An Internet protocol camera, or IP camera, is a type of digital video camera commonly employed for surveillance, and which, unlike analog closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras, can send and receive data via a computer network and the Internet.
IP Security Cameras & IP Video Servers
IP security cameras and IP video servers are connected to an IP network using an Ethernet connection / CAT-5 cable. IP cameras and video servers have built in web servers so that the surveillance video that they transmit can be viewed directly from the camera over the Internet using a web browser, such as Internet Explorer. There is no need for a DVR or video capture card in order to broadcast the surveillance video over the Internet. IP video servers, also known as network video servers turn any CCTV camera (with a standard BNC output) into an IP based network camera (Ethernet output).
IP surveillance
What is IP surveillance?
IP surveillance is a digitized and networked version of closed-circuit television (CCTV). In an IP surveillance system, an IP camera records video footage and the resulting content is distributed over an IP (Internet protocol) network.
Digitization offers a number of benefits over traditional analog CCTV, including:
- Improved search capability.
- Greater ease of use.
- Better quality images and no degradation of content over time.
- The ability to record and play simultaneously.
- The ability to compress content for improved storage.
Adding networking capability to digital CCTV provides additional benefits, including:
- Improved ability for remote viewing and control. Anyone on the network can potentially see video from any camera connected to the network.
- IP storage makes it possible to store data in any geographic location.
- Greater ease of distribution. An image of a crime suspect, for example, can be immediately distributed to officials.
- The ability to connect to email and other communications systems so that alerts can be sent automatically.
There is a growing industry trend towards replacing analog CCTV with IP surveillance systems.
Learn More About IT:
> This Motorola white paper discusses the benefits of IP surveillance.
> Barbara Darrow writes about the opportunity IP surveillance creates for VARs.
> This Axis Communications white paper discusses migrating from CCTV to IP surveillance.
> Andrew Hickey reported on IP surveillance catching criminals in New Orleans.
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