Digital video recorders were designed to replace the standard tape-style analogue video recorders.
The significant advantages of going digital are improved picture quality, fast retrieval of recorded images, optional record speeds, timer scheduling, remote and low cost archiving solutions.
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Viewed in a wider context, the convergence to IP-based networks includes a number of factors to consider aside from a comparison of what two types of cameras can provide the end user. Things such as performance, open systems interoperability, flexibility, future-proof, and networ connectivity. However, in this paper we seek to explore 10 of the most important functional differences between today’s network cameras and their dated analog cousin, and why these factors are important tounderstand when making that next camera purchase.
1. End to interlace problems. An analog camera at high resolution (4CIF) has a significant problem with interlacing.
2. Power over Ethernet increases savings and reliability. Getting power to an analog camera has always been a major obstacle and cost.
3. Megapixel resolution. Analog cameras are stuck at NTSC/PAL specifications, with a resolution corresponding to 0.4 megapixel at 4CIF.
4. Intelligence at the camera level. In a world in which far too much video is being recorded for anyone to ever monitor or search, intelligent video is the next big trend.
5. Integrated PTZ and input/output control. With an analog PTZ camera, the serial communication that controls PTZ movement requires cabling separate from the video signal.
6. Integrated audio.
7. Secure communication. With an analog camera, the video signal
is transported over a coax cable without any encryption or authentication.
8. Flexible, cost-effective infrastructure choices. Analog video is typically transmitted by expensive coax, or over proprietary fiber, or by wireless means.
9. A true digital solution. The CCD sensor in an analog camera generates an analog signal that is digitized by an A/D converter to make possible the image improving function in a DSP.
10. Lower total cost of ownership.