What’s the Right Choice for Your Home? 

You might think you already know the answer to this comparison before reading any further. And you’re probably right, but do you know why? As technology advances, analog solutions often seem outdated next to digital ones. So, what exactly makes analog cameras different from digital? And how does this impact home security for your Bountiful, UT, residence? Let’s delve into the details to understand these differences so you can better understand the current choices in home surveillance solutions. 

SEE ALSO: The 3 Essential Features You’ll Want for Home Security Cameras

Analog Security Cameras (CCTV)

Analog security cameras, often referred to as CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television), have been around for many years. Like older TV cameras, CCTV cameras capture video in analog form (similar to old VHS and camcorder tapes)  and transmit the signal via coaxial cables to a central recording device, usually a DVR (Digital Video Recorder). Analog systems are commonly found in residential security and can provide basic surveillance needs. Once expensive, these setups are fairly cost-effective these days, depending on the quality level of the system. They are simple, quite reliable, and relatively straightforward to install. 

The disadvantages of analog cameras are several. First, they are lower resolution, producing grainier images. The analog video format doesn't benefit from modern compression techniques employed in digital formats, so you need more recording space or can save less footage. As they are not software-controlled or driven, they can't be updated via software, unlike digital cameras and many digital devices in general. Analog cameras are not capable of intelligent digital technology features like AI object detection, for example. 

Digital (IP) Security Cameras 

Digital security cameras, also called IP cameras, capture video in digital formats and transmit it over Internet Protocol (IP) networks, the same networks you depend on for internet access daily. Modern digital camera sensors (like those in your smartphone) can capture video at very high resolutions, and 4K and 8K cameras are available. Digital formats are far more efficient for storage with compression mechanisms and offer choices for capturing at lower or higher resolution, depending on requirements. These cameras are software-driven and can be updated to include new features like object and people recognition, improved motion detection, and other advances—just like your smartphone. As these cameras run on IP networks, the systems can connect to the internet easily to transmit alerts and share footage as needed. 

Do digital cameras have disadvantages? Because they have more intelligent components (like chips and advanced camera sensors), they can be more expensive than simpler CCTV setups. They also need a robust IP network for proper performance, and, like any network-connected device, they have more potential for cyber attacks.

What’s Right for Your Home Security?

Unless you only need the most basic capability and feature set, a digital IP system is the future. It has more efficient and flexible storage options, can connect to the internet for remote monitoring and viewing footage, and will have advanced features like object detection, remote pan-tilt-zoom control, and secure cloud storage options for sharing footage with trusted people or the authorities when necessary. 

Now you might be thinking, do I have to rip out my older CCTV system to go digital? The good news is that if you have an extensive or even a simple system, the coaxial cabling can be reused to connect your new digital camera system via IP over Coax adapters. And here's another key part: IP cameras can use PoE, Power over Ethernet, to power the cameras, so you don't need a separate electrical power connection. CCTV cameras need a separate power cable, but your IP cameras can be powered over the same coax cable that transmits the video feed. So upgrading to digital is easy if you have existing CCTV cabling. And if you don't, ethernet cable is easier to run and install than coax. 

Isn’t it time to go digital for home security? If you’re ready for an upgrade, contact us here or start a chat below—we look forward to assisting you!