Video surveillance as a security measure has become the norm at public places like banks, airports, railway stations, retail stores etc. While CCTV using analog systems were used earlier, technological improvements have led to network cameras being installed which are easy to operate and maintain.
IP cameras or internet protocol cameras are the latest buzz word in video surveillance, which allow people to view the camera(s) installed at home or in the office through an internet connection either through a computer or a mobile phone.
Advantages of IP Camera
The IP cameras have the following advantages over regular analog CCTV cameras:
- Two-way audio/data communication with any digital device: This can enable people to give instructions based on what they are seeing. For example, in fire-fighting or medical emergencies, experts can give advice on immediate action that can be taken.
- High resolution of images: IP cameras like all digital cameras have a high resolution which is being bettered by the day.
- Remote access feature: Video can be viewed as live coverage from any computer or even mobile devices like iPhone or iPod touch.
The iPhone is capable of running third party applications like video surveillance client software. A number of iPad Touch and iPhone companies are in the process of building apps that can directly view the videos recorded by their cameras.
The app tool takes photos from the iPhone’s camera every few seconds and posts it directly to a web page that can be accessed by other computers on the network. Some apps can connect to 8 IP or CCTV cameras. The only requirement is that the phone should be on Wi-Fi to enable it to post on the Net.
Are you worried about your child at home? Do you want to monitor the activities in various rooms of your office or home? These are the anxieties that the latest technology of video surveillance wants to address.
CCTV vs IP Camera
CCTVs are area-specific and limited. IP cameras connected to iPhones or iPad touch phones have a wider range and can be used anywhere and everywhere. Elements like 3G wireless (to transmit and receive video streaming with or without wi-fi) and high resolution graphical ability of these phones make them an ideal choice for developing apps for video surveillance in the future.
With advancement in technology and the availability of free software (or at a minimal charge), the day is not far off when iPhones and iPad touch will take over from CCTV surveillance to make our lives safer and secure.
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