Going Digital With 'Surveliance Applications' Monitoring and surveillance applications have been served by analog technology until recently. The digital age in now taking over these applications. The growth in IP Surveillance sys tems is quickly gaining significant ground on conventional analog closed circuit television (CCTV) security camera installations for reasons of both performance and cost-benefits. CCTV has traditionally been used with VCRs (Video Cassette Recorders), and because of the ease of use and lower prices, analog was probably the right choice at the time of purc hase of these equipments. However, the advances in Digital Technology have efficiently overcome many shortcomings of the analog systems. One of the important points is the picture resolution which translates into video quality. Analog CCTV systems are difficult to maintain, offer no remote access, and are notoriously difficult to integrate with other systems. However, the end user who has invested in cameras, cables, and more, and is satisfied with the current quality does still ask, "Why buy new digital equipment?" The answer to that question is simple. Implementing a digital surveillance system does not require completely dismantling your existing analog set-up. With IP-Surveillance, you can go through a step-bystep migration to digital technology. The multiplexer, video cassette recorder, switcher and all of those T- 160 tapes are being replaced with computers, embedded processors, encoders, decoders, codecs, network video recorders and 10/100/Gigabyte optical networks, and that's only the beginning of the list. And if this is not enough reason to seriously consider an upgrade, consider the Tape Recording component. These systems are highly labor intensive because of the need to change tapes and perform system maintenance. Tape wear and tear is an ever-present problem.Furthermore, the actual quality of the images recorded is often unsatisfactory, particularly if used for official investigations. With the introduction of Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) and with IP-Surveillance technology, the next level of technology is already here. IP Surveillance: the future of Security Surveillance Systems Current analog CCTV systems have few advantages beyond familiarity and cost. Analog CCTV relies on time-lapse technology. Storage is limited to low-tech tapes, which make maintenance high and search capabilities low. Analog has low integration potential and provides no opportunity for remote access. Though it's an old and familiar system, its time for retirement is now! Although the industry has developed a "comfort level" with analog, new IP technology will continue to bring forth new features and improved performance. IP surveillance provides three main benefits over analog surveillance that outweigh the disadvantages - image quality, scalability, and total cost of ownership. Better quality is achieved by using progressive scan and megapixel sensors. Scalability allows the simple addition of one camera at a time to enable systems to migrate from one camera to thousands, as well as the easy integration of additional systems. However, the critical issue for most users is still cost. New studies have concluded that any IP based system beyond 32 cameras, or a system for which IP cabling already exists, provides a lower cost of ownership over an analog video system. Factors to be considered If you are looking to install a security surveillance system in your home or business, one of the decisions you have to make is whether to go with an IP or analog camera. Deciding on IP versus analog cameras is not necessarily a simple decision as there are advantages and disadvantages to each type of camera. We will explore some of these differences more indepth so you can make the right decision. The main difference between the two camera types is the way in which the video signal is delivered. Analog cameras turn the video signal into a format that can be received by a television or other receiver such as a VCR or monitor. An IP-based camera, also known as an IP network camera, digitizes the video signal using a specialized encoder that contains a built-in web server. This allows the IP camera to act as a network device, thus allowing captured video images to be viewed not only through an existing network but also through a web browser that can be accessed through the Internet. Both analog and IP-based video cameras can transmit signals either wirelessly or through wired connections such as Cat-5 cables. IP-based cameras have the added advantage of being able to use switches, hubs, and routers that allow the Cat-5 network to be expanded to a much broader range. In order to determine which type of camera system is best suited to your needs, let us take a closer look at some of the pros and cons of each one. Analog Cameras - Pros Lower cost - Analog cameras generally cost less than IP cameras. Greater flexibility of design - Analog camera's often come in a larger variety of designs such as mini covert cameras to large PTZ models. If you have some unique surveillance needs you may find it easier to find a suitable analog model.  Superior compatibility - It is much easier to mix and match cameras and brands if you use analog versions. This can make it easier if you already have existing camera equipment that you wish to incorporate into your surveillance system. Analog Cameras - Cons Lack certain features - Many of the basic analog cameras often lack some of the more advanced features such as digital zoom. Potential interference problems - If you are installing a wireless surveillance system, analog systems can have interference problems. More importantly, the resulting signals cannot be encrypted. This can potentially mean that someone else can intercept and view the signal.L Long distance applications are more difficult - If your surveillance needs encompass a wide area,analog cameras may not be your best choice. Analog cameras generally do not accommodate large distances, and getting them to work over a broad range can be difficult. IP cameras - Pros Unlimited, Secure Storage - You can store as many images as you want, provided you have enough hard disk space. Can utilize existing wiring - Since IP-Surveillance acts as a stand alone system, you can often take advantage of existing network infrastructure. This makes the installation task much easier. Remote access is easier - IP cameras are better suited for remote surveillance needs. With IP technology, recording devices do not require direct connection to cameras, enabling cameras to be placed at any point within the facility that is connected to the network. Network video recorders, virtual matrix software and viewers can be located where they can best be serviced and used, not just at the end of a camera's coaxial cable. IP-based surveillance offers flexibility on how, when and where video is stored, viewed and manipulated. Security and interference issues are diminished with IP-based systems, whereas wireless analog cameras have problems with interference and are unencrypted - anyone can view the signal. As video continues to migrate into video formats, more applications can use the same data in a network environment, such as operations improvement, marketing analysis, training development programs and employee performance reviews. IP cameras - Cons Higher cost - Due to the technology that is involved in these camera's, the cost is generally higher than that of analog cameras. Higher bandwidth requirements - IP cameras require more bandwidth than analog cameras. Considering the Pros and Cons of each camera type and with an accurate assessment of your surveillance needs, the decision on which camera type to choose will become much easier. Of course, it's important not to get so caught up in the IP versus analog discussion that the perspective of an end-user's video surveillance system requirement is lost. The important consideration is to deliver the most effective video solution to the user as a tool for the safety and security of his home or business. Mr. Jayesh H. Kotak, Vice President - Product Management, D-Link India Ltd.

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