The digital vs. analog debate isn’t just taking place in consumer electronics; it’s playing out in the security industry as well. Over the last decade, many security providers and businesses have embraced all-digital IP security cameras, and have turned to upgrading existing closed-circuit systems.

IP security cameras, or Internet Protocol cameras, are web-connected cameras that transmit video and audio wirelessly. These WiFi-enabled cameras differ from wired, analog systems, in that they don’t require connection directly to a storage hard drive. Instead, they connect wirelessly to hard-drives, connected memory systems, cloud-based servers or stream video on the web.

For businesses, IP cameras present some serious benefits over their analog predecessors, including better image quality and remote accessibility. And these benefits will only continue to get better as the technology improves. Here are 10 reasons why you should consider IP cameras:

1. Easy and Affordable Setup:

   Many of today’s IP security cameras are plug-and-play, out-of-box solutions, like the SEAHAWK 605-24WX, a WiFi-enabled dome camera. That means they can be deployed in a matter of minutes, and they don’t require deep technical expertise for set-up. Plus, IP security camera installation doesn’t require extensive infrastructure, drastically cutting start-up costs.

2. Simplified Video Management:

   Since the data from IP cameras is stored remotely on web-connected devices, videos can be accessed from anywhere. Videos can be accessed on home computers, smartphones and tablets at any time. Plus, digital video simplifies management; videos are searchable and can be organized by date, camera location and time. Management has come a long way from the rewinding that’s necessary with VHS security systems.

3. Improved Image Quality:

   Today’s fixed and PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) security cameras record video in full HD, and no image data is lost when they’re transferred to storage. Plus, the technology enables clearer, higher resolution images, making it easier to distinguish objects, faces and animals. IP cameras are also much better at recording high-speed images, which is useful for both indoor and outdoor security.

4. Automated, Smarter Cameras:

   Another added benefit: IP cameras are “smarter” than analog cameras. They can be programmed to detect anomalies, obstructions and other odd occurrences, and then send an alert to users via text, e-mail and more. Plus, they’re equipped with motion detection, provide analytics about videos, and can be customized to fit your security needs.

5. Easier Scalability:

   Adding additional cameras to a web-connected system doesn’t require new recorders or additional cables. Instead, system expansion is easier and these systems are extremely flexible. That means, as your company grows, your security system easily grow with you. Plus, network-IP cameras can be integrated with other systems, like alarms, motion-detection lighting systems and access control systems to provide enhanced security.

6. Cost Effective:

   The cost of installing an IP security system has dropped greatly in recent years, and today, installs are priced competitive compared to analog systems. One reason is that analog systems require special cables and more data storage hardware. Some IP cameras are WiFi enabled, meaning they don’t require cables, and other can transmit data on a single, lower-cost cable. Plus, with cloud-connected IP cameras, there’s no need to invest in infrastructure like VHS recorders or DVR, which can add to the cost of implementing an analog system.

7. User Friendliness:

   Both IP cameras and the networks they connect to are designed with the user in mind. That means many are plug-and-play – you can connect the camera to the web in minutes – and data management is easier for non-technical people. Newer cameras are also available with smartphone and tablet connectivity, which make them even easier to manage.

8. Great Durability:

   Both indoor and outdoor IP cameras have come a long way in terms of durability. There are waterproof and weatherproof IP cameras available that are perfect for outdoor security, and the housing options can match any architecture, including dome cameras and bullet cameras of all colors.

9. Remote Accessibility and Control:

   Another great feature of web security cameras: They can be controlled remotely. For instance, there are many PTZ IP cameras available that can be repositioned remotely via a smartphone, tablet or desktop. Other controls like on/off, focus and automated settings like timed pans can be set over the web.

10. Encrypted Data Security:

    The majority of today’s IP security systems encrypt the transmitted data, adding an additional layer of security.

A Few Disadvantages of IP Security Cameras

Clearly, there are many great benefits to upgrading an existing security system or installing a new one. But there are also a few disadvantages compared to analog systems that you should consider.

• For instance, an all-digital system requires more bandwidth on your network when the cameras are recording, which can add to networking costs. Fortunately, data transmission has come a long way, and the broadband requirements are dropping.
• Additionally, some systems require a software license for each camera, which can be costly with larger scale projects.
• And finally, some IP cameras must be placed within a certain distance of the network, which limits where they can be positioned and may require you to purchase additional equipment.

Deelat.com is your source for affordable commercial, residential and industrial IP security cameras. We provide the best prices on new IP security systems, and have hundreds of makes and models to choose from.  

Homeowners insurance is calculated using a few constants. For instance, your premiums are based in part on your home’s location, the cost to rebuild it, and the value of the contents of your home. Those don’t change much.

But, if you are interested in reducing your insurance premiums, there are a number of steps to take that can help reduce what you pay.

One of the biggest and easiest ways is improving home safety. According to Farmers Insurance, this is the No. 1 most effective way to reduce your premiums, and Travelers Insurance also cites home security as a way to possibly lower your premium.

So the answer is yes, home video surveillance and other security systems can lower your premiums. Even disaster-proofing, which, in turn, improves safety, can help lower your premium. The reason is simple: A more secure home can lessen the risk for burglary or home disaster, ultimately saving the insurance company money.

What Types of Home Security Reduce Insurance Premiums

There’s no right answer, as it depends on your insurance company. That’s why it’s smart to check with them first to understand what kinds of upgrades qualify for insurance deductions.

But typically, home security enhancements like surveillance cameras, alarm systems and dead bolt locks all can help. Additionally, enhancing window security, adding fire sprinklers and smoke detectors security, and joining a neighborhood watch program can also contribute to lower premiums.

How much will you save? It depends on your insurance company, but the majority of insurers do provide incentives for home security upgrades. According to the Insurance Information Institute, adding all or some of these systems can help cut your rates by 5 to 20 percent.

There’s a simple reason why security enhancements can save so much. According to U.S. property crime data, homes without security systems are 3 times more likely to be burglarized. And considering the typical burglar breaks into a home in 60 seconds, it’s helpful to take steps to prevent them before they act. Home security cameras, for instance, are an extremely effective deterrent. Because most homes are burglarized during the day, visible video surveillance cameras can turn away criminals before they act.

Therefore, a home security camera system, in tandem with an audible alarm and quality dead-bolt locks will better deter criminals.

Deelat.com is your source for home security cameras and video surveillance tools. We carry systems of all types and for any budget, including Closed Circuit security systems or WiFi-enabled tools.

Home Security Camera Systems

Deelat.com has a myriad of options for video surveillance, so it may be difficult for you to choose the right system for your home. More and more homeowners are opting to install private security networks on their premises to deter theft, monitor child/senior care provider conduct, or just to stay aware of what’s happening on or around their property. Security camera systems are now available for just about every need and budget, and give you the freedom to view video footage from both on-premises Closed Circuit (CCTV) monitors, or remotely over the Internet, as well as record the footage on hard drives or other removable media.

We can help you start your research by asking yourself a few basic questions:

Is the Setting in Bright Light or Low Light?

The overall light level of the environment you’re going to be securing should be a determining factor in your choice of camera. If your video surveillance will be taking place in bright, well-lit areas, your choices have very few limitations, because ample light makes it easy for just about any security camera to capture clear footage.

Alternatively, dim lighting conditions require more consideration, because not every video surveillance camera is built to handle these situations. Look for a camera that has a light sensitivity rating of 1 Lux or lower – it will either be labeled as a Day and Night camera, or will have low-light compatibility among their features. Day/Night video cameras give you the most flexibility, so if your situation needs 24/7 surveillance, go with a Day/Night.

Do you Need Wired or Wireless?

Another major factor in your decision is whether or not you want your security camera to be hardwired or not. Wired surveillance cameras typically send a more solid and secure video signal because they typically have a higher throughput. They usually take more money and effort to install because wiring needs to be run.

On the other hand, wireless cameras can be placed virtually anywhere with ease, because you don’t have to worry about running new cable or patching into existing cable runs. Signal security is also becoming much less of an issue, thanks to ever-improving encryption protocols. The difference between wired and wireless is usually defined by the resolution quality of the footage. Not that wireless does a poor job, but their signals can be interrupted by any number of reasons.

Fixed or Pan/Tilt/Zoom?

If you plan to keep your security camera fixed on one stationary view, or if you would rather have the ability to look around can be an easy factor to determine. If you only need to focus on a certain section of a room, building entrance, or parking area, then a standard-format fixed camera will do just fine. However, if you need the ability to remotely swivel and/or zoom your camera to follow action or cover a wider area, then opt for a Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) surveillance camera instead.

Unlike fixed cameras, PTZs are designed to freely move their lenses back and forth horizontally (pan), vertically (tilt), and adjust lens focus (zoom). All of this can be controlled, but there are also PTZ cams that can be programmed to automatically pan, tilt and zoom wherever movement is detected.

On-Premises or Remote Viewing Access?

How do you plan on viewing the video footage? For most folks, a video feed going to a digital video recorder (DVR) or a CCTV monitor at home is all they need, but what if you want to keep an eye on things from elsewhere?

Remote access surveillance cams, also known as IP cameras or network cameras, are a wise decision if you need this ability. They are designed to be connected to a computer network via Cat5 Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi, these web-enabled cameras allow you to log in and view what’s going on from most any Internet-connected computer or smart phone.

Hopefully this helps you narrow down your options and make a decision on which surveillance camera you should get to help protect your home or property.