Dedicated IP cameras are specifically designed to be used with existing IT networks and the camera incorporates its own codec. This type of solution is used in preference to analogue camera / codec to reduce cost and IP cameras are generally more compact. Internal applications are ideal, particularly if there is extensive spare bandwidth on the network to be used, and video images can be stored on existing server capacity.

Experience has shown that because video images are so bandwidth hungry, it is more beneficial to have a separate network for this purpose or use the analogue camera to DVR solution (as explained below).
Limitations of dedicated IP cameras are low light performance and or lens range. Full function dome IP cameras are of a higher performance and this is generally reflected in the pricing level.

Codec – analogue / digital / analogue

By using the latest generation codec, video signals from any analogue video camera can be converted to digital for IP application and conversely decoded back to analogue for normal video viewing / switching applications and analogue monitor viewing.

The advantages are that the highest range of quality “analogue” cameras and lenses can be applied and this type of application is now common place even in Town Centres. The obvious use is with WiFi or Laser links which employ high speed transmission typically up to 100Mbps.

The majority of DVR’s (Digital Video Recorders) are network ready and usually provide free issue software for remote network interrogation and control. Some DVR’s have IP camera inputs and can therefore be connected via existing or dedicated network. The majority of DVR’s are designed for “analogue” camera input which can be traditional coax cable or with future build in mind, using CAT5 with bulen connectors. The DVR can then be connected to any network and “live” viewing, playback and remote download of images achieved.

NB. “Analogue” cameras have digital processing circuitry utilising a digital imager chip and the output is then converted to analogue for transmission via coaxial cable or similar method.