What is CCTV?
CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) is a video surveillance system designed to monitor and record activity within a specific area. Unlike public broadcast systems, CCTV transmits video signals through a closed, private network, ensuring that footage is only accessible to authorized users.
Although video surveillance technology has largely advanced beyond these closed-circuit systems, the term “CCTV” is still commonly used in reference to any type of video surveillance system. These systems are widely used in businesses, schools, municipalities, and residential properties to enhance security, deter crime, and provide video evidence for investigations.
How CCTV Systems Work
CCTV systems operate by capturing video footage through security cameras and transmitting it to recording devices or monitors within a closed network. Here’s how the key components work together:
- Security Cameras: Capture video footage of specific areas, such as entrances, hallways, or parking lots. Traditional analog cameras use CCD sensors, while modern IP security cameras use digital sensors that offer higher resolution and advanced analytics features.
- Cables: Coaxial cables transmit video signals in analog systems, while Power over Ethernet (PoE) cables are used in IP-based setups to provide both power and data transmission.
- Recording Devices: Analog systems use DVRs (Digital Video Recorders) to store footage, while on-premises IP-based systems use NVRs (Network Video Recorders). The most modern cloud-managed systems can utilize both local solid-state storage and the cloud to retain footage.
- Monitors: Analog systems use monitors for accessing live or recorded footage, allowing security personnel to review and respond to incidents. Modern systems allow for remote access from internet connected devices.
Key CCTV Features
Traditional CCTV systems are known for their simplicity and reliability. Key features include:
- Closed Network: Operates on a private, wired network, isolated from the internet which reduces cybersecurity risks.
- Analog Cameras: Equipped with CCD sensors, these cameras provide basic video quality but lack advanced features like AI analytics.
- Local Storage: Footage is stored on physical devices like DVRs, which require manual maintenance and have limited storage capacity.
- Limited Scalability: Adding new cameras or expanding the system often requires significant rewiring and hardware upgrades.
Disadvantages of Traditional CCTV Systems
While traditional CCTV systems were revolutionary in their time, they come with several limitations:
- No Remote Access: Footage can only be viewed on local monitors, making it difficult to monitor multiple locations or respond to incidents remotely.
- Low Video Quality: Analog cameras often produce grainy footage, making it challenging to identify faces or license plates.
- Storage Challenges: DVRs have limited storage capacity, requiring frequent manual maintenance and drive replacements.
- Single Point of Failure: If the DVR or NVR malfunctions, all connected cameras stop recording, potentially leading to data loss.
Cloud Security Cameras vs CCTV
Cloud-based security cameras represent the next generation of video surveillance, offering significant advantages over traditional CCTV systems. These systems use IP cameras to transmit digital video over the internet, enabling remote access, advanced analytics, and scalable storage solutions.
Advantages of Cloud-Based Systems
- Remote Access: View live or recorded footage from anywhere using a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
- High-Resolution Video: Capture clear, detailed footage with HD or 4K cameras.
- AI-Powered Analytics: Detect people, vehicles, or unusual activity with advanced features like facial recognition and motion detection.
- Scalable Storage: Local storage devices utilized to guarantee 24/7 recording and reduce bandwidth at scale, while cloud storage is used to save important footage safely and securely in the cloud.
- Automatic Updates: Receive regular firmware and software updates to enhance security and functionality.
Comparing CCTV, IP Security Cameras and Cloud-Based Security Systems
The main differences between traditional CCTV systems, IP-based cameras and Verkada’s cloud-based video security are ease of use, installation, cost, performance, and maintenance. See the table below for a detailed comparison of each system.
Traditional CCTV vs IP Cameras vs Cloud Cameras
| Features | Traditional CCTV | IP Security Cameras | Verkada’s Cloud Cameras |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video Quality | Low resolution with limited clarity. | High-definition, 4k resolution available. Night vision capabilities vary by manufacturer and model. | High-definition, 4k resolution available. Night-vision and AI enhanced features standard. |
| Remote Access | Not available. | Not available by default. Requires firewall exceptions, VPN or other complex configurations. | Accessible from Verkada Command via any mobile app or web browser |
| Search & Analytics | Not available. | Basic motion detection and alerts. | Advanced AI analytics like person detection and AI-powered search with customizable alerts. |
| Cybersecurity | No network connection, inherently cybersecure. | Relies on IT-managed firewalls and consistent and timely firmware updates. | Encrypted at rest and in transit by default, automatic firmware updates, and SOC 2 compliance. |
| Video Storage | Local only, retention depends on DVR/hard drive capacity. | Local-only by default, requires IT configuration for cloud or server-based data retention. Retention period dictated by hard drive capacity and number of cameras. | Minimum 30-day (up to 365-days available) 24/7 local retention with automated cloud-backup, and unlimited video archiving in the cloud. |
| Scalability | Difficult to expand | Moderate scalability, may need to add additional infrastructure and storage | Easily scalable, no additional infrastructure or hardware needed |
| Mobile App Experience | Not available. | If available, often clunky or inconsistent across platforms. | Sleek, unified app for remote video access, alerts and simplified management |
| Customer Support | No centralized support, must rely on installer. | Sometimes available but often requires IT or installer involvement. | 24/7 Verkada customer support with remote diagnostics. |
| Integrations | Not possible. | Limited native integrations, custom integrations with third-party systems via API possible but complex to setup. | Seamless integration with Verkada ecosystem (alarms, access control, sensors, etc) and third-party apps via APIs/webhooks. |
| User Management | Not applicable. | Centralized but IT-intensive with time consuming upkeep. | Intuitive role-based permissions cia Verkada Command, with native SSO and SCIM integrations for seamless user provisioning. |
| Environmental Durability | Basic weatherproofing for outdoor user, but often requires external housings for harsher environments | Indoor and outdoor models available with some more rugged options. | Weatherproof, tamper resistant designs with up to IP67 and IK10 ratings. |
| Warranty | Varies by manufacturer; typically 1-3 years and limited coverage. | Varies by manufacturer; typically 1-5 years, often excludes extended support. | Up to 10-year industry-leading warranty with hardware replacements covered. |
Why Verkada’s Cloud Security Cameras
Verkada offers a cutting-edge, hybrid-cloud approach to video surveillance, combining the reliability of local storage with the flexibility of cloud-based solutions. Here are a few ways Verkada’s changing the way security systems work:
- Scalability and Simplicity: Verkada’s plug-and-play cameras integrate seamlessly with existing network infrastructure, making installation and expansion effortless.
- Advanced Analytics: Leverage AI-powered features like facial recognition, license plate detection, and motion alerts to enhance security and streamline investigations.
- Remote Monitoring: Access live and recorded footage from anywhere using Verkada Command, accessible from any web browser or the free mobile app. You can easily view, search, and customize every smart building/security device in a single platform.
- Resilient Storage: Verkada cameras come with hybrid cloud storage, storing footage locally on solid-state drives while automatically syncing with the cloud, ensuring continuous recording even during network outages.
- Automatic Updates: Stay protected with regular firmware updates and new features delivered automatically at no additional cost.
- Proactive Alerts: Receive instant notifications for unusual activity, such as unauthorized access during off hours, tampering, or even face detection specific to person(s) of interest.
Reasons to Upgrade from a CCTV System to Modern Security Cameras
Switching to a cloud-based CCTV system offers numerous advantages for businesses, schools, and municipalities:
- Enhanced Security: Protect against cyber threats with encrypted data transmission and regular security updates.
- Improved Efficiency: Reduce maintenance costs and downtime with automated updates and remote troubleshooting.
- Future-Proof, AI-Powered Technology: Stay ahead with AI-driven analytics and scalable storage solutions that grow with your needs.
How to Choose the Best Security Cameras
Whether you’re upgrading an existing system or starting from scratch, selecting the right CCTV solution is critical to ensuring the safety and security of your property. Traditional CCTV systems offer simplicity and reliability, while cloud-based solutions provide advanced features, scalability, and remote access. Verkada’s hybrid-cloud platform combines the best of both worlds, delivering a secure, scalable, and easy-to-use solution for modern surveillance needs.
Get a Custom Walkthrough of Verkada’s Security Cameras
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