CCTV, IP Cameras, and NVRs Explained - ISC Security

Whether your business is installing its first security system or you’re a seasoned pro, security lingo can be confusing. When you hire a security firm, you don’t have to worry about the hard work, but it’s still a good idea to understand the basics of security. Ideally, you should have an idea of your security needs, and your security partner should brainstorm possible solutions. Familiarizing yourself with all of the terminology isn’t a must, but it can be a great help as you evaluate which system is right for you. What are CCTV, IP cameras, and NVRs, and why do they matter? Here’s what you should know.

CCTV stands for closed-circuit television. These cameras were once the gold standard for security, but they’ve lessened in popularity as technology has advanced. Still, CCTV remains ubiquitous, and many organizations around the world rely on them. These systems work by sending video from cameras to a specific set of monitors in a closed loop. CCTV footage is private and secure, so it isn’t automatically broadcast to the public. The benefits are numerous. Even though it’s traditionally less advanced when compared to wireless systems, CCTV systems are immune to wireless interference and often more stable than newer camera types. However, hardware can be bulky, and the systems are sometimes harder to install and maintain.

Businesses that decide against CCTV often opt for IP (internet protocol) cameras. Invented 30 years ago, these systems capture video digitally, compress the footage, and then send it to a computer network. There are several reasons that businesses prefer IP over CCTV. The resolution is often superior to closed-circuit cameras, and these cameras offer remote access, allowing you to pull up footage on your phone or computer regardless of where you are. It’s also easy to scale the system and add new units. There are also disadvantages to consider. CCTV systems offer a higher level of security because they can’t be targeted in cyberattacks, and they remain stable even if there’s low Internet connectivity.

NVR stands for network video recorder, and it’s typically utilized with IP camera systems. In contrast, a CCTV system will often rely on a DVR (digital video recorder). An NVR is a system that records and manages footage from cameras. After an IP camera processes the video data, it streams it over a network to the NVR. From there, the network video recorder saves the streams onto hard drives or the cloud, which allows for both live viewing and playback at a later time. NVRs can also work with advanced camera software to detect faces and motion, which saves a lot of time if you need to rewatch footage. Video quality is usually higher than DVRs.

Now that you know the difference between these systems, it’s time to figure out which is right for you. Whether you want a basic system to ward off intruders or something more technologically complex, Integrated Security Consultants is available to help. Our experienced team specializes in video surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, fire alarms, and more. We work with you to find security vulnerabilities. Then, we create solutions. Are you interested in scheduling a free, no-obligation walkthrough? Call 813-254-0033 or contact us online.