Digital video data is stored on a server or DVR with mammoth capacities, eliminating tapes while providing pinpoint accuracy to the process of event searching. Most importantly, digital video can be networked, enabling it to be sent over the Internet or Ethernet locally via a local area network (LAN), as well as be integrated to access control and other building systems. An IP system also processes event han-dling, relay output, alert automation, motion detection and provides a variety of options such as resolutions, recording cycles and frame rates at the camera level to meet specific application needs. Compared to CCTV, IP systems offer vastly improved image quality, higher reso-lution for better detail and wider coverage areas, more flexibility and an overall sys-tem design that is easier to maintain and troubleshoot. Analog video signals transported over coax cable lack encryption or authentication. In other words, anyone can tap into the video. This is not the case with IP cameras. Video is encrypted to block unauthorized viewers or hackers. Cost vs. Value A professional-grade IP network camera costs anywhere from $300 to $1,500, mak-ing its initial price higher than an analog CCTV camera. Yet on a cost per channel ratio, an IP net-work camera is comparable with a DVR-based analog system. Also, analog systems using pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) controls will require supplementary cabling, something not required with IP. Because of their deployment of open and standard servers, storage and backend applications, the upfront total solution costs of installing an IP video system are lower than analog CCTV. Most DVRs used in CCTV run on locked-in proprietary operating systems that increase long-term management and equipment costs, especially for larger installations where storage is a large share of cost. Future costs, especially scalability, must be factored in. Each time a DVR is added to an analog system it represents another 16-channel or more jump. However, IP system increments may rep-resent only a single camera at a time. Additional cost-savings come from the IP infrastructure itself. IP-based networks, whether they are Internet, LANs or wireless, are easily leveraged across the enterprise for non-security related data, video and voice applications. In modern facilities where twisted pair-based networks are already installed, an IP-based video surveillance system can simply be piggybacked onto the network. Like any other scalable network device — from printers to computers — IP cam-eras are plugged into the network. CM Lee Muratori is the product marketing manag-er for Toshiba Security & IP Video Group. Circle Product Information no. 219 on page 34 www.cmmonline.com 43
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