Security can be improved through many methods, but one of the best, without a doubt, isvideo surveillance. Thanks to rapid technological advances, we also currently have numerous possibilities to monitor a space remotely . And just that, the number of options available sometimes makes our choice difficult.
Typically, you have to decide between installing IP cameras or CCTV cameras . Although both offer the possibility of controlling an area remotely, they are different in many aspects. Below, we explain how they work and which one to choose in each case. What is better, an IP camera or CCTV?
What is an IP camera?
We already told you in Yoigo Alarms some time ago. IP cameras are those thatThey work wirelessly, connected to an internet network. They are also called network cameras, and as such, they offer several advantages.
- They are an alternativemore economicalthan CCTV. The fact that they are wireless also makes their installation easier, since it will not be necessary to install all the wiring to connect them to each other.
- They workthanks to the internet connection, which allows you to record and send high-quality images to an external device, such as asmartphoneor a tablet.
- Its maintenance, on the other hand, alsoit's simpleand economical, since for its correct operation it is enough to have a good internet connection. It is not necessary to check cables or hire a service to verify that the circuit is correctly installed.
- You can install them yourself, as long as you know how to configure the network. Generally, this is quite simple, since you can connect it to Wi-Fi just like a computer or mobile phone.
To receive the images, you generally have todownload an appthrough which our device is connected to the cameras, being able to see in real time what is happening at all times.
In short, if your intention is, for example, to monitor the entrance or interior of your house or premises to increase security, a IP camera vs a CCTV camera It is a good solution that does not require a large outlay.
Now, is an IP camera better than a CCTV?
What is a CCTV camera?
To find out which is better,whether an IP camera or a CCTV, let's see exactly how this second option works.
The acronym CCTV corresponds to “closed circuit television”, which means that these cameras are connected to each other through wiring, forming, as its name suggests, a closed circuit.
In turn, this wiring is connected to monitors, which are the ones that receive the images of what the devices are capturing in real time.
This type of CCTV cameras do not require, therefore, an internet connection for their correct operation, which can be an advantage.
- Although its installation isless practical and more expensiveAs well as their maintenance, these cameras offer greater security against sabotage.
- By not depending on an internet network,it is not possiblehack them, nor use inhibitors to stop recording, which makes them safer.
- The internet connection is not a perfect service, and can suffer from micro outages or even crash frequently. In this sense, with CCTV cameraswe are in no danger of losing the signal, so the quality of the images is much more reliable.
- They can connect to aCRA or Alarm Receiving Center, which undoubtedly considerably increases the degree of security. These centers receive an alert signal if the cameras capture something suspicious, immediately notifying the authorities.
Disadvantages of IP cameras vs CCTV cameras
We have already seen the advantages of IP cameras vs CCTV cameras, but neither option is perfect, as is the case with any technological device.
As we have already ventured, the disadvantage of IP cameras is precisely the Internet connection, which makes them totally dependent on the quality of the network. If this fails for any reason,we can lose quality in the images or, directly, stop receiving them.
On the other hand, professional thieves know these systems, and unfortunately they have devices that allow them to be sabotaged. Frequency jammers, for example, interfere with the internet signal causing IP cameras to fail.
But this is not all, since they are also devices that can behacked, precisely because they are connected to Wi-Fi. This means that if criminals manage to gain access to the router, they could disable the surveillance system.
- CCTV cameras, for their part,They are not immune to sabotage either., although apparently they are safer. It is important that, when installing the closed circuit, a professional company does it, since if any cables are left exposed, the video surveillance system would be vulnerable.
In these cases, cutting a cable would mean disable the circuit , a tactic that professional thieves often use when they want to get around this type of surveillance.
Let's not forget either that CCTV camerasthey are more expensive, since not only would you need a professional for its installation, but it is usually necessary to have a maintenance service.
Now, knowing all this, which is better, IP cameras or CCTV? What if we told you that you can get the best of both?
Hybrid cameras: the unknown option
Many people do not know it, but there is the possibility of installing hybrid cameras, which have characteristics of both IP cameras and CCTV cameras.
These devicesThey have a closed circuitand connect to monitors, but they also offer thepossibility of connecting to the Internet. In this way, if either of the two systems is disabled, it is always possible to resort to the other so that the video surveillance continues to function.
You can control the images from the monitors, but also connect them to a network to receive them on your mobile phone, so if you leave the place you can continue to control what is happening.
The only onedisadvantage remains the price, which is high as is the case with CCTV cameras.
Ultimately, betweenIP cameras vs CCTV cameras, the best option, as always, depends on the user's circumstances. IPs can be enough to monitor your home, since they not only allow you to obtain images, but also work as a deterrent, and are very economical.
However, CCTV is perhaps better for businesses, which are able to spend more and offer higher quality images.
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