“Even though I have a number of cameras, I just can’t seem to see anything!”

Mirroring the change in television, radio, and other media, the video surveillance market has experienced a rapid and significant change in recent years by shifting the base technology away from analog to digital IP-based systems.

Analog systems are typically limited to being ‘view extenders’ to help security teams look into remote spaces.  They are appropriate for applications where general observation of activity is indicated.  Their use in post-event investigation is limited due to a significant amount of distortion when a recorded image in enlarged.  These systems are usually purchased in fixed blocks of, 4, 6, or 10 cameras.  They are typically not able to be expanded beyond the initial deployment without adding a new recording device.  As this technology is phased out, the only advantage of these system is a slightly lower initial equipment cost, however, the disadvantages include significant labor costs for larger facilities, limited usefulness, and a relatively short shelf life.

Digital systems employ cameras that are in essence mini-computers.  The cameras use high megapixel technology that allows one IP camera to cover the same field of view that would require multiple analog devices.  The capabilities of the digital systems also improve their return on investment through the ability of the systems to use various types of video analytics to provide managers with data.  This information helps support business decisions such as adding staff, tracking salesperson engagement, and improving the efficiency of the existing security team.