Security Cameras

Analog CCTV Security Cameras

Analog cameras are the original type of security camera systems. They operate with a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) to save the video and have the ability to be viewed through the internet on your smartphone. These are now considered entry or low quality camera systems, but can still provide you a decent picture for basic video recordings. The newest versions are even high definition as well.

Analog systems generally use an older standard of wiring and ARE NOT compatible with their IP cousins.  Essentially if you should decide to make the upgrade to IP cameras in the future you would not be able to use the existing wiring and a complete rewire would be needed. This would cost more money in the long run. You can run an analog camera system on the newer “Ethernet” type of wiring which can be used at the time of installation and would allow for a much easier upgrade to the hi-end IP system in the future.

Digital CCTV Security Cameras

IP (Internet Protocol) or digital cameras are the newest types of systems and the most installed currently. The cameras send information as well as receive their power through an ethernet cable. This is the same as a typical computer network, since the cameras send digital information like a computer would. They have a much better video quality than their analog cousins and currently can go well above 4k resolutions. They operate with either an NVR (Network Video Recorder) to save the video on-site, OR some use a web-based “cloud server” to store your video. You will pay for this type of service monthly, however, you do not need to have an NVR onsite. These are generally higher-end systems and used primarily for business do to the added costs to operate.