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Video-over-IP solutions: the new way in CCTV

TCP/IP is the most common communication protocol in computer networks. You work with it every day when connected to your corporate network or the Internet. Today there is a clear trend in CCTV to use the same principles for video transmission and video storage. The advantages are scalability of cameras and almost unlimited storage capacity of video recordings in a network. Fact is that the number of IP-CCTV installations out there is growing quickly, and the number of competitors in this field is growing daily. It will not be long before the market recognises IP-CCTV dominance, and then we will see a rapid increase in the installed base and infrastructure to support it. If this argument is not convincing you, we really do not need any further proof than the strong entry of a giant like IBM into the networked security market, as well as from global players like Cisco and Proxim.

One of the advantages of IP-CCTV is that many facilities are already wired with CAT5 cables, so with IP-CCTV no additional wiring (a major expense of a CCTV installation) is required. Only one type of network (IP) connects and manages the enterprise for data, video, voice and others, making management and maintenance more effective and cost efficient. In a hybrid installation (mix of analog and digital) the coax cable is extended via the network.

IP-CCTV does not necessarily mean high complexity, but the IP part of it takes security into the IT world, an unknown territory for many of the 'analogs'. This can cause fears to them in the beginning. As with many new technologies, there is a starting period of market education. During the learning phase it is only natural that there are gaps in knowledge and misunderstandings.

It has already started, but it is never too late.

Why networked-based video solutions?

* Integrates with existing analog video installations.

* No dedicated coax cable.

* Use of existing network infrastructure.

* Control over Pan/Tilt/Zoom locally and remotely (using the same cabling).

* Long term video quality without tapes.

* Remote accessibility.

* High reliability.

* Scalability.

IP video opens up CCTV

* Many viewers. More people want to see on cameras.

* Airports: security, immigration, baggage, check-in, fire, airline managers.

* Trains: station managers, signals, police, neighbouring stations.

* Not close by. Many viewers are distant.

* Central control rooms for multiple sites.

* Head office wants to see branch office.

* An organisation-wide resource. Part of an organisation's assets.

* Key part of organisation infrastructure.

What is so great about IP?

* Send anything. Carries anything - text, audio, video, telemetry - on one network.

* Everywhere. Home, office, hotels, airports, mobile ... all over the world.

* Efficient. Only loads that part of the network required for a particular message.

* Flexible. Very easy to add devices without changing the rest of the network.

* Price/performance. Massive economies of scale, Moore's law (2x price/performance every 18 months).

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