The Difference Between IP and CCTV Camera Systems-
Cameras, camera systems, and “closed-circuit television” CCTV systems are everywhere these days and are of interest to just about everyone. From doorbell cameras that show you who is (or was) on your front porch, to amazing cameras that record license plates, provide facial recognition, or even read your temperature, there is something for every purpose and price point. Consumers want to know the real differences between wireless and wired cameras, so let’s delve into that.
Wireless and Wired Cameras-
All cameras, for example, require power – so will that be a battery, PoE (Power over ethernet), or plugged into an electrical outlet or power supply? Externally supplied power for cameras involves running a wire from the installation site to an available electrical outlet, or PoE switch, which can be daunting for the average homeowner. Even cameras advertised as “wireless” often have a power wire – the ‘wireless’ refers to the Wifi nature of the network connection. If poorly installed, the wire can be easily cut and detract from your home’s appearance. What about battery power, then? Proceed carefully here: batteries must be replaced, and therefore if you used a ladder to install, you must use a ladder to change the batteries. If you install a battery-powered camera in a busy store or café, you will be on that ladder very often! If the battery-powered camera is exposed to harsh weather, which will also limit battery life. Commonly, these cameras are poorly maintained over time, resulting in nothing but much of a decoy in the end.
Some IP cameras connect wired or wirelessly with your network, allowing you to receive video clips to your smart device. One drawback of clips is that the clip may not record the moment in time you desire. You might get a clip of someone approaching your home but not of them riding away on your bicycle. A monthly subscription fee will give you more recording and storage, while a free app will be limited and may eventually be unsupported.
Can wireless cameras work without the internet?
Some models store the recording right in the camera. Storage is limited to card size and can fill up fast, mainly if installed in a busy area. This is also a lower price point option, with the drawbacks being that the video evidence walks away with the camera if the thief takes the camera with him/her as they sometimes do. And why wouldn’t your camera be mounted out of reach if possible? Because a battery-operated, locally recorded camera means that you frequently need to access it, which is a deterrent to selecting a problematic location. Cameras and camera system designs require careful consideration of the benefits and drawbacks. Again, the choices you make upfront have a significant effect on future satisfaction with those choices.
What are the modern advantages of CCTV and IP –
While it’s evident that IP means access from any smart device, short or longer cloud storage, and the possibility of adding notifications, CCTV refers to wired cameras recording to a central device such as an NVR or DVR. The storage room is extended, video is more customizable, The device can be located in a secure location and managed by your IT team member.
The price point increases when a professional installation is included. But even ‘professional installation’ has wide parameters. A lower price point might mean drilling straight through your exterior wall to your living room and dropping the power wire down your wall to an outlet. Not aesthetically pleasing, but the fine print didn’t warn you about this, did it? A true professional installation will see the wires hidden as best as possible.