CCTV IP Camera
IP cameras are Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras that use Internet Protocol to transmit image data and control signals over a Fast Ethernet link. As such, IP cameras are also commonly referred to as network cameras. IP cameras are primarily used for surveillance in the same manner as analog closed-circuit television. A number of IP cameras are normally deployed together with a digital video recorder (DVR) or a network video recorder (NVR) to form a video surveillance system.
A Network IP Camera is a stand-alone device which allows a user to view live, full motion video from anywhere on a computer network, even over the Internet, using a standard web-browser.
A network camera can be configured to send video over an IP network for live viewing and/or recording either continuously, at scheduled times, on an event or on request from authorized users. Captured images can be streamed as Motion JPEG, MPEG-4 or H.264 video using various networking protocols, or uploaded as individual JPEG images using FTP, e-mail or HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).

Until very recently, video security and surveillance was accomplished using Closed Circuit Television or CCTV. This technology included analog cameras, coaxial cable and video tape recorders. Video security and surveillance started entering the digital age with the advent of CCD sensors which digitized image capture in the camera. However, transmission was still analog via coax to analog VCR's. The next step was the introduction of Digital Video Recorders (DVR's) connected directly to analog cameras, which made storing, searching and retrieving video much more efficient. PC's were then introduced for display of the images through a modem or network connection to the DVR.

The entire system has now been digitized with the introduction of Network Cameras incorporating onboard processors and web server software. These Network Cameras can be connected directly to existing IP networks, eliminating the need for separate and expensive coaxial cable networks. Images can be viewed and cameras managed from anywhere via a web browser, plus any hard disk on the network can be set up to record the video output.

Another significant technology called Video Servers, allow existing CCTV installations to gain the benefit of Network Video, while protecting investments in analog cameras. Video Servers connect to IP Networks and convert the signal from analog cameras to digital format. Like Network Cameras, Video Servers contain onboard processors and web server software that makes each camera IP addressable. Essentially, Video Servers turn CCTV cameras into IP Network Cameras.
When you’re shopping around for an IP-based video surveillance system, you will need to be particularly cautious about what exactly you’re looking at and what the individual terms mean. How IP-based video surveillance works is open to interpretation as far as some video surveillance and security salespeople are concerned -- not because they are trying to confuse the issues, but because there is no genuine consensus on what the term “IP-based” or related ones such as “networked” or “web-based” means.

In addition to capturing video, Axis network cameras provide event management and intelligent video functionalities such as video motion detection, audio detection, active tampering alarm and auto-tracking. Most network cameras also offer input/output (I/O) ports that enable connections to external devices such as sensors and relays. Other features may include audio capabilities and built-in support for Power over Ethernet (PoE). Axis network cameras also support advanced security and network management features.

If you are considering a network-based IP CCTV solution, we are able to offer the following three levels of service through our specialist IP CCTV Partner company:

1. Simply sales and supply of selected 'Best of Breed' IP CCTV hardware and software. You will be able to see the equipment and software solutions on the web, check the specifications, read the reviews and buy online. Our Partner offers Free Delivery, a Price Match Promise, and a 14-day 'Buy & Try' Scheme, so you can rest assured with these rock solid offers that you can select and prove your new IP CCTV solution in total confidence.
2. Expert professional advice and guidance; based upon years of CCTV design & application experience, our specialist IP CCTV Partner will discuss your application with you by phone or email and develop the optimum IP CCTV solution to meet your Operational Requirement. You can then revert to option 1 above and progress to build your solution in-house by purchasing IP CCTV components and software online OR you may opt to choose option 3 below and progress to have us manage a fully turnkey solution (including installation) for you.
3. Complete design service. Our Partner company will take a full brief from you, visit your site to fully understand your Operational Requirements and produce a professional specification which will be submited to three proven installation companies. Each company will then submit a tender directly to you. In the majority of cases this service is free of charge.

Mobile & Remote Video Surveillance Camera Systems

Customers often ask how to access a live view of their remote security cameras when they’re away from their home or business. After all, people lead busy lives, come in and out of work, go on vacations, and run errands so investing in a remote video surveillance system is crucial to the well-being and safety of your home or business. Thus, much of the time you’re not actually able to be onsite where your cameras are installed. One of the primary benefits of IP video is that you’re not limited to viewing your remote video surveillance system on site. The advancements in video surveillance technology have made it possible to view your remote security camera from any internet-enabled PC or smartphone. VideoSurveillance.com has outlined the key components of remote security camera system and video surveillance app, everything you need to know in order to start viewing your security cameras off-site.

What is Remote Video Surveillance?

Remote video surveillance enables users to view live video on a PC or laptop from just about anywhere in the world with internet access. To facilitate remote viewing, you simply type in the IP address of your network security camera in your internet browser like you would a website. This is done through DDNS and port-forwarding, which is discussed in greater detail further below. Once you’ve configured DDNS and port-forwarding and have obtained an IP address to view online, you can then begin to experience what it’s like to view your security camera system from a remote location. Remote security cameras are typically compatible with a wide range of web browsers. It is worth noting that specific web browser support varies by manufacturer.

What is Mobile Monitoring?

Remote mobile video surveillance takes remote monitoring to a whole new level. Several IP camera manufacturers offer complimentary mobile surveillance apps that give you the ability to view and manage your security cameras from a smartphone or tablet such as the iPhone, iPad, or Android. Many of these security camera apps allow you to view multiple cameras simultaneously, control PTZ settings, view recorded images, search through archived footage, play back events, and much more. Just like you would view your security camera(s) on a remote PC/laptop, you will need to have an internet data plan and IP address to do so. Remote video surveillance is perfect for users who are often off-site, and therefore not able to be on the local computer system where their IP cameras are connected.

What’s the Difference between Remote and Mobile Video Surveillance?

The common denominator of remote monitoring and a security camera app is online viewing. The main differences between the two are usability features. Remote monitoring tends to give you greater control over your camera system when it comes to managing settings and recording video. If you’re checking up on your business cameras from your home or hotel on a PC or Mac, you usually have a more reliable and secure internet connection.

A mobile security camera app requires a smartphone data plan, and may lose connection from time to time in no-coverage zones. It’s also a matter of personal preference – if you use the internet primarily on your smartphone, then mobile surveillance may be the right choice for you.

How can Remote Video Surveillance and Mobile Monitoring Help You?

Remote security camera monitoring and mobile surveillance do not require you to be “on location” in order to view and manage each of your security cameras. You’re not limited to monitoring just one camera remotely; most video surveillance apps provide simultaneous viewing and multi-site options so you can check up on all of your remote security cameras in your business or home. Monitoring off-site is also extremely convenient for users as it gives them the freedom to come and go as they please without having to worry about their property. For example, mobile and remote monitoring is great to have when you’re on vacation. If you’ve got two or three IP cameras installed at your home, and decide to take a trip somewhere, you can still monitor your property and receive email notifications if your cameras detect motion or tampering. Essentially, remote video surveillance makes it so you don’t have to be at the exact location of your security cameras to keep a watchful eye on your property. In addition, remote monitoring works wonderfully with pet cams, nanny cams, and pool cams. You’re not limited to what you can view. Surveillance on the go has never been easier.

Features

View Live Stream - Real-time video display is a primary selling point for remote and mobile monitoring. Having direct access to your live camera feed gives you the power to monitor your property without actually being there.

View NVR Live Stream - Some NVR manufacturers offer remote web interfaces and video surveillance apps that provide remote access to your IP camera system. These Internet-based platforms give you instant access to live camera displays and recorded video footage that work on PCs, and some smartphones. You simply log on to the NVR’s web interface or app to facilitate real-time monitoring.

View Recorded Video from your camera/NVR - Another benefit of remote monitoring and mobile surveillance is with some mobile apps and NVR web interfaces, you can view recorded video. This is especially helpful when you’re on vacation; you can review recorded video and decide if it’s relevant or not, or notify law enforcement if you come across something suspicious that was captured on video.

Images are sent to your phone, on motion or schedule - You can configure your IP camera so that images are sent directly to your email account or smartphone via message MMS if motion, tampering, or vandalism is detected. Images can also be sent on a schedule to keep you abreast of what your video monitors.

Send images to email account - With video management software, you can configure your security cameras to send email alerts to your smartphone, iphone or email account for evidentiary purposes and as a way to archive footage deemed important.

Administer VS System remotely - You can do a lot more with mobile and remote monitoring than just viewing live video. A number of IP camera and NVR brands offer web interfaces and cloud services that can be accessed from remote locations. These online platforms allow you to control the settings and configure your IP camera system like you would onsite.

How Do You View Your Video Surveillance Cameras Remotely?

In order to monitor your video surveillance cameras from a remote device like a PC or smartphone, you will typically need to set up DDNS and port forwarding.

DDNS - With video management software, you can configure your security cameras to send email alerts to your smartphone, iphone or email account for evidentiary purposes and as a way to archive footage deemed important.

Port-Forwarding - When you purchase your IP camera system, you’re at first limited to viewing your cameras locally, meaning you can only access them in a local area network. To view your cameras remotely, you must configure port-forwarding. Port-forwarding sends network ports used by your IP camera(s) onto the World Wide Web so that you can monitor your cameras remotely. Network ports are typically forwarded through your network’s router, which tech support specialist at VideoSurveillance.com can help you with. Port-forwarding can only be set up by obtaining the IP address of your router that connects to your video surveillance cameras. It should be noted your IP cameras and NVRs are still secure when accessed via the Internet because of password protection.

Special Plug-and-Play Solutions - Some NVR manufacturers such as Smartvue offer online cloud services that allow you to access your video surveillance system from a remote location by simply logging into your cloud account. Once logged in, you can view your live video feed, manage settings, and search recorded video as needed.

Conclusion

What makes remote video surveillance and mobile monitoring so favorable is that they both fit within your busy schedule. Remote monitoring and mobile surveillance give you on-the-go, real-time access to your live camera view so you can check up on your property anytime, day or night. The remote solutions made available by IP camera, NVR manufacturers, and even third-party mobile app developers are manifold; it is up to you to decide which one best aligns with your day-to-day routine.