Home Video Surveillance Types of Video Security Systems

Types of Video Security Systems

There are many different types of video security systems, and they vary widely from place to place based on camera age and the security needs of the system’s owner. A video security system consists of a camera and a recorder – and these elements may be analog or digital, or a hybrid of digital and analog technology. What your company needs depends on your resources and security issues.

Analog security systems, also called CCTV (closed circuit television) consist of a series of analog (film) cameras connected to a central analog recorder (usually a modified VCR connected to a television) by coaxial cable. CCTV systems have been popular for years among banks and retail shops, and are probably the most popular form of video security. Cameras capture footage from their locations, and transmit it via the coaxial cable back to the recording and monitoring unit where they may be recorded and stored. Analog video security systems have been used for years, but are starting to become outdated as digital technology advances. While they have been extremely reliable and useful for many businesses, they require extended maintenance and storage, and also have higher repair costs than their digital counterparts.

Digital security systems, which use IP (internet protocol) cameras and a digital recorder (either a DVR, digital video recorder or an NVR, network video recorders) are relatively new to the world of video security. Unlike CCTV or film security cameras, IP cameras do not require the same level of maintenance or upkeep. Digital video security systems may be wired (connected to the recorder by Ethernet cables), or wireless (connected through an 802.11N or MIMO wireless network), and footage from these cameras is stored digitally on a server, recorder or computer hard drive. IP video security systems provide much higher quality footage than analog cameras, and sorting, storing and recalling older footage is much easier than with CCTV systems. However, digital systems are initially very expensive, which makes them prohibitive for many companies who could benefit from their security. Like most other developing technologies, though, their prices should decrease over time as supply and technology increase.

Hybrid video security systems consist of a system of analog cameras connected to a special video recorder which digitizes the footage so it may be viewed and stored on a digital recorder. Hybrid systems are popular among businesses that have used CCTV systems for years. However, since the resolution of analog cameras is much lower than digital security cameras, footage is usually as not as high of quality as that from a digital system. Also, while a hybrid security system seems like an easy fix, it’s just a temporary solution – a digital security solution is ideal.

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