IP Cameras - Downsides
As noted previously, IP cameras also provide some negatives. In order of significance, some of the "issues" with IP technology include...
... High Cost. Initial purchase cost of standard IP cameras is on
the order of 2-4x the cost of "equivalent" IP cameras.
Equivalent in quotes because some may argue, "There is no
such thing." We suggest equivalent resolution is the best
definition of "equivalent."
... Expensive Recording. While a typical 16 channel DVR
(complete with software and ample storage space to maintain
30-45 of recorded history on 16 cameras may be in the $3K-4K
range an "equivalent" NVR (Network Video Recorder) can easily
be priced in the $6-10K range and this DOES NOT include
software.
... High Cost. Initial purchase cost of standard IP cameras is on
the order of 2-4x the cost of "equivalent" IP cameras.
Equivalent in quotes because some may argue, "There is no
such thing." We suggest equivalent resolution is the best
definition of "equivalent."
... Expensive Recording. While a typical 16 channel DVR
(complete with software and ample storage space to maintain
30-45 of recorded history on 16 cameras may be in the $3K-4K
range an "equivalent" NVR (Network Video Recorder) can easily
be priced in the $6-10K range and this DOES NOT include
software.
... NVR Software. Software necessary to access and record IP
camera data is typically a costly added expense.
1. This is an ADDED COST not typically included in the
purchase price of the NVR.
2. Often IP camera software is priced in terms of camera count.
If a client wishes to add another camera or two, it is likely
they are going to have to pay an additional software license
fee or worse, if the addition happens to extend beyond the
existing licensed camera count, the end user is going to be
faced with an additional site license expense.
3. It is common for IP camera software licenses to be
fixed time based. This means after a year or two, it may
be required to write another check (annual, for example) to
keep the software license current. If one fails to make the
payment, the cameras quit working.
4. If all that's not enough, camera software is often proprietary
to a given camera manufacturer. It may not be an option
to mix and match cameras from different manufactures, to
take advantage of the best technology for the given camera
location, and assemble the best overall system. Essentially,
system designers (and therefore their customers) are forced
(by software) to accept lower standards.
... Network Issues. IP advocates are quick to point out that
businesses often have computer networks in place and
therefore no additional cabling or hardware is needed.
However, each camera requires a port to plug into the switch,
so more or bigger switches may need to be purchased. POE
power over Ethernet) adapters may need to be added. If the
existing network will not handle the load the "advocate's" sales
point quickly turns to, "...expensive hardware upgrades that are
necessary to comply with specification."
... Network Bandwidth. Is a critical consideration almost
universally ignored by the "advocates" of IP ONLY
solutions. One cannot expect the addition of a dozen or more
cameras (each providing about 700-750 Kbps of bandwidth
demand - double that if audio is included) to an existing IT
network without resulting in a significant slowdown in network
data transmission rate. Its little wonder why many companies -
after everyone's Internet access and e-mail slows to a snail's
crawl - end up installing an entirely separate network system
just to handle their IP video. The inclusion of Mega-Pixel IP
cameras only makes the problem worse!
camera data is typically a costly added expense.
1. This is an ADDED COST not typically included in the
purchase price of the NVR.
2. Often IP camera software is priced in terms of camera count.
If a client wishes to add another camera or two, it is likely
they are going to have to pay an additional software license
fee or worse, if the addition happens to extend beyond the
existing licensed camera count, the end user is going to be
faced with an additional site license expense.
3. It is common for IP camera software licenses to be
fixed time based. This means after a year or two, it may
be required to write another check (annual, for example) to
keep the software license current. If one fails to make the
payment, the cameras quit working.
4. If all that's not enough, camera software is often proprietary
to a given camera manufacturer. It may not be an option
to mix and match cameras from different manufactures, to
take advantage of the best technology for the given camera
location, and assemble the best overall system. Essentially,
system designers (and therefore their customers) are forced
(by software) to accept lower standards.
... Network Issues. IP advocates are quick to point out that
businesses often have computer networks in place and
therefore no additional cabling or hardware is needed.
However, each camera requires a port to plug into the switch,
so more or bigger switches may need to be purchased. POE
power over Ethernet) adapters may need to be added. If the
existing network will not handle the load the "advocate's" sales
point quickly turns to, "...expensive hardware upgrades that are
necessary to comply with specification."
... Network Bandwidth. Is a critical consideration almost
universally ignored by the "advocates" of IP ONLY
solutions. One cannot expect the addition of a dozen or more
cameras (each providing about 700-750 Kbps of bandwidth
demand - double that if audio is included) to an existing IT
network without resulting in a significant slowdown in network
data transmission rate. Its little wonder why many companies -
after everyone's Internet access and e-mail slows to a snail's
crawl - end up installing an entirely separate network system
just to handle their IP video. The inclusion of Mega-Pixel IP
cameras only makes the problem worse!
NEXT PAGE - Hybrid Systems...
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