The Lowdown on IP Video Surveillance

Security is an issue that’s top of mind for organizations of all shapes and sizes today—from schools and government agencies to retail companies. 

And while many have traditionally relied on analog CCTV (closed circuit television) systems as their go-to solution. Miller Electric is witnessing firsthand the growing shift toward the latest in surveillance technologies: IP (Internet Protocol) video. In fact, we hardly ever sell analog systems anymore—roughly 90% of our security projects today are all IP-based.

This comes as no surprise when you think about the advantages of IP video. For one, IP cameras are easier to manage. Unlike CCTV cameras, they can send and receive data through the Internet, which means you can add a camera anywhere in the world without worrying about whether they’re all on the same network or not. The scalability is limitless, and you can always see what’s going on as long as you have access to a web browser.

Not only that, it also costs less to install and make changes in an IP environment. Let’s say you’re looking to add another camera in your system. With analog, you’d have to pull the cables back to your DVR, which could be thousands of feet away, and what if the DVR runs out of available channels? You’d have to buy another DVR system. But with IP video, all you need is one Ethernet cable to tie the new camera into the nearest switch. It’s as simple—and cost-effective—as that.

If you’re looking to make the transition from analog to IP, it’s important to realize there’s no one-size-fits-all solution—the types of cameras and systems you use will depend on the specific application. You’ll want to consider things like distance to the target you’re filming, what that target is (e.g. the hallway to a server room), or the lighting available. Some applications, for instance, require infrared or LED lighting technology.

That’s why it’s critical to have an expert do the analysis of what the best solution is for your needs and have ongoing support for that specific solution.  As open-ended systems become more readily available in the future, this expert can also help integrate hardware and software from different manufacturers.

At Miller Electric, we set up labs to test and demonstrate new video technologies for our customers, and we also conduct IP video training for customers and our own technicians. We believe that this is where the security industry is heading, and that standardization has only just begun.

Do you have any questions or insights you want to share on the topic? Drop us a line in the comments section below.