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Monday, January 12, 2009

IP Network Camera vs Analog Camera

There are are number of reasons why you should choose an IP network camera for your surveillance system. Sure, analog cameras have been around longer, but the IP camera has proven its worth in performance.

The IP tetwork camera has existed since 1996. During its release, network cameras lagged a mile behind analog cameras in professionalism. In the early years, IP network cameras were simply thought of as web cameras used for broadcasting events or objects over the Internet. Fast forward to a decade later, and the good ol' web cams are now part of hundreds of operating surveillance systems.

Catching Up with the Analog Camera

A few years after it's introduction, the IP network cameras have been updated and upgraded to catch up with the analog camera in terms of function. Today, the IP camera is at par with the best analog camera in the market, even surpassing it in some aspects.

Winning the Race Against the Analog Camera

Before you choose the model of the camera you want for your surveillance system, you will first have to decide whether you're getting an analog cam or an IP network camera. For you to make the right choice, it is important that you first understand the important differences between two. By the end of this article, you should be able to understand how the IP network surveillance camera gives you more value for your money.

Interlacing

The first notable difference is seen in the camera's interlacing. The IP network surveillance camera is at an advantage in this criteria as analog cameras have significant problems with interlacing. High resolution analog camera are not able to capture fast-moving objects and keep the quality of the image because, with in an analog video signal, images are made of lines and all images are created from two interlaced fields. While the analog camera produces blurry images of fast-moving objects, the IP network camera provides crystal clear images because the whole image is captured at one time.

Power Over Ethernet

Getting power to an analog camera means hurdling a major obstacle and shelling out a major amount of cash. With the IP network camera, you have an IEEE 802.3af standard PoE (Power over Ethernet), which means that your networking devices get its power from an PoE-enabled switch over a standard cable that transmits data and video. The device offers major savings to IP camera users as the standard in place means all models or equipment are compatible with the device. PoE also gives the camera centralized backup power, so they continue to work even with a power failure.

Megapixel Resolution

The analog camera follows the olf NTSC/PAl specifications, which corresponds to 0.4 megapixels at 4CIF. The newer IP Network cameras require a higher megapixel range. The higher the resolution of the camera, the more the detailed the coverage of large areas. The camera's higher resolution also enables essential surveillance functions such as tilt, pan, and zoom.

The above mentioned comparisons are just three of many advantages offered by IP cameras over the analog version. If you want to get a good surveillance camera, get an IP network camera.

Get an IP network camera to serve as your nanny camera, or add it to your digital video surveillance system for maximum surveillance performance. Visit Video-Surveillance-System.com today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nahshon_Roberts

Using an IP Network Camera to Monitor Your Home

With security being a topic on most peoples' minds, many wonder what the best way is to monitor their home and belongings. Various security systems exist and using a combined home security system with surveillance cameras can add extra protection against intruders.

IP Network Camera Placement

Choosing the location to install your IP surveillance cameras should be researched and tested. The location should have a broad viewing angle of the area you are looking to monitor. If multiple IP cameras are required to view the whole room, be sure to place them where they don't overlap, however, to catch every aspect of the room.

Lighting is also a concern. The room should have sufficient lighting allowing the IP camera to have a clear vision of what is happening and who is intruding. When purchasing an IP camera for low lit rooms, be sure to check the lux rating. The lower the lux rating of the IP camera, the better picture it will give in low light. If the room is completely dark, purchasing an infrared (IR) sensitive IP camera would be wise as these can work in zero lighting conditions.

Wireless Connectivity

One of the main benefits of IP network cameras, is the ability to have a wireless connection to your home network. Considering wireless networks are very popular nowadays as many people use laptops, it will be easy to also install your wireless IP camera to your existing network. This will also limit the amount of wires running to the camera as it will only require a power cable.

Remote Viewing

Using IP cameras for home security offers the ability to view the cameras remotely from any location using a standard web browser. By configuring your home network to allow remote access to the IP cameras, you can login securely to each camera to view live video and access PTZ (pan/tilt/zoom) controls if supported by your camera. This gives you peace of mind knowing everything is safe back home.

Most IP cameras also support motion detection with alerts via email, SMS text messaging or other means. Having this configured on your camera, will give you the added bonus of being alerted when motion is detected. You can then login to the cameras remotely to view what is happening.

Remote Recording

With traditional CCTV (Closed Circuit Television Cameras), video recordings would be taped to a local VCR or DVR (Digital Video Recorder). If the intruder wanted to find the video recording, it would be possible for him to destroy any video evidence if it was located on the premises. Remote recording is possible for IP cameras. There are a few ways of doing this.

Remote PC - By setting up a remote PC at another location with Internet access, you could install IP camera recording software to monitor and record from each IP camera simultaneously. You could do straight 24/7 recording or on motion detection.

IP Camera Hosting Services - Remote Recording services can also be purchased from professional companies that securely record from your IP cameras to a remote secure location. An example of a company that offers these services is Network Webcams.

Outdoor Monitoring

IP surveillance cameras can also be placed outdoors using enclosures. Like indoor cameras, you will want to place them where they can view the entire monitoring area and have access to power and ethernet if required. Outdoor lighting will also be an issue as the camera will require proper lighting. Only certain outdoor IP surveillance cameras support infrared (IR) as most infrared IP cameras will reflect off the glass of the enclosure and give a white image. If infrared is required, purchase an outdoor infrared IP camera that comes with the enclosure attached as this will give the best image considering the enclosure is built for infrared. Another option is to use external IR illuminators which attach to the outside of the enclosure.

Using an IP camera to monitor your home will give you many benefits and the peace of mind knowing your home and belongings are safe.

Copyright (c) 2008 Wes Fernley

http://www.networkwebcams.com specializes in IP Cameras, Network Cameras Internet Cameras, Video Servers and Networked CCTV Recording Software and solutions. The directors of Network Webcams have been in the network video industry since it first appeared around 1996/97. Their knowledgeable staff can help you find the right IP surveillance product or platform to meet your needs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wes_Fernley

Choosing the Right IP Camera Software

When it comes to IP video surveillance, the IP cameras themselves are only part of the picture. Beyond the physical cameras is the IP camera software you use to monitor and record video. Oftentimes cameras will not come with this software included, and it will be up to you to pick the right software for your needs.

IP Camera Software Features

One of the major things to look at when choosing software for your IP camera software is the features included with that camera. Take some time to think about what exactly you want your software to do. If you want nothing more than for video to be recorded to look at later, then just about any piece of IP software will do. However, if you are looking for something more advanced you will find there are many options.

Many pieces of IP camera software come with a variety of features. For example, oftentimes they come with advanced video analytics such as motion detection, object recognition, even facial recognition. The software can then be programmed to do things such as send out notifications or alerts should an intrusion happen via e-mail, text or other signal. Software can also be programmed to only record, for example, upon motion detection.

Make a list of the things you would like your IP camera software to do, then look for a piece of software that has the features which will make these things happen. This is your first step in choosing the piece of software that is right for your security system.

Give the Software a Try

Like most software these days, it is often possible to download a free demo of IP camera software from a company's web site. Generally these demos will be limited either in features or in the time you are able to use them. Such demos are an excellent way of getting a taste of exactly what the software is like and what it can do.

Gauge the demo software on whether or not it provides the functions you are looking for. Also look at how easy it was to install as well as how easy to use. Every person is different and will find different pieces of software easier or more difficult to use depending on their own skills and expectations.

Perform tests on all the different features that led you to choose this software in the first place. If all goes well in these tests, most likely you have the right piece of software in your hands.

Checking Out the Company and the Software

Before making the final purchase, however, you should try to find out more about the company and the software. Look for reviews of the software as well as of the company itself. You might find that even though the software looks good, there might be hidden problems such as poor technical support, or bugs which don't appear in the system until it has been in use for a little while and are difficult to remove. Reading the opinions of others who have used the software and worked with the company can give you a lot of information on whether or not this is the right piece of IP camera software for you.

Copyright (c) 2008 Wes Fernley

http://www.milestonesys.com is is a global thought leader and developer of open platform IP camera software The XProtect platform is easy to use, robust and proven in more than 35,000 customer installations around the world. Milestone IP camera software is sold through authorized partners in 90 countries.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wes_Fernley

What is the Difference Between an IP Camera, Network Camera and Internet Camera?

A few people have asked me, what is the difference between an IP Camera, Network Camera and Internet Camera? Well the answer is quite easy – there is no difference. So why do these security cameras have different names? First, think about all the names. What do they all have in common? Each name refers to a device that can be connected to a network via IP and used over the Internet.

Axis Communications is the leader in IP Network Video. They use the name Network Camera for their IP enabled security cameras. The name Network Camera is one of the most common names for these products. The name simply describes how their products work by connecting to a computer network allowing all PC's and network devices to see the camera.

The name IP Camera is starting to become more common than the name Network Camera. Most manufacturers refer to their products as IP Cameras and because of this, most customers looking to buy these products refer to them as IP Cameras. Some people even mix the term IP Camera with Network Camera to call it an IP Network Camera. This is the term I like to use as well.

Lastly, is the name Internet Camera. The main camera manufacturer that uses this term is D-Link. They refer to their cameras as Internet Cameras because the camera can be configured to be viewed over the Internet from any remote location. As you probably know, that is one of the main benefits of using these cameras. The term Internet Camera is not widely used as the other two terms but it still describes the product to a tee.

Another article posted on NetworkCameraReviews.com discusses how to make IP Network Cameras accessible over the Internet. The article is entitled “Viewing an IP Network Camera over the Internet”. Those of you who need guidance on this process will find this article very useful.

In conclusion, whether you call these products Internet Cameras, IP Cameras, Network Cameras or even IP Network Cameras - you are using a correct name. They all describe the purpose of these cameras and one of their key benefits of how they are an advantage over old Analog CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) security cameras.

Wes Fernley runs a website called NetworkCameraReviews.com, a free online resource for users to learn about IP Network Cameras. He provides free consultation and advice. His roles include tech support, web design and sales. He can be reach via email at wes@networkcamerareviews.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wes_Fernley

What to Look For in an IP Camera Enclosure

IP camera enclosures help keep your IP camera safe from the elements of weather and vandals who would destroy the camera at any given chance. This article will discuss what to look for when purchasing an IP camera enclosure.

Enclosure Mounting

IP camera enclosures come with various mounting types. These include pole mounts, wall mounts, ceiling mounts and corner mounts. These different types of mounts allow you to install the enclosure in various environments easily and effectively. Some enclosures are sold with mounts, though some are sold separately. This allows you to use the same enclosure in various different applications by purchasing the necessary mountings for each enclosure installation.

Indoor/Outdoor Enclosures

Sometimes a heavy duty enclosure is not required. For some indoor camera installations, a basic plastic enclosure will do just fine. These types of enclosures are more affordable, but offer minimal protection for the IP camera protecting it from minor damage. If the enclosure will be installed outdoors, there are several other aspects that need to be considered. The following are some concerns when installing an outdoor IP camera enclosure.

Environmental Concerns

One main use of outdoor IP camera enclosures is to protect your IP camera from weather that would destroy the camera if unprotected against the elements of rain, snow, heat and cold. When looking for an outdoor IP camera enclosure, examine what type of weather conditions the enclosure and camera will have to withstand. If the enclosure will be in an open area which would allow rain to fall on the top of the enclosure, be sure to purchase an enclosure that is properly sealed to avoid moisture penetrating inside. You will want to make sure the enclosure offers proper airflow for the camera. A completely sealed enclosure with no airflow could potentially overheat your camera.

Heater and blowers are also common components of enclosures. These allow the temperature and airflow of the enclosure to stay within a suitable range for the IP camera. These are ideal for winter and humid summers. Be sure to find out the temperature range of the heater and blower to make sure it meets the required temperature range of the IP camera itself.

Installation

Some enclosures can be a pain to install. It is wise to read over the installation directions before purchasing the enclosure if possible. Some manufacturers offer downloadable manuals or guides for the enclosure installation. From these you will be able to tell how difficult the enclosure installation will be and it will give you a chance to purchase any additional equipment required for installing the enclosure.

Power requirements will also need to be considered as each enclosure requires different power voltages depending on the features including heaters, blowers, built-in camera power supplies, etc.. You will need to make sure what type of power the IP camera also requires and have separate power running to the camera if needed.

Supported IP Cameras

Not all IP cameras are supported by each enclosure. You will need to make sure your camera is fully supported by the enclosure or the IP camera may not mount correctly inside the enclosure. Some mounts are generic however it still is possible that the IP camera is too large for the enclosure causing the enclosure to not seal correctly.

The majority of enclosure manufacturers offer a Supported IP Camera list that you can check to make sure your IP camera is supported. Be sure to check that no additional mounts are required for the camera to be installed in the enclosure.

Some IP camera manufacturers also offer enclosures for their cameras which have been tested to ensure the camera works correctly in the enclosure.

Vandal and Tamper Resistance

Many enclosures offer vandal resistance and tamper proof screws. These enclosures are designed to provide protection when an intruder may attempt to damage the camera in an effort to prevent video from being recorded . If the IP camera enclosure will be within reaching distance, it would be wise to purchase a vandal proof enclosure that will protect the camera damage. Some enclosure manufacturers also provide results from tests done on the enclosure ranging from baseball bat attacks to .22 calibre bullets.

We hope this article gives you some pointers on what to look for when purchasing an IP camera enclosure.

http://www.networkwebcams.com specializes in IP Cameras, Network Cameras, Internet Cameras, Video Servers and Networked CCTV Recording Software and solutions. The directors of Network Webcams have been in the network video industry since it first appeared around 1996/97. Their knowledgeable staff can help you find the right IP surveillance product or platform to meet your needs.

Copyright (c) 2008 Wes Fernley

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wes_Fernley