The terms IP camera and network camera are most commonly used to refer to surveillance cameras with a Fast Ethernet interface. In this context, the term IP camera does not include GigE vision camera, which is a machine vision camera with a Gigabit Ethernet interface.
History
The first IP camera was released in 1996 by Axis Communications. It utilized an embedded Linux platform internal to the camera. Axis also released documentation for their low-level API called "VAPIX" which builds on the open standards of HTTP and RTSP. This open architecture was intended to encourage third-party software manufacturers to develop compatible management and recording software.
As with digital still cameras, the resolution of IP cameras has increased with time. Megapixel IP CCTV cameras are now available at resolutions of 1, 2, 3, 5 and even 11 megapixels.
Today there are many manufacturers of IP cameras. IP surveillance equipment vendors include both specialized digital imaging equipment manufacturers and larger manufacturers that are active in consumer, broadcast, and security video. Well known makes include Bosch, Cisco Systems, JVC, Panasonic, and Sony.
Standards
Analog CCTV uses established CCTV and broadcast television formats (e.g. CIF, NTSC, PAL, and SECAM) . Since analog video standards are mature, concerns over incompatibility between analog surveillance cameras and recording systems are uncommon.
IP surveillance cameras, on the other hand, do not benefit from the same level of standardization. Generally speaking, each make of IP camera will differ in terms of its specific features and functions, video encoding (compression) schemes, supported network protocols, and the API to be used by video management software.
In order to address issues of standardization of IP video surveillance, two industry groups were formed in 2008.[1] The Open Network Video Interface Forum (ONVIF)[2]and the Physical Security Interoperability Alliance (PSIA)[3]. While the PSIA was founded by Cisco and ONVIF was founded by Axis, Bosch and Sony, each group now has numerous members. As of January 2009, each group had released version 1.0 of their specification.[4]
Setting up IP Camera to be viewed remotely involves setting up a port forwarding, meaning logging in to the router and changing settings.If dynamic IP is being use, a DDNS registration is required.
In SMB or Enterprise installations static IP will be use for each IP and professional installer will configure the network parameters.But when it comes to the SOHO (Consumer Market), installation will be done by end user.
The user sometimes does not have same networking knowledge as professional integrator. This is where the new generation of Remote Easy Connect network cameras comes in to place.
Lorex is the first to introduce an IP Camera for the consumer market that required no networking knowledge in order to view the camera from a remote location (no port forwarding).[5]
By using the detection software provided, enabling an on line username and password, the camera will be auto registered under the customer secured web account. From this point users are able to logging to the camera viewing anywhere anytime there is an internet connection available or using their 3G iPohone™ [6]
Reduced space requirements in large (many camera) CCTV setups because video switching and routing is done via computer and does not need physically large and expensive video matrix switchers.
Flexible image format
Support for a variety of image resolutions including both standard analog CCTV resolutions (CIF, NTSC, PAL, and SECAM) and megapixel resolutions.
Capability for digital zoom of high-resolution megapixel images.
Progressive scan (versus interlaced scanning). Note that not all IP cameras operate in progressive scan mode. Progressive scan allows still images to be removed in better quality from a video feed. This is particularly true for a fast moving target, in which case interlaced scanning will introduce shutter-blind artifacts.
Ability to select specific frame rates and resolution for each camera in a system.[7]
No additional video encoder hardware is required to convert analog video signals into digital data for recording onto hard drives.
Wireless allows the camera to be placed just about anywhere.
No limit on resolution inherent in standard analog video formats. Megapixel cameras can far exceed image detail from conventional CCTV cameras.[9]
On-camera automated alerting via email or file transfer in response to video motion detection or dry-contact alarms.
Password lockout of unauthorized personnel to prevent viewing images or altering the camera configuration.
Support for different streaming media and compression formats to relieve transmission bandwidth and data storage requirements.
Encryption of camera control data and audio/video data.
Support for new embedded intelligent video motion detection (video analytics) with shape recognition and counting applied to objects, people, and vehicles.
Integration of video surveillance with other systems and functions such as access control, alarm systems, building management, traffic management, etc.
Remote configuration, diagnostics, and maintenance.
Future-proof installations with field-upgradeable products due to the ability to upgrade camera firmware over the network.
Potential disadvantages of IP cameras
The following are some of the potential weaknesses of IP cameras in comparison to analog CCTV cameras.
Lack of standards. Different IP cameras may encode video differently or use a different programming interface. This means a particular camera model should be deployed only with compatible IP video recording solutions.
High network bandwidth requirements: a typical CCTV camera with resolution of 640x480 pixels and 10 frames per second (10 frame/s) in MJPEG mode requires about 3 Mbit/s[11].
