IP Camera (Internet Protocol Camera) technology is very different to "closed circuit television" (CCTV) technology. Based on the Internet Protocol the cameras can send and receive data via a computer network (WAN/LAN) and the Internet, CCTV (analog) cameras cannot. IP cameras now represent the fastest growing product segment in the video surveillance market. [1] IP Camera technology is not limited to the resolution restrictions as set by the NTSC/PAL analog video standards. What is driving the market shift away from CCTV technologies is the higher resolutions offered by IP based video devices.
IP cameras allow homeowners and businesses to view their camera(s) through any internet connection available through a computer or a 3G phone. Although, due to the advancements in the surveillance industry Analog cameras now have the ability to be viewed through the same means as an IP camera through the help of a networkable DVR.
IP cameras offer the following features that analog cameras do not:
- 2 way data/audio - the device can send and receive information to almost any digital device. This allows users to communicate what they are seeing (e.g. Petrol station clerk assisting a customer on how to use the prepay pumps), or warn off perpetrators via the camera's speakers.
- High Resolution - as with digital still cameras, the resolution of IP cameras is superior to analog cameras and is increasing. There is no cap or restriction on resolution, as is the case with CCTV cameras which are restricted by the PAL/NTSC standards.
- Smart phone - some, but not all, IP cameras have built-in VoIP function enabling the device to send and receive phone calls based on events, allowing voice and video interaction via a smart phone (e.g. iPhone).