Digital video is simply faster, more scalable and easier to manage than analog. It can be integrated with existing CCTV network installations to offer instantaneous access to recorded or live video, easier storage, and higher quality images that won't degrade over time. Digital video systems can achieve one overriding objective; lower operating costs that result in an improved bottom line.
The benefits of digital video are clear when compared with the equivalent characteristics of analog systems. CCTV means just that - "closed" - i.e. limited to a defined area of a typical radius of 1,000 feet. On the other hand, digital video is networked, and therefore open and accessible from any location at anytime, by authorized users.
|
Digital System |
Analog System |
|
|
|
Key Points
|
Easy to install and operate.
Cost effective to maintain (practically maintenance free)
Operates with powerful software. |
Requires significant manual intervention.
Expensive to maintain over time.
Requires additional hardware such as switchers and multiplexers. |
|
|
|
| Recording |
Permits full flexibility for recording at variable frame rates |
Generally records at fixed frame rates on all cameras |
|
|
|
| Searching |
Retrieval time is instantaneous.
Ability to search multiple storage sites with a single query such as date/time or event. |
Difficult and very time-consuming to retrieve video |
|
|
|
| Operating |
Can be centrally operated, configured and maintained from any remote or local site.
Networked system allows authorized users to access and share information from site to site. |
Isolated system must be operated, configured and maintained manually on a site-by-site basis. |
|
|
|
| Storing |
Uninterrupted and automatic storage to disk with triplex multi-tasking.
One 160 GB disk stores the equivalent of more than 30 tapes. |
Recording is interrupted and video lost when tapes are changed, run out or break
Replacement tapes are often forgotten
Tapes require substantial storage space
Maintaining tape libraries is labor intensive |
|
|
|
| Using |
High quality video images which do not degrade over time.
The combination of high quality and a digital security seal, ensure admissibility as evidence in a court of law. |
Video quality is reduced each time a tape is played.
VHS tapes have to be replaced frequently, typically after 10 recordings, and degrade quickly.
VCR tape heads require regular cleaning.
Poor quality video evidence is often not admitted in court.
A security seal cannot be applied. |
|
|
|
| Managing |
Easily managed from a central location as the system grows.
In the unlikely event that a DVR develops an error, an immediate error log is generated and indicated to the administrator. |
Difficult to manage a large number of sites and meet associated tape storage requirements.
When a VCR fails, there is no indication until someone checks it. |
|
|
|
| Upgrading |
Leverages existing investment in CCTV installations, for example the analog cameras and co-axial cabling. |
|
Digital video allows enterprises to transform an existing analog security and monitoring system into a business tool. Benefits include lowering operating and labor costs and the ability to manage and monitor numerous sites more efficiently.
In Summary
What does all this mean? Digital video saves time, delivers more reliable information, reduces operational costs, including travel and the amount of required dedicated resources, and leads to a quick payback
Two Typical Scenarios
The Analog User
Joe is responsible for security at eight XYZ Co. retail stores and saved lots of money by using traditional time-lapse VCRs to record video, or so he thought. Each day he has to have someone swap out the tapes. When an incident occurs, he has to drive out to the site, sometimes 4 hours away, and retrieve the tape. He then takes at least 30 minutes to sequentially search the tape, which costs him time and money. Joe is not happy!
The Digital User
Jane is responsible for security at thirty ABC Co. locations. She recently invested in a powerful digital video system to manage her daily security information and operations. Jane receives an alert at her office anytime an incident happens, and takes just seconds to retrieve, review and even share the information. The process saves her time and money, and improves her efficiency fivefold. Jane is in total control - the system doesn't control her! |
