Table of Contents
Table of Contents
CCTV security cameras are often considered an obsolete technology. However, that doesn’t mean that businesses need to immediately replace them with IP security cameras. When considering new CCTV vs IP security cameras, Solink recommends using newer, IP business security cameras, but most CCTV cameras are still compatible with our cloud video monitoring system (cloud VMS).
See how Solink maximizes the security value of your CCTV and IP security cameras.
What is a CCTV security camera?
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras are security cameras that only transmit their video to a specific location, unlike the broadcast TV sent to every home.
Note that, in the security industry, CCTV cameras refer to analog cameras. However, many people use the term “CCTV security camera” more broadly to refer to all security cameras. In this article, we use the term strictly to refer to analog cameras.
CCTV cameras have been the foundation of video surveillance systems for decades. That’s why there are still millions of CCTV security cameras still operating today. For this reason, the Solink platform is designed to be compatible with analog CCTV cameras.
CCTV cameras transmit data using one of two technologies.
CVBS are the most common type of cables used to transmit CCTV security camera feeds. These are the yellow cables in the yellow/white/red RCA cabling system. While inexpensive and easy to connect, CVBS cables have a short transmission range and limit CCTV security cameras to standard definition quality.
The other system, TVI, are the black coax cables used in analog cable television networks. These cables have a much longer transmission range, even longer than power over Ethernet (PoE) cables, and allow for high-definition (HD) CCTV security cameras.
Although existing CCTV security cameras can still be connected to Solink’s cloud video surveillance, when purchasing new security cameras, most companies should purchase IP cameras.
CCTV security camera pros and cons
While analog CCTV security cameras are an obsolete technology, they still have some advantages over IP ones.
CCTV security camera advantages
Here are the main advantages of CCTV cameras:
- CCTV security cameras are usually cheaper, sometimes much cheaper.
- Modern CCTV security cameras are also available in high definition.
CCTV security camera disadvantages
Here are the main disadvantages of CCTV cameras:
- Requires two cables, one for power and another for transmission, to install CCTV cameras.
- Often requires more cameras to achieve equivalent surveillance coverage of a business.
- Lower frame rate than IP cameras.
- Lower maximum video quality.
What is an IP security camera?
IP security cameras are designed to capture and transmit video in a digital format. These modern security cameras offer considerably higher resolutions compared to CCTV counterparts. IP cameras come in high definition (HD), 4K, and high resolution formats.
Power over Ethernet (PoE) cables provide both electricity and transmission capacity to IP security cameras, making their installation easier and less expensive. This often balances out the relatively higher cost associated with IP cameras in comparison to CCTV alternatives.
While most IP security cameras employ PoE for data and power transmission, alternatives do exist, for example solar- and battery-powered security cameras, as well as those utilizing WiFi data transmission.
IP security camera pros and cons
IP security cameras are superior to CCTV cameras in basically every way. However, they do still have a few disadvantages.
IP security camera advantages
Here are the main advantages of IP cameras:
- IP security cameras come in a variety of different styles, such as pan-tilt-zoom, bullet, dome, and fisheye cameras.
- Can cover large areas with fewer cameras, offsetting the higher price tag.
- HD, 4K, and even higher resolutions available.
- Easier to connect to an advanced cloud VMS.
- Single PoE cable makes installation easier.
- Modern, futureproof technology.
- High frame rate.
IP security camera disadvantages
Here is the main disadvantage of IP cameras:
- IP cameras are usually more expensive than CCTV counterparts.
Are CCTV vs IP security cameras better?
IP security cameras can be considered better than CCTV security cameras in virtually every respect. Here are all the locations you should install CCTV or IP security cameras in your business.
Where should I use CCTV vs IP security cameras?
The answer to this question is nowhere. You should not install new CCTV security cameras. While you can still use your existing CCTV cameras with the Solink platform, the technology is obsolete and you shouldn’t further invest in it.
Where should I use IP vs CCTV security cameras?
IP cameras are always the better option for a commercial security system. They provide the resolution, frame rate, and other key features to provide the best possible video surveillance capabilities for businesses.
However, not all IP cameras are built the same. Whenever possible, source business-quality IP cameras when building your security system to ensure that they are compatible with your VMS and other AI video analytics systems.
Solink can source, install, and monitor all of your CCTV and IP security cameras
Solink is your all-in-one provider of business security cameras and video surveillance. We can source commercial-grade security cameras at competitive prices and then have them installed.
Our cloud-based security camera system comes with helpful features that lower costs, save you time, and improve revenue.
If you are looking to install or upgrade your security cameras, sign up for a demo today.
Timothy Ware | 
Solink stands at the forefront of security solutions, excelling in loss prevention and asset protection for businesses. Our content is rich in industry expertise and crafted to provide actionable insights and innovative strategies. We empower businesses to enhance their security systems, optimize operations, and protect their assets more effectively. Discover how our advanced cloud video management system can transform your security approach.
