CCTV Camera Comparison: Wired or Wireless CCTV Camera

Before choosing what CCTV Camera system to get, sometimes the customers stumble upon the following question: should I choose wired or wireless CCTV camera? What are the pros and cons of wired and wireless CCTV cameras?

As you might have guessed, none of the options available are perfect, so it mostly comes down to your personal preferences. But to make your buying decision easier, we’ve composed a comprehensive list of what you can expect from each type of device, both positives, and negatives.

Note that a wireless CCTV camera has to be a digital IP Camera, as only digital signal can be transmitted wirelessly.

General Comparison of Wired and Wireless CCTV Camera in Table

	Advantages	Disadvantages
Wired CCTV Camera	Better video quality Nearly no interference Reliability No need separate power	Installation is more challenging Not easily portable
Wireless CCTV Camera	Easier installation Portability Can be flexibly placed Reduced Maintenance	Less reliable Risk being hacked High cost Possibility of interference

Advantages of Wireless CCTV Camera

1. Easier installation

Wireless IP Camera from Hikvision

This is especially important if you want to do it yourself. That way, you will save time and also ensure that you’re going to be capable of doing it in the first place. In a typical scenario, all you have to worry about in terms of installation is having a power source in close proximity to your wireless CCTV camera, and you’re good to go.

2. Portability

Since these types of wireless CCTV cameras tend to be rather lightweight and easily installed, you can take them anywhere you want to without trouble.

3. Can be placed anywhere there is a Wi-Fi signal

Extending on the previous points, as long as you have a power source and a Wi-Fi signal nearby, your wireless CCTV camera will serve you well. This also comes in handy if you want to move it to another location later on.

4. Reduced maintenance

Maintaining a CCTV camera can be troublesome. But since a wireless CCTV camera doesn’t need a cable to function, ideally you won’t be spending any money on cable maintenance (although you will still need the power cable to power up the wireless CCTV camera)

Disadvantages of Wireless CCTV Camera

1. Less reliable than wired CCTV cameras

The reliability of wireless CCTV camera relies on the wi-fi signal. Sometimes you’re going to be experiencing instability of wi-fi signal, or even weak signal, which means you could potentially lose some crucial moments of footage. In that aspect, a wired CCTV camera is more reliable than a wireless CCTV camera

2. Risk of being hacked

Data security is an important aspect of today’s world, and the con of using a wireless CCTV camera is that you risk being hacked. Although breaching the security of your camera is not something that a novice hacker can do seamlessly, there is still a risk. Knowing this, you have to make a decision based on how comfortable you are that someone else may have access to the recorded footage at any given time.

3. Cost is high

For the most part, wireless CCTV cameras tend to be more expensive than their wired counterparts.

4. Possibility of interference

Sometimes, wireless CCTV cameras experience interference which can lead to false alarms, dropped signals, and lost video.

Benefits of Wired CCTV Camera

1. Best video quality

Out of all the CCTV cameras, wired CCTV cameras tend to have the best picture quality.

2. No interference

If you’ve installed a wired CCTV camera properly, one of the pros is that you won’t have to worry about any interference from Bluetooth devices, telephones, wireless networks, alarms, microwave ovens, baby monitors, and the like.

3. Reliability

Expanding on the previous points made, a wired CCTV camera is one of the most sturdy and reliable options if you’re looking for the best picture quality and availability at all times.

4. No need for a power source nearby

Unlike with what you can expect from wireless CCTV cameras, a wired CCTV camera doesn’t require a power source nearby – a cable will carry the power to it. And if you use a power distribution box, many cameras can be powered at once.

Disadvantages of wired CCTV camera

1. Installation can be challenging

Unlike wireless CCTV cameras, a wired CCTV camera can be quite challenging to install. Unavoidably, you’re going to have to drill a hole in the wall, and you can run into all sorts of obstacles while you’re at it: concrete blocks, studs, and the list goes on. To make matters even trickier, these are hidden behind the wall, so you won’t be able to tell them in advance. And if you want to steer clear of interference in picture quality, you’re going to have to avoid placing the cable along a high-powered line.

2. Not easily portable

As you may have imagined, since there is a lot of work involved during the installation phase, moving it to a different location can be quite tricky, and it’s usually better to just get a new one in this case.

Conclusion

When considering the pros and cons of wired and wireless CCTV cameras, you always have to consider what matters the most to you, as well as the budget you have available. But hopefully, this article has helped clear up some of the questions you may have had.

By CCTV Singapore

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source https://cctvcamera.com.sg/wired-wireless-cctv-camera-comparison/

How CCTV Camera Works?

This is the second series of how CCTV camera works. Read how CCTV works here from the components’ point of view

You’ve heard of CCTV cameras too many times. How CCTV camera works exactly?

How does a CCTV camera work? You may be asking yourself this question before installing the CCTV camera. To start, CCTV stands for Closed Circuit Television and it’s a system used for video surveillance which combines a certain number of cameras linked to each other that are placed in the desired zone in order to keep track of actions taken there. It is called “closed” because their footage is not broadcast to the public; it is used exclusively for safety and security purposes.

Real-time live viewing is one of the main reasons why people install CCTV camera systems in their homes, offices, retail shops, warehouses, schools, restaurants, etc. These systems allow them to keep their families and assets safe and well watched.

The working logic of a CCTV camera should be known by everyone that feels the need of installing a CCTV Camera surveillance system, whether at home or in their business. Here is an explanation of how these devices work, beginning with some essential definitions.

1. Basic Characteristics of CCTV Camera

A CCTV camera is an equipment composed of an image capture element (CCD or CMOS, explained below), an electronic circuit and a lens that will allow the visualization of a specific scene.

Some CCTV cameras also include microphones that allow to catch the sounds of the environment under surveillance and send them through the network for listening and recording.

There are different types of cameras, one for each particular usage. Depending on the conditions of the area that needs the coverage, specifications and characteristics vary. For instance: black and white/color image, outdoor or indoor use, housing, sensibility to light, resolution, size, etc.

Different types of lenses can also be found in the cameras and they can be chosen according to the requirements of every installation. Zooming options can be offered as well as other image adjustments that contribute to a better and more precise footage.

2. Analog and IP based CCTV Camera

CCTV camera can be further classified into two main types: Analog and IP Camera. These two categories are associated with the way the image is compressed and transmitted towards the video recorders.

Analog cameras are connected to each other using a coaxial cable and further connected to a monitor or TV where footage can be seen and recorded with a specific device.

IP camera can be connected with each other wirelessly (Wi-Fi) or via an Ethernet cable. Footage can be recorded inside the Network Video Recorder (NVR) or watched in real time from a PC or smartphone using the Internet. This kind of cameras offer higher resolution levels and consequently, a better image quality.

3. CCD and CMOS sensors of CCTV Cameras

Both types either have CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensors or CMOS (Complementary Metallic Oxide Semiconductor) sensors. In any case, their function is to convert light into an electrical signal that is later processed and converted into a signal output that can be both recorded and shown on a monitor.

Most analog cameras use CCD chips while IP camera can use CCD or CMOS sensors indistinctly. The main difference between them is that a CMOS may not deliver a footage with good resolution when there is movement in the scene while CCD is able to offer sharper images in the video.

However, CMOS technology has improved and it is possible to get a high performance at a lower price, compared to CCD chips.

4. Image Compression: DVR and NVR of CCTV Cameras

The analog signal (in analog CCTV camera) is turned into a digital signal thanks to a converter (analogue-digital) and then it is transmitted to a DSP (Digital Signal Processing). Then this digital signal is turned again into an analog one via another converter so that it can be transmitted to the Digital Video Recorder (DVR) where it is codified and stored.

In the case of IP camera, the image is internally compressed or codified and transmitted through Internet Protocols (IP) using a network until it reaches the recorders, which are called Network Video Recorders or NVR.

5. Usage of CCTV Camera

Infra-red cameras are preferred for night surveillance. They use Light-Emitting Diodes (LED) placed around their lenses so they can detect heat waves and retransmit the images into the black and white footage.

There are also adaptable cameras that automatically change their working mode according to the light conditions of the place.

Dome-shaped cameras, spy cameras, and other types are available for every particular condition.

CCTV cameras are the essential part of video surveillance systems and their different characteristics must be taken into account in order to make the right choice for the whole installation and make the most out of their technology.

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source https://cctvcamera.com.sg/how-cctv-camera-work/

Best IP Camera in Singapore: 10 Rules to Check Before Purchase?

Best IP Camera? What do you need to know before purchase?

Prior to being able to choose the best IP camera in Singapore for your particular needs, you’re unavoidably going to have to do some research. To help you along the way, here is a comprehensive list of things you need to consider before purchasing.

1. High Definition Resolution

If you’re looking for the absolute best IP camera on the market, you’re probably going to want it to have HD resolution. Depending on your particular needs, however, you may not actually need it and may prefer working with a regular SD IP camera instead.

2. The Best IP camera Lends you Plenty of Storage Capacity to Work with

That being said, you only need flexible storage capacities if you’re planning on keeping the recorded footage for archival purposes. If you only want to capture live footage to stream it to another computer, storage capacity isn’t that much of a consideration.

3. Indoor or Outdoor Use of IP Camera?

The best IP camera should be built to last, especially if you’re planning on using it in an outdoor environment. The weather can be quite an unpredictable variable, with all the storms, snow, rain, or even excessive sunlight, that’s why the camera needs to withstand it.

Typically, outdoor IP cameras will be much bulkier than their indoor counterparts, which should also discourage the potential intruders from tampering with them. The indoor IP cameras are typically lighter and smaller, which should make it easier to install them almost anywhere you want.

4. Mobile Support of Best IP Camera

Although pretty much all of the IP cameras provide you with some kind of means of accessing the recorded footage, the best IP camera is always designed with convenience in mind, which means mobile support, preferably both for iOS as well as Android.

5. Security Concerns of Best IP Camera

When choosing the most suitable security option, you usually have to decide whether you prefer convenience or security. For example, you may want to go for a camera with a wireless access, but you risk someone breaking into the network and messing with your data. An IP camera that only serves the recorded footage locally may not be as convenient as the alternatives, but it’s the best IP camera in terms of security since you need to have physical access to it in order to retrieve the data.

6. How Many IP cameras Do You Need?

While it may seem like an obvious question to ask, a lot of people completely overlook it. Do you own a large corporate building, or do you simply want to protect a small residential property? While it’s impossible for this article to provide you with an answer on exactly how many cameras are enough, it should at least point you in the right direction. But generally speaking, the larger the premises, the more cameras you’re going to need.

7. The Best IP Camera Should Have Upgradeable Software

As time goes on, new security vulnerabilities are discovered which could allow hackers to gain unauthorized access to your network, compromising any data they stumble across. In order to prevent that, it’s a good idea to look for an IP camera that allows for firmware updates.

8. The best IP cameras have a Flexible Recording Angle

If your IP camera of choice has a flexible recording angle, it’s going to be much harder for an intruder to go by unnoticed. The fish-eye type of IP cameras (but a bit costly) with a revolving lens allow you to cover 360-degree angle, while those with a fixed lens should allow for at least a 90-degree angle, which is more than enough if you install the IP camera at the corner of the house.

9. Intelligent Features of IP camera

Intelligent features of IP camera will be the future trend. It includes some basic and advanced video analytic functions – from basic features such as motion detection, privacy mask, signal loss notification, to advanced features such as heart map analysis, face recognition, car plate recognition, intruder tracker, etc.

You probably don’t need an IP camera to record the surroundings all the time, only when something of interest happens. To address this problem, IP camera manufacturers have come up with a motion detection feature that only triggers when the sensors detect that something is moving.

This also has the added benefit of making the task of going through the recorded footage much easier, since you’re going to find what you’re looking for relatively faster.

10. Operation System Compatibility

You should never assume all of the cameras are compatible with every operating system out there. That’s why it’s important to check the OS compatibility before making the purchase, especially if you’re using a Linux distribution.

Conclusion About the Best IP Camera

With these things in mind, you should have an easier time choosing the best IP camera for your particular needs. Should you have any further queries, you’re welcome to get in touch with us at any time, and we’d be glad to help!

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source https://cctvcamera.com.sg/best-ip-camera-singapore-10-rules/

How to Set Up IP Camera without NVR?

A lot of homes and businesses today have decided to purchase their IP cameras, with or without NVR for different reasons. It may be used as a deterrent for crime, while it can also be used as a way to monitor the productivity of your employees when you are not around. Thanks to modern technology, a lot of things have improved when it comes to surveillance CCTV camera and IP Camera today. It is now possible for us to watch in High Definition (HD), and even watch what your cameras see in real-time using your mobile devices.

But one burning question among new CCTV camera and IP Camera owners is how to set up an IP camera without the NVR? Setting up the IP camera without the NVR is a convenient option for any home or business.

What exactly is an NVR?

NVR: Network Video Recorder

To avoid confusion, let’s first discuss what an NVR is. The NVR, or Network Video Recorder, is a hardware device that is used in order to record videos onto a mass storage device typically on a disk drive, especially nowadays when dealing with high-definition videos.

It is different from a Digital Video Recorder or DVR since the input of an NVR needs to run on a network rather than a direct connection coming from a video capture, which is what DVR does.

IP Cameras to NVR

Before we discuss how to setup an IP camera without a Network Video Recorder, it is a good idea to find out how the usual setup works with an NVR. As rule of thumb, a router connects to three devices namely the IP camera, computer, and the Network Video Recorder.

For any IP Camera device, it is imperative to have the right IP address and gateway address. Once you turn on the Network Video Recorder, you will need to have the correct network configuration. This setup allows the NVR to recognize the IP cameras are found in the same router. It allows the NVR not only to communicate with the IP cameras but also connect to the World Wide Web.

This typical setup allows you to log-in via a browser on your computer or using the Network Video Recorder. Network setting on NVR will usually appear in a pop-up window to allow the user to set the network for the camera. Among the things that you will need include IP address, Default Gateway, and Subnet Mask.

Setting up with a Network Video Recorder is quite tricky since the IP cameras and the NVR need to have different IP addresses. However, it needs to have the same Default Gateway to ensure that the NVR is going to find the IP camera.

How do you setup an IP Camera without the NVR?

Does setting things up with an NVR sound a bit too technical for you? The good news is that you can have an IP camera and forget about the Network Video Recorder. This option is becoming popular among households and businesses since you have fewer things to worry about.

There are two ways on how you can do this without the NVR. The first option is your PC/mobile device communicates with the IP camera directly via a server. And secondly, it is also possible that the PC/mobile device communicates to a third party server which then connects to the IP camera.

1. Mobile device/PC to IP Camera directly

For the first option, it is quite a straight forward approach in order to effectively setup your IP camera to become viewable on your device. You will most likely do some configuration in you internet gateway which allows port forwarding on your firewall. This is almost the same sequence as setting up with a Network Video Recorder.

Direct connection of IP camera

2. Mobile device/PC to third party server to IP Camera

For the second way to set up an IP camera without an NVR, it is usually a great option because of its plug-and-play capability. All that you need to do is to log in to a server provided by the IP camera manufacturer and see the footages recorded by the device from there. These cameras are typically called “P2P” IP cameras.

There’s an ongoing debate on its pros and cons. For instance, if you don’t have an experience tinkering your internet configuration, P2P cameras offer a convenient option that saves you from all the technical hassles involved in setting up the IP camera. On the other hand, you also have to deal with the possibility that the server is vulnerable to hackers. A lot of small manufacturers of P2P IP cameras don’t have the capability to keep their server secured.   

p2p IP Camera

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source https://cctvcamera.com.sg/set-ip-camera-without-nvr/

Best CCTV Camera in Singapore: What to consider before purchase?

Best CCTV Camera in Singapore: What to consider before purchase?

The best CCTV camera systems in Singapore have become an important acquisition for many environments such as workplaces, industries, warehouses, retail shops, restaurants, homes, and offices.

The rising crime rate has been one of the reasons why these kinds of places in Singapore, whose owners need to protect and guard against harm and losses. Best CCTV camera systems are the most advisable solutions to get the protection level you are looking for.

There are certain factors you are going to need to consider before choosing the best CCTV Camera system in order to exploit all of its advantages and get the optimum defense for your particular environment.

1. Verify the Size of the Area of CCTV Camera Coverage

First of all, you need to take into account how big is the place you want to cover with the CCTV Camera system. Depending on the extension of the area, the best solution for you might vary in terms of the number of cameras needed to cover the most part of the zone. In any case, best CCTV Camera installation companies offer different kits with a variable number of cameras according to a particular request.

2.What kind of activities are you going to cover?

The type of activities that are completed inside (such as production processes, office work, sales, etc.) is something that also can change the configuration as well as the model and range of durability of the devices.

3. Poor light conditions?

In some cases, conditions of low illumination are present. There are types of cameras that are capable of offering excellent and clear images no matter the natural level of visibility. Also, whether outdoor or indoor zones may need different kinds of best CCTV cameras that can ensure the environment’s condition.

4. Settle your resolution needs

Resolution needs are covered by several camera models and installations that vary in the quality of the footage. This will be settled by your specific case and your desire of getting a high-resolution image or just a standard one.

5. Remote View: IP Camera and CCTV Camera

Another important factor that you need to pay attention to is your need of a remote view of the live action in your place of surveillance. IP based CCTV cameras are the best choice if you want to monitor the images from a PC or Smartphone, thanks to their internet connectivity.

More simple installations such as analogic CCTV camera systems are also available in case that you don’t need such advanced features but still want a high definition image that you can record for hours, days, weeks and even years.

6. Do you need motion sensors or not?

Motion sensors are options that you might want to consider if you need a CCTV camera system that only records the footage when movement is detected in the covered area. This can be useful in those cases in which the area under surveillance is not very dynamic and action is not taken frequently.

7. Storage capacity of Best CCTV Camera

According to your storage needs, the options will be different. Sometimes an SD Card is enough for just a few hours of recording, as well as a Hard Disk storage unit is needed for longer footage.

8. High-quality CCTV cameras and other accessories

One of the most important things you need to consider in order to make the best choice for a CCTV Camera systems installation is the quality of the devices. You would have to make a good research of the best brands of CCTV Cameras and what they offer, as well as their price range.

9. Choose a qualified CCTV system installation provider

You are going to need to choose a liable provider that is fully capable of installing your new CCTV Camera system in Singapore in such way that all of their features are exploited and well configured. You must look for a professional staff that is able to handle these high technology devices with great results.

And last but not least, after sales services are something that will benefit you greatly. So, choosing a supplier with a first class maintenance program, extended warranty for both installation service and all devices, will definitely be the perfect supplement for a high-quality best CCTV camera brand.

Considering all these aspects will help you make the best choice before your purchase. An intelligent decision will bring you the biggest number of advantages and these will mean more safety and control of your most valuable objects, more productivity for your company and the well-being of your family and loved ones.

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source https://cctvcamera.com.sg/best-cctv-camera-singapore-consider-purchase/