Analysis of factors in the transition from analog technology to IP surveillance

　　When and how to make the leap from analog to IP video systems is one of the most challenging questions facing security managers in enterprise organizations. They want to move to IP surveillance immediately, but they need to extend the life of existing equipment for cost management reasons. In most application sites, the technology transition will be gradual, and analog and IP solutions will coexist during this process.

　　Determine camera investment based on demand

　　The main consideration for security experts in corporate organizations is whether existing or new IP cameras can provide the required image quality and meet the needs of system functions. Each application site has different requirements: some users require the ability to track suspects even in poor lighting conditions, while others only need a clear view of the corridor. In many technology transfer plans, specific vulnerable areas or places where image details are required are ideal places to install high-resolution network cameras, but can high-resolution cameras be used in every location?

As part of the coexistence plan, on the camera side, a digital encoder can be used to convert the image from analog to digital signal transmission and storage. If the equipment in the analog control room is scrapped, the new IP control room equipment can manage the installed analog cameras. Another way to reduce the budget is that the existing analog equipment such as cameras, control rooms, video walls and cable wiring remain unchanged, and the VMS system software is merged with the existing control keyboard to manage the new IP equipment and the installed analog system.

　　Choice of transmission method

　　Coaxial cable, shielded twisted pair and unshielded twisted pair cable, fiber optic and various wireless methods transmit most security video. The differences and business advantages of various transmission schemes are reflected in the installation and maintenance costs. So, will the new network camera bring an end to the long-distance analog signal cable transmission method?

　　The strategy for managing both analog and digital networks is to transmit all signals on one optical fiber, which is safe, free from electromagnetic interference, and simplifies the use environment by avoiding the use of multiple media, transmitters, and receivers. In addition, the power supply cannot be ignored. After adopting the coexistence plan, a power supply device with multiple plugs, addressable, and programmable is very advantageous.

　　Other considerations include the increasing bandwidth impact on enterprise networks. It's a tough job, but IT can figure it out. Can new types of compression, decompression, or codecs, such as H.264, reduce bandwidth loads while allowing for greater storage and command center processing? Can budgets afford the increased transmission and storage requirements of megapixel cameras?

　　Storage and retrieval challenges

　　Most organizations already have digital video recorders for storage and retrieval. Despite the numerous features and benefits, storage solutions are facing challenges. These range from ordinary specifications to beneficial basic functions such as preset functions for intelligent PTZ control, email or SMS notification functions after motion detection or event alarm triggering.

　　Security managers also use SD memory cards for cameras, which is very important if the camera loses contact with the system, which may result in video loss.

　　In any case, before deciding which model to choose for transitioning to IP, there are several aspects to consider:

　　If it is remote video surveillance, will we get exception reports?

　　Does the video information, including legal effectiveness, need to be shared with other departments? Does it need to be real-time?

　　What is the required storage capacity and how long does it need to be kept?

[NextPage] Need to consider the control end

　　Command and control is something that needs to be considered carefully. Traditional matrix switching and joystick operation are heavy-duty, but in the rapidly evolving software world, the next step will be to consider network video matrix switching.

　　Traditionally, when migrating from analog to digital video, organizations kept analog cameras by purchasing and installing video encoders to convert analog signals to digital signals. They replaced old analog control room equipment with new IP control room equipment, which would have been expensive to replace at the head end.

　　Therefore, some people think that a better approach is to build a compatible coexistence system. In this solution, the system keyboard is connected to the VMS instead of the matrix switcher, and the analog part of the system is not affected or needs to be changed. The VMS becomes the head of the entire system, and the operators use their traditional keyboard commands to manage the analog and digital solutions.

　　This is because VMS can be connected with analog matrix switchers and network cameras, and finally displayed on the spliced ​​TV wall. Although analog and IP solutions coexist, they still operate separately. No mouse is required. The system can send the image of the network camera to the digital display and the signal of the analog camera to the analog display, which is clear to the operator. In this compatible and coexisting solution, enterprise organizations can implement IP solutions by adding network cameras, digital monitoring and VMS.

　　Integration

　　For most enterprise security managers, true security system integration is their goal. In addition to relays and interfaces, security video with seamless integration of electronic access control, intrusion, and perimeter recognition systems is a profitable situation for any IP operator.

　　Regardless of the speed of technology migration, a good plan allows for the coexistence of analog and network cameras. This coexistence increases the overall performance and manageability of the security system while improving the effectiveness of its operations. Hybrid solutions offer a sustainable plan that extends the life of existing equipment, is affordable and easy to manage.