CCTV Cameras: IP vs. HD

When it comes to choosing the perfect surveillance equipment for your business or property, there are several factors to consider. With surveillance technology improving, CCTV camera IP systems and HD-over-coax security systems now dominate the industry.

With both video options offering enhanced HD surveillance, excellent storage capacity, remote viewing capabilities, and other features, these are the two primary options for a new installation or upgrade. If you’re looking for a security camera system, here’s are the differences you should know about.

IP Security Systems

Higher Image and Video Quality

IP security systems operate over CAT 5 or CAT 6 ethernet cables, allowing them to deliver exceptional image quality. The highest resolution systems operate on this system type. Today, most IP cameras deliver 1080p, 2K, or even 4K Ultra HD resolutions. You can get cameras with specs ranging from 2 to 8 megapixel (MP) to meet your surveillance needs. CCTV camera IP systems are the best option for areas where maximum visual clarity is needed, as well as where you need more coverage using a single system.

Costs Have Gone Down

While IP camera systems tend to be more expensive than HD-over-coax cameras, their costs have gone down significantly. Additionally, you may need fewer IP cameras to cover a larger area due to clarity at greater range. The initial cost may be high, especially when you’re switching from an analog system. However, you can scale and customize your system as needed.

Ease of Installation

CCTV camera IP systems only need one cable for transmitting power, video, and audio. This makes installation much easier than HD-over-coax systems that need wiring for both transmitting power and video and audio. More advanced power over Ethernet (PoE) technology today makes it possible to focus and even zoom IP cameras remotely from anywhere, at any time.

Compatibility

IP cameras require video recorders that will communicate with each security camera model. Every time you add a new IP camera, you have to be sure that the network video recorder (NVR) supports that particular model. NVRs can support different numbers of security cameras, also called channels.

Intelligence and Analytics

CCTV IP camera systems with network video recorders offer more advanced surveillance intelligence capabilities and analytics that can be used to improve security and monitoring. Today’s network video recorders allow each camera to be individually customized to provide the level of monitoring needed. The IP cameras can be programmed to detect motion, send alerts when something happens, set off alarms, and even identify faces and license plates.

Security

IP surveillance videos can be encrypted so that they are difficult to intercept. On the other hand, the networks used to connect the cameras may become targets of cyberattacks. Since each camera, the network video recorder, and the devices are connected via a network, digital security may be a worthwhile investment. With the right security measures in place, CCTV camera IP systems should be a reliable option for monitoring your assets.

HD-Over-Coax Systems

Image and Video Quality

These security systems have tremendously improved in terms of video quality and resolution. HD-over-coax systems deliver 720p, 1080p, and 1520p resolution over BNC coaxial cables. These HD cameras are 3-5 times clearer than older, standard analog systems. Most offices or commercial buildings with previous surveillance installations already have the cable infrastructure needed in place. Upgrading is typically just a matter of switching out cameras or recorders.

Less Expensive Overall and Affordable to Maintain

HD over coax systems are easy to run. Unlike CCTV camera IP systems that are attached to your business network, HD-over-coax systems won’t be affected by potential network issues. No IP addresses, programming, software, or IT skills needed.

Compatibility

Any HD-over-coax camera can plug into any digital video recorder made by CCTV Security Pros. There are no compatibility issues to deal with when changing either the DVR or HD-over-coax cameras. Most digital video recorders are hybrids, as they can have seamless communication and management with both IP and HD-over-coax cameras on a common software interface.

Installation is Easy

HD-over-coax technology can transmit distances of 500+ feet over coaxial cable. When you’re upgrading from an older analog system, you don’t need to replace the existing cables, and there’s no networking needed for HD-over-coax system installations, making this option easy to install. This technology is cost-effective, offering HD surveillance at a reduced cost compared to CCTV camera IP systems.

Security

Unlike IP surveillance systems that are reliant on connected networks, HD-over-coax systems are physically connected via coaxial cable, making them resistant to cyberattacks or viruses. The only way to interfere with the functionality of the system is by physically accessing the specific devices like the cameras, cables, or digital video recorder.

Shop Commercial-Grade IP and HD-Over-Coax Systems

Whether you’re looking to upgrade to the latest IP surveillance system or want to switch from an analog to an HD-over-coax system, CCTV Security Pros brings you commercial-grade security cameras and systems that you can count on to secure your property. With our complete CCTV camera IP systems and HD-over-coax security systems, you can easily watch your IP camera footage live and review past video on your PC, smartphone, or tablet without paying any monthly fees.

You can also set your security cameras to record 24/7, on a schedule, or by motion detection. Browse our online store to choose a complete system or upgrade your security system with IP or HD-over-coax cameras. You can also call 888.653.2288 to speak with an expert about the best cameras and system type for your property.