The Big Bang

The transition from analog to IP is gradual, but certain

AS the technology drums continue to beat in support of Internet Protocol video security solutions, many may wonder about its impact on the business community -- most notably, on those organizations that have invested heavily in their legacy analog components. To hear most advocates, not only is IP the wave of the future, but those who do not make the complete and immediate transition to IP are doomed to certain failure.

To hear most advocates, not only is IP the wave of the future, but those who do not make the complete and immediate transition to IP are doomed to certain failure.

But, is making an abrupt transition to IP technology really, as most supporters would suggest, the "only way to go"? Is there a way for businesses to leverage their existing analog equipment while growing their system and making a more gradual transition from analog to IP?

Analog vs. IP
In retrospect, the enormous success that analog video has enjoyed over the years can be largely attributed to the stable, cost-effective nature of the technology itself. Analog-based equipment is relatively inexpensive and adheres well to industry-defined standards.

A proven technology, it does not suffer from the same issues of differing sync values, multiple scan rates and varying frame rates, which have affected IP. In fact, strict industry standards have afforded analog the kind of stability and affordability that IP, as a relatively new and innovative technology, has not yet achieved. For these reasons, vendors are reluctant to completely relinquish their legacy analog components for a less-stable, higher-priced technology.

In recent years, however, security providers have started promoting IP standardization and open source architecture. Increased standardization has translated into greater stability and lower risk factors for business owners who choose IP. With these uncertainties being addressed, retail business owners have begun to look to the advanced capabilities offered by IP. For example, the intelligence of IP video security solutions allows users to go beyond simple video display and storage, and more towards intelligent, sophisticated searching and capabilities that can handle large amounts of data.

Other benefits include reduced cabling and wiring, increased flexibility and instant access to data from virtually any location in the world.

Leveraging Existing Equipment
A major drawback of IP video security solutions is that they fail to address those businesses that have heavily invested in analog components. What's more, they fail to consider technology cycles that must first be satisfied in order to realize a breakeven point in return on investment.

For example, i3DVR recognizes that many grocery industry vendors do not have the resources or the technical infrastructure to immediately transition from analog to IP. In fact, most vendors would prefer to add channels and upgrade their network at their own pace and within their own budget restrictions. They want flexible IP technology without having to sacrifice their existing analog-based infrastructure. For these reasons, IP should not be viewed as a separate product, but as a slow, migratory process.

The industry requires an alternative solution for businesses caught between the proven reliability of analog and the innovative capability of IP. Rather than advocate full-blown IP solutions, the solutions should allow users to leverage their existing equipment while gradually migrating from analog to IP. A true hybrid solution represents the best of both worlds, offering both a reliable, real-time video system and viewing access to remote locations across the network.

At any time, vendors can begin upgrading their network and adding channels incrementally, recording their analog cameras while adding IP cameras and encoders at whatever pace they desire.

Rather than forcing vendors to choose between analog and IP, a hybrid technology would offer businesses the benefits of incremental growth and the ability to extend the lifespan of their existing equipment. By allowing vendors to continue using their existing infrastructure, this kind of hybrid solution would generate a considerable savings on equipment investment.

The ability to replace existing cameras with either IP cameras or encoders at their leisure is a luxury most organizations cannot do without. For those vendors struggling with the knowledge that they will likely have to switch to IP at some point down the road, a hybrid solution would present a welcome opportunity for easy transition.

This article originally appeared in the September 2006 issue of Security Products, pg. 26.

Featured

  • AI to Help Resolve Non-Emergency Calls Across Utah and Decrease 911 Caller Wait Times

    The Utah Communications Authority (UCA), which oversees the state’s next generation 911 technology services, recently announced that public safety answering points (PSAPs) throughout the state plan to implement Motorola Solutions’ Virtual Response technology to automate the receipt and resolution of 10-digit non-emergency line calls in Utah with the help of AI. Read Now

  • Report Reveals Local Governments Face Surge in Ransomware Attacks with Minimal Resources

    KnowBe4, the cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, recently released new research highlighting the critical cybersecurity challenges facing state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments. The report details how government organizations have become prime targets for cybercriminals while simultaneously facing severe resource constraints. Read Now

  • Video Surveillance Trends to Watch

    With more organizations adding newer capabilities to their surveillance systems, it’s always important to remember the “basics” of system configuration and deployment, as well as the topline benefits of continually emerging technologies like AI and the cloud. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

  • Overwhelming Majority of CISOs Anticipate Surge in Cyber Attacks Over the Next Three Years

    An overwhelming 98% of chief information security officers (CISOs) expect a surge in cyber attacks over the next three years as organizations face an increasingly complex and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital threat landscape. This is according to new research conducted among 300 CISOs, chief information officers (CIOs), and senior IT professionals by CSC1, the leading provider of enterprise-class domain and domain name system (DNS) security. Read Now

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.