Surveillance
Pros of Analog CCTV:
♦ Lower up-front cost – Analog cameras usually cost less than IP network cameras.
♦ Wide-spread compatibility – Mixing and matching Analog CCTV camera models and surveillance equipment from different manufacturers is relatively easy with an analog CCTV security camera.
Cons of Analog CCTV:
♦ Expensive cabling – Analog CCTV cameras require Coaxial and sometimes other more complicated cabling schemes that can be expensive and challenging to install.
♦ Limited features – Many of the advanced features now available with IP cameras (for instance: megapixel resolution, digital zoom, and video analytics), aren’t available in analog CCTV models.
Components of a CCTV Video Surveillance System
♦ Digital Video Recorder (DVR)
♦ Cable (Coaxial)
♦ Monitor (Viewing station)
♦ Cameras (Fixed & Pan/Tilt/Zoom – PTZ)
Digital Conversion Effects Image Quality – Analog CCTV systems usually use a DVR for recording/storage. This allows the analog signals to be digitized for recording and delivery over the network.
A DVR solution can be a cost-effective alternative to IP video, and provide users with benefits such as digital storage and remote accessibility. However, there are drawbacks such as a drop-off in image quality. It’s harder to retain image quality with CCTV because of the various analog-to-digital conversions that take place from the camera to the DVR.
A DVR-based solution can still be a good option for users looking for a lower-cost Video Surveillance system.
ECS is an Authorized Video Surveillance Reseller located in Seattle, WA & Portland, OR.
ECS provides local technicians for on-site work installing and servicing a variety of voice/data equipment, ie; Avaya Aura Servers, Gateways, Voicemail, Telephones, Firewalls, Ethernet Switches, Low Voltage Cabling, CAT5e/CAT6, Fiber, Circuit Extensions, Wireless Networking, Video Surveillance, Point of Sale, Overhead Paging, etc.
ECS provides services in Washington & Oregon, primarily in the greater Seattle & Portland areas.