Low definition analogue camera systems and DVR’s are beginning to reach their end of life. This is largely because of competitively priced, HD definition IP cameras and NVRs that use advanced hard drives designed for professional use with a backup design commonly known as RAID (redundant array of independent disks).

A common misconception is that network attached storage based installations are much more complex than DVR-based. While that may have been true in the past, manufacturers have recently promoted features like universal plug-and-play camera recognition to make NVR installations as simple as possible. In addition, as manufactures design new IP cameras, ease of installation is a primary feature.

Because a lot of companies already have an analogue system in place and want to maximise their existing investments, manufactures have created solutions, like encoders, to support hybrid environments. As analogue / DVR components start to fail or reach end of life, users can switch out components one at a time to begin the upgrade to an IP camera and NVR installation. this hybrid environment technique maximizes companies ‘initial investments and provides them the flexibility of funding their video surveillance upgrade over time.

Another misconception is that IP camera and NVR deployments are prohibitively expensive. A DVR may be cheaper initially than an NVR, but the NVR is no “one-trick pony” – it not only can manage the video surveillance requirements of a company, it also can operate as the foundation for the overall storage and data management needs of a work group, remote location, or stand-alone business. As prices of IP cameras continue to drop, HD cameras bring significantly improved capabilities.

As you start adding cameras to an existing video surveillance system, the migration to IP cameras is the most logical choice. Network-IP cameras can be added to an installation using existing analogue cameras, thereby allowing a company to migrate over time to today’s HD standard rather than staying with yesterdays outdated solutions.

NAS based, IP -video surveillance systems have proven to be faster, more reliable, and every bit as durable as older systems utilizing DVRs and analogue cameras. When you consider all of the inherent advantages of NVR’s with RAID data management and professional hard drives, the move to NVR’s combined with IP cameras makes even more sense.

The ability to access and view video files from any location in the world via mobile apps and remote clouds is an obvious benefit of an IP-based video surveillance storage solution.

More and more affordable high definition IP security cameras are available in the market. These cameras provide better resolution expanded surveillance environments, and highly detailed images. And after all, doesnt everything look better in HD – including your video surveillance security files?

Due to security concerns and a higher compliance environment on a global level, tighter regulations have been imposed on a variety of industries. Depending on an industry’s regulatory standards, a company may face considerable surveillance video retention demands. That can be costly and danger-prone with yesterdays onsite analogue approach to video surveillance.

Video surveillance features are continuing to expand, enabled by private cloud, remote video apps , and analytics to enhance solutions. IP cameras can offer a range of functions from basic to advance analytics in almost any way imaginable. In addition, low cost storage options like hosted video make network video a much more affordable option than location-based analogue solutions.