What is a network camera?
Also called "IP cameras" or "Ethernet
cameras", a network camera transmits its audio/video (A/V)
signal via standard computer networking using CAT5 network cable, or if
it is a wireless IP camera, it transmits to a wireless router..
An IP Network Video
Camera is a Video Camera with a built in chip technology that
provides a web server capability that can be
controlled, monitored and viewed from virtually any location via
High-Speed Internet Access.
It has software built-in on
its chip that allows anyone on the network to view the A/V data - just
like a computer on a network.
You can view the images in an internet
browser by pulling up the ip address assigned to the camera.
To record the video, you can
use a software program that can be installed on any computer on the network.
What is the difference between an analog camera and a network
camera?
An ordinary security camera transmits its A/V data via RCA or COAX
cable to a monitor or a recording device (either a VCR, TV or more often
a stand-alone DVR or a computer with a DVR capture card and software
installed in it..
If you want to view this data remotely you would need to purchase a
network capable DVR or install a capture card into a computer that is on
the internet. These devices will convert the image data to digital and
with
networking software it will broadcast this digital data over the net or
over a network.
What are the major features to look for in network cameras?
The features to look for in a network camera are MPEG4 compression, quality of construction, resolution, frames per second
(fps), chip type, cost, and availability and quality of the software.
Other features to look for are audio support, motion detection, and time
and date
stamp text overlaying. Also, look at the
warrantee and technical support.
Major Advantages:
- Multiple authorized parties can simultaneously view real-time
footage anytime, anywhere from the same camera through web browsers.
- Digitized video offers much higher resolution than their analog
predecessors.
- Intelligent functions embedded in surveillance equipment can
detect, identify, and track objects in real-time reducing false
alarms.
- Installation and maintenance of digital surveillance systems have
been proven to be more cost efficient than analog systems.
- Network access allows for deployment of wireless cameras,
eliminating the cost of expensive land lines, as well as allowing
cameras to be placed.
- Connection with 3G cellular phones allows for a mobile
surveillance system in the palm of your hand.
Use Existing Network
Cabling or Wireless Capabilities.
IP is an abbreviation for
Internet Protocol, the most common protocol for communication over
computer networks and the internet.
An IP Camera creates a
digitized video streams and transfers it over a wired or wireless IP
network, enabling monitoring and video recording as far away as the
network reaches.
In other words, using an IP
camera can save a lot of money on installation since many
facilities are already wired with LAN cables. Wiring coaxial cables for
analog cameras is a major expense when implementing analog cameras.
Also, it allows users to have
a camera at one location while view live video at another location over
the internet.
What is the difference
between a web camera and an IP camera?
A web camera is connected to
a PC, normally through USB, and uses the PC to make video available to
other viewers. It will not work without a PC locally connected to the
camera.
An IP camera usually stands alone, and combines the functionality of a
high-end web camera, the PC and network interface into one network-ready
product.
How much bandwidth does an IP
Camera need?
It depends on both the
resolution and frame rate. It also depends on the compression technology
the IP camera is using. Below are three of the most popular compression
technology and the required bandwidth and other important information.
|
Compression Protocol |
M-JPEG |
MPEG-2 |
MPEG-4 |
|
Compression Rate |
6 |
30-40 |
200-500 |
|
Resolution |
352 x 288 |
720 x 576 |
720 x 576 |
|
FPS |
25-30 fps |
50-60 fps |
25-30 fps |
|
Bandwidth Required |
1.5Mbps |
4-15Mbps |
10K-1Mbps |
Can I save video from the
camera?
Yes. You can record the video at
remote / local by using the software provided by the IP camera
manufacturer. The ability to record the video at remote site is a major
advantage of IP camera over traditional analog camera.
Do I need to have internet
access to use the cameras?
No. The camera works fine also
in local network without the internet connection. If the remote users
are in the same local network, it's not necessary to connect the IP
cameras to the internet.
Why is it so important
to have DDNS support in IP camera?
If an IP camera can support DDNS
(Dynamic Domain Name Server), users can set the IP camera at a virtual
domain name (such as cam1.kitchen.xxx.xxx) at dynamic IP, and be able to
view this IP camera anywhere that has access to the internet.
It saves money when setting up
the broadband with service provider, whether it is ADSL or cable modem,
since a fixed IP is not a must.
What does "Digital Time Code
Embedded" mean? Why is it important?
The "Digital Time Code
Embedded" function is embedded in MPEG data stream. Therefore, the exact
time each frame is recorded will be stored. It is very useful when users
want to find the video at an exact time or a certain time interval.
The other advantage of
Digital Time Code Embedded is that it provides watermark on the video
streams. Since the time code is written in the video stream, if the
video is modified by others, the time code will disappear from the video
stream, and therefore, the time code can act like a watermark for the
video stream and users will find if the video is modified by
unauthorized people.
Does an IP camera
provide motion detection function?
Yes. IP cameras provide built-in motion detection function in the IP
camera
What are the applications
for IP cameras?
IP cameras can be used in
professional security systems and enable live video to be viewed
remotely by authorized personnel.
The IP cameras are easily integrated
into larger, complex systems, but can also function as stand-alone
solutions in entry-level surveillance applications. IP cameras can be
used for surveillance of sensitive areas, such as
buildings, casinos, banks and shops. Video of those areas can be
monitored from relevant control rooms, at police stations and by
security managers from a variety of locations.
IP cameras are also
effective substitutes for analog cameras in traditional law enforcement applications, such as
keeping public places safe. IP cameras can be used for access control. People as well as vehicles
can be recorded with time stamps that are easy to locate and review. The
images can be stored in a remote location, making it impossible to steal
the information.
IP cameras are easily connected to the existing IP network and enable
real-time updates of high-quality video to be accessible from any
computer on the network. Sensitive areas such as the server room, the
reception area or any remote site can be closely monitored in a
cost-effective and simple way, over the local network or via the
internet. IP cameras enhance the monitoring of a
retail location by ensuring that everything is in good order.
An
IP camera is a useful tool at the office.
Areas like the reception area, and conference rooms can be monitored for
activity. In addition, users can keep track of who has been in the
server room and take appropriate action when problems occur. IP cameras
are useful tools for the manufacturing
industry. Monitor robots, other machines and production lines from the
office or home and allow service engineers to access the cameras
remotely.
With Pan/Tilt/Zoom cameras it is possible to look at
comprehensive as well as detailed views.
Any site that already has a network in place (and networking cable
already run) is a great opportunity to use network cameras.
In large
sites such as office buildings and schools you can save a lot of money
by not having to run CCTV cable in addition to networking cable.
Another
kind of application that lends itself well to using network cameras is
when remote viewing is essential - since network cameras provide remote
connectivity by design. Examples of these applications are daycares or
schools.
What are network video servers?
A network video server allows you to use a standard analog
CCTV camera and connect it to a network. Basically, the network video
server converts the analog output of the camera to digital and then,
just like the network camera, has the software on its chip that
broadcasts the AV data to the network.
We offer two kinds of network video servers, a network video server
without pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) support. And a network video server with PTZ.
How are they installed?
The network camera (or server) needs power plugged in, and a CAT5
network cable cable plugged in.
For power, you can plug in the power adapter directly
if you have a power outlet handy. In some locations it may not be
convenient to run the power to a plug so instead you can use a Power
Over Ethernet (POE) adaptor. A POE adaptor will allow camera power to
run up to 300ft through the CAT5 cable.
After you have connected the power and the CAT5 cable, there is a
software utility that comes with the camera to help set it up properly
on the network. This is very much like setting up a new computer on the
network and assigning it an ip address.
The documentation that comes
with the camera explains this in detail.
What is a major advantages
of a network camera?
They save you from having to
run special CCTV cable, and they provide instant and easy connectivity
to everyone on the network, including remote connectivity via the
internet. You don't have to purchase a special VCR or DVR for recording
but can use any computer on the network.
How much bandwidth does a network camera use?
Our network cameras and
servers broadcast their video in MPEG4 format. . Also, there are several
tuning options available in the network cameras. You can adjust the
frame rate, and the size and quality of the video.
Can I put my network camera outside?
They can be installed outdoors if you put it in an outdoor housing.
Another alternative is to use an outdoor camera and then connect it to
your network via a network video server. Give us a call and we would be
happy to help you decide the best approach for your situation.
