The Basics

The fundamental elements of any video security or include one or more cameras which connect to a central recorder or server where video may be viewed on monitored real-time, and/or recorded electronically, for playback and review. Video security systems can have real-time monitoring without recording. Some systems deliver recording only, with no real-time monitoring. Still other systems may implement a dynamic mix of both of real-time monitoring and recording, depending on time of day, camera location, staff availability, and other factors.

Video Security systems can be used to:

1. Identify a small issue and intervene before it turns into a big problem – think schools and bullying.
2. Deter criminal activity, such as theft, robbery, assault, or vandalism
3. Provide a faster or more effective response to an incident
4. Provide a record usable in a court-of-law to identify and prosecute a knucklehead who committed a criminal act
5. Provide an improved shopping, working or visiting experience for customers, employees, and visitors
6. Monitor a construction project or industrial plant

Both analog CCTV (closed circuit television) systems and digital IPVS (IP video security) systems are capable of providing all four of the above system benefits. However, the effectiveness with which CCTV and IPVS systems meet these goals varies. In addition, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for the two types of systems is often substantially different.

CCTV Systems

A traditional Closed-Circuit Television security system (commonly referred to as CCTV) system consists of:

• One or more analog cameras
• One coaxial cable connecting each camera to a central monitor
• A central monitoring station
• Optional video tape recorder

Each camera includes a sensor, a lens, and analog video-output circuitry. The sensor will be either a traditional scanned tube or a solid-state integrated circuit. The camera may be placed on a pan-tilt-zoom mechanical mechanism. The camera does not include any storage, processing, or programming capability. CCTV video output is saved in the same format that is used by analog television sets with a fixed scan rate and a resolution compatible with traditional analog television monitors.

The central monitoring station will include a multi-camera switch and the option to display multiple video signals on a single monitor. The switch may have a built-in timer to cycle through the cameras. The cameras are available in color and monochrome (black and white).

IP Video Security Systems

An IP video security system is the newest video security technology that delivers video to any Internet connected computer or smart phone. IPVS uses the same protocol to send video across the Web as a desk top computer. IPVS systems consist of the following components:

• One or more digital network cameras
• A standard computer network, either shared or dedicated
• A central server (either a desktop computer or a network video recorder)
• Client software or a browser that allows authorized users to view recorded and live video
• A digital storage unit

IPVS cameras always contain a digital sensor and an embedded microcomputer to perform image processing and interface to the network (think of digital cameras as one more computer on your network). Video output and camera control information are communicated between the cameras and the central server via a standard Ethernet connector (the same Cat-5 or Cat-6 cord that plugs into the back of a computer).

The computer network does not “know” or care that cameras (versus desktop computers) are connected to it. The network cabling and switches communicate information about the video flow and camera control identically to the way office computers send data to printers. IPVS systems use the standard network cables, switches, and hubs that are widely available and inexpensive. The network for the IPVS cameras is often shared with an existing, installed data network. This is appropriate if the current network is 100base-TX or Gigabit Ethernet. Some businesses may choose to establish a dedicated network, or a partially dedicated network for their IPVS system. Sometimes businesses upgrade an older network, providing improved office computer functionality as well as supporting networked cameras.

The central server is often a standard Windows, Unix or MAC desktop computer, typically running the camera server software as a dedicated application. The server may physically connect to the network at any point. A standard mouse, keyboard and computer monitor connected to the server may function as a real-time monitoring station. However, the server is fully functional with no keyboard or monitor connected. Alternatively, the server function can be delivered by a network video recorders (NVR). NVR’s are optimized for camera and video management and many can accommodate a combination of both digital and analog cameras.

The client viewing stations can be any standard office PC, laptop or MAC connected to a company’s computer network or the Web. Any authorized user can view video via an easy-to-use software application, or a standard web browser. Multiple client viewing stations are easily supported anywhere on the network or anywhere in the world if a viewer can connect to the server via internet. Smart phones (i.e. Android, iPhone, Windows Mobile) and tablet computers (i.e. iPad) can also be used to view video, as well as control cameras. The smart phone and tablet capabilities of IPVS systems may substantially improve emergency response, crowd and event control, and facility maintenance by placing key information directly into the hands of personnel.

The digital storage unit is a standard disk subsystem, consisting of one or more disk drives. Often, multiple disks are used to provide backup video storage or automatically store many days of video. The disk subsystem normally connects to the server; however, it may be placed either somewhere within the network, or remotely via the internet.

Comparison of Technologies

It is difficult to make a direct comparison between analog CCTV systems with digital IPVS systems. Each system has the same purpose, equally functional hardware, and similar features. However, certain businesses may find certain features and capabilities fit their uses better.

CCTV Strengths

If only real-time monitoring is required, with no video storage, then CCTV or analog security system is simpler to install and set-up.  With small analog systems, cameras are plugged directly into a wall. Larger systems need to be connected to a CCTV power supply which is not that difficult, especially for the majority of installers who have years of experienced with low voltage equipment. Beyond that, just plug in analog camera to a DVR and you have a live video feed – no finding or changing the IP address, no web browsers to access or security settings to change on the camera, etc.

IPVS Strengths

In most situations, IPVS is clearly the best option, especially as the digital camera technology, video management software and video storage devices have matured and prices have dropped. IPVS cameras deliver stunning image quality.  Typically, IPVS camera models are sold by the megapixels (one megapixel = 1 million pixels) delivered. Most manufacturers produce 1.3MP, 2MP, 3MP, 5MP and recently 8MP cameras. In comparison, analog cameras deliver only 0.4 megapixels max in commercial use. With a 5MP IPVS camera, you easily read a license plate at 300 feet.

On large sites, such as on campuses, public facilities, and many government buildings, cabling costs will be much lower when IPVS is used. If there is an existing data network, then cabling costs are usually dramatically less. Although a physical cable connection is generally preferred, IPVS systems also can be connected wirelessly. For example, wireless connections work well for security cameras in parking lots to avoid trenching. Overall, IPVS systems will generally result in a lower total system cost and much higher video quality.

The applications best suited for IPVS are ones where the quality and usability of recorded video is critical. Such applications often include schools, where identifying an individual who causes vandalism or starts a fight is critical to the school’s commitment to a safe campus. Similarly, if a license plate must be read, or a person must be identified to a degree of certainty required by a court-of-law, then the resolution and consistency of a digital system is normally required.

An IPVS system also dramatically improves the ability to retrieve recorded events. First, the system can be configured to only store video when there is activity or motion within the field of view of that camera. The standard “pre-recording” of a few seconds video prior to detected activity assures that the entire event is digitally preserved. Second, by displaying a timeline of activity on the user’s console any recorded time for viewing can be instantaneously selected. Video from any number of selected cameras may be viewed side-by-side on the monitor. Locating the exact recorded moment of an incident or crime is accomplished with a minimum of viewing time. On the other hand, analog CCTV systems use “digital video recorder” (DVR), making image retrieval in such systems difficult and tedious. After an event, security managers or management rarely has the time or patience to review many hours, or even days, of recorded video to find incident. More often, the cost of the crime is not worth the cost of retrieving the critical few seconds of video out of the long stream of recorded inactivity.

With IPVS, the key recorded event is easily copied, saved, and forwarded via the Internet or email to anyone inside or outside your organization. Hard copies of images showing a face or a license plate can be easily printed or emailed for distribution.

IPVS cameras come in a wide range of resolutions, from very low cost “webcams,” to ultra high-resolution cameras, designed to monitor large construction sites or crowded public venues.
The following table compares features of CCTV and IPVS systems:

Cost Comparison

It is difficult to directly compare system costs of CCTV versus IPVS because cost differentials between the two technologies can vary substantially based on the presence of existing cameras on a site, an existing data network, days of recording required, and other site-specific factors.

When bids for CCTV are compared side-by-side with bids for IPVS, the capabilities of a proposed CCTV system are rarely comparable to a proposed IPVS system because of the following factors:

• Existing analog CCTV systems are often upgraded to IPVS— however, many organizations are purchasing systems that can manage both analog and IPVS systems to allow camera replacement over a period of time.
• Existing CCTV cameras, if high quality, may easily be converted to work in an IPVS system for less than the cost of purchasing a new IPVS camera.
• IPVS cameras typically cost more than CCTV cameras, although they also have more capabilities. When taking into consideration the cost of cabling and system management, the most expensive components of any video security system, IPVS will be about the same a less than CCTV. Using an existing data network will generally cause an IPVS system to be lower cost than a CCTV system.
• In an IPVS system, disk storage will typically be the most expensive component of the system.
• If an existing data network is installed, it can often be used as the network for the IPVS system. Upgrading to 100base or 1000base may be recommended.
• Maintenance of a digital IPVS is typically lower cost and less frequently needed than an analog CCTV system.
• It is easier to upgrade (or replace) individual components within an IPVS system than a CCTV system, because typically a higher fraction of the IPVS system components use open standards (rather than proprietary), and use standard hardware, such as network switches and PCs.

What do digital consumer cameras have in common with IPVS?

Most people understand the differences between traditional film cameras and the newer digital cameras. The transition from film to digital cameras is similar to the industry transition from CCTV to IPVS. Both types of cameras take excellent pictures. Both categories of cameras offer a range of prices and capabilities.

For the same quality lens, a digital camera will cost more. However, as millions of people are discovering, the ease of use and instant review of images offered by digital cameras offers huge benefits for the amateur photographer. Saving, sharing, and printing images becomes “mouse-click easy.”

Similarly, the simplicity and ease with which a manager can call in an employee to look at video clip and ask, “What do you think about this?” convinces most people who have worked with IPVS to prefer it.

More Cool Features of IPVS

IPVS systems support advanced features, such as linking to retail POS systems or alarm and access control systems. Connecting CCTV systems to computerized operation facility systems is rarely feasible.

In the unlikely, but possible, event of something as serious as a shooter, terrorist, or hostage crisis, the increased accessibility of real-time and recently recorded video can be critical for emergency response. Emergency personnel can view video that clearly identifies the suspect both on-site and remotely.

Features Beyond Security

An IPVS system can do more than just deter or capture criminal acts. Systems with multiple clients (viewing locations) are able to provide a better experience for customers, employees, and the public. For example, a video security system may be used to identify opportunities to intervene and prevent bullying in schools, traffic jams, long lines, broken signs, trash, burned out lights, abandoned shopping carts, lost visitors, potential confrontations, or any of a hundreds minor, but annoying situations. Many companies and schools use IPVS systems to reduce overall site management expenses by reducing the number of maintenance or customer service staff required. They improve situational response times by providing the right person with the right tools to quickly restore an aisle, path, hallway, escalator, parking lot, plaza, conference center, public park, or lobby to a clean, comfortable state.

To effectively take advantage of the improved customer service aspect of video security systems, it is often necessary to have multiple, distributed client viewing stations. Typical locations include the office of the customer service manager, facilities maintenance, head of security, food service, or parking booths, as well as one or more guard stations or a lobby service desk. IPVS systems use standard networked PCs for client viewing. Normally, no additional hardware or network costs are required to add additional client locations. Standard wireless laptop computers (using 802.11b or 802.11g, for example) may view video anywhere with wireless network coverage. Passwords, encryption, and other methods are used to assure that only permitted individuals have access to networked video.

Mobile Viewing

A smart phone video client is available, including remote virtual pan-tilt-zoom camera control. This level of convenient and universal access dramatically improves the practical (timesaving) and customer experience improvements available within IPVS system installation.

Summary

Though a head-to-head comparisons of features and costs are challenging due to the substantial architectural and ease-of-use differences between the two generations of technology, this paper provides some general comparison points and a high-level understanding of cost involved for installing these systems. For additional information, you may wish to have a qualified vendor provide a site survey and design of a system that is customized to your business and location.

About the Author

Bo Wandell (bo.wandell@sitesecurity360.com) is a partner in Site Security 360, Inc. (www.sitesecurity360.com), a security focused systems integration firm based in Mercer Island, WA with a branch office in Tacoma, WA that designs, installs and supports networked security technologies including IP video surveillance, access control and mass notification solutions. Site Security 360, in partnership with Martin Speckmaier, a nationally recognized school safety expert, also delivers the Comprehensive School Safety Solution (www.cs3-wa.com), a blend of people, process and technology that emphasizes intervention and prevention. . .first.

 

Comparison Chart – Analog vs. IPVS Video Security

Feature	Analog	IPVS
Camera Type	Analog	Digital
Wiring topology	Point-to-point to each camera	Standard Computer Network
Wire type	Coax	Ethernet on Cat-5,Cat-6 or Fiber
Server	Dedicated proprietary	Standard desktop computer
Recording technology	None, video tape or “digital video recorder,” proprietary format	Open standard industry disk drives including RAID and hot-swap
Remote clients	Difficult – dedicated wiring required	Any Internet connected computer, smart phone or tablet
Wireless support	Difficult and proprietary	Standard WiFi or WiMAX
Resolution	Low to moderate	Good to excellent
Video standards	NTSC, RS-170	JPEG, ITU-T H.264 and ISO/IEC MPEG-4
Monochrome v. color	Fixed by camera and monitor	Cameras auto-convert from color to monochrome at night
Automatic motion  detection	No	Yes, including virtual trip wires
Camera can enable lights	No	Yes
Expansion – more  cameras	Up to limit of server, typically in increments of 4, 8 or 16.	Unlimited, although software license upgrade may be required
Remote clients	No	Standard, easy-to-use
Internet accessible	Challenging	Designed for Internet access
Fast review of events	No	Instant access by time or motion
Motion-based recording	No	Standard
Automatic motion-follow  cameras	Not available	Available
Selectable partial-frame  motion detection	Not available	Standard
Export video	Difficult – video tape duplication	Standard
Print video	Difficult	Standard
Uninterruptible Power	Optional	Standard