First of all, let’s take a look at IP camera definition. IP camera (Internet Protocol Camera) is utilized in local and distributed surveillance systems and can transmit/receive megapixel video information via the Internet and local computer network. This enables the operator to view, manage and control this megapixel IP-device using a standard web browser or professional video management software (like VMS) from different monitoring posts.

An IP-camera (also called "network camera") has the following components:

1. Lens.

2. Image sensor, which allows camera to generate high-quality megapixel images with high resolution.

3. Processor, providing video processing, compression, video analysis etc.

4. Memory for storing special firmware.

Megapixel IP-camera can be configured to transmit simultaneously several video streams, to send video for viewing in different modes and to set up camera responding upon receiving alarm signals or motion detection.

Advantages of megapixel IP-camera

Higher Video Resolution and Image Detail

To understand the difference between standard analog camera and megapixel IP-camera let’s compare the effective pixels each camera can transmit:

• A standard resolution analog camera with 380TVL transmits images with 480x380 pix. resolution, or 182,400 pix. that is roughly 1/5 of a megapixel!

• A high resolution analog camera with 520TVL can generate images with 480x520 pix. resolution that is equal to 249,600 pix. of around 1/3 of a megapixel.

• For example, a 2 megapixel camera produces 1600x1200 pix. images that is equal to 1.920,000 pix.

Progressive Scan - No Interlace Distortion of Moving Objects

Most of presented video recorders) often face some difficulties when recording fast moving objects resulting in "comb effect" of recording footage. Modern network cameras feature Progressive Scan technology that allows the camera to produce crisp images.

Easy Installation and Reduced Costs

If your premises have existing computer networks, so you can easily install IP-camera as a part of this network without any difficulties. Due to PoE support, megapixel IP-camera can be powered by the same cable that transmits video streams. In many cases, it reduces installation time of IP-camera, as well as eliminates the cost of a separate power supply wires. Due to the audio I/O, megapixel camera can provide two-way audio communication between the operator and the application.

Summary

As you can see, IP-camera usage has a number of advantages with excellent picture quality, easy installation and set of viewing modes among them. However, modern network camera also has some disadvantages that include greater complexity and bandwidth demands.

Eugene Azarell

NKK Smarteco LTD (http://smartec-security.eu)

For general issues, questions or information about Smartec CCTV equipment, please, send your request to info@smartec-security.eu or contact your Smartec dealers directly.

Under Smartec brand name, a wide range of equipment is supplied, allowing to build traditional and digital video surveillance systems of any configuration and complexity. The product line includes standard analog cameras (B/W, color and "day-night"), IP-cameras, varifocal lenses, speed dome cameras, 15"-32" LCD-monitors, 4-32-ch DVRs, IP-video servers, camera housings, brackets and other video surveillance devices.