Comparing DVR and IP Video Surveillance

It’s common to assume that incorporating a DVR (digital video recorder) into a CCTV system brings it up to speed with the latest available surveillance technology. That’s not entirely the case. While it is a step in the right direction, full IP surveillance systems that utilize digital IP cameras and NVRs (network video recorders) are actually the latest exciting wave in video surveillance, and offer a number of advantages over hybrid systems that fuse analog cameras with a DVR:

Intelligent Cameras: With DVRs, most intelligent analytics occur within the recorder. But with certain IP cameras, often called “smart” cameras, intelligent functions are built directly into the camera. These can include advanced video analytics such as motion sensing, behavioral recognition, and the ability to collect usable footage in low-light situations. The cameras themselves are equipped to make intelligent decisions such as sending alarms to specific parties when suspicious activity is detected.

Lower Cost: While the cost of IP cameras can be considerably higher than traditional CCTV cameras, the overall cost of an IP surveillance system often proves to be cheaper in the long run. Installation and maintenance costs are lower. There’s no need for complicated coax cabling to form a connection. With a fully digital IP system, cameras can communicate with the network wirelessly, or through a facility’s existing twisted pair wiring infrastructure. There are also more storage options coming at a cheaper cost with IP surveillance than with a system that relies so heavily on the DVR.

Remote Access: With an IP surveillance system, live video streams, and recorded footage can be viewed remotely from anywhere in the world over wired or wireless networks.

Reliability: IP surveillance allows off-site storage, and enables the ability to use existing infrastructure, servers, and network equipment. As such, replacement time is lessened, should anything on the network go down.

Easy Integration: IP cameras can easily integrate with existing security systems, enabling them to work together on a single network. This allows for increased efficiency and effectiveness.

While systems that utilize DVRs along with analog cameras have certainly benefited many by bridging the gap between old technology and new, it’s clear that the future of video surveillance lies in fully digital IP systems.