Evolution Of Video Surveillance - Vivotek IP Surveillance Overview

Chap.1 IP Surveillance Overview

1.6 Evolution of Video Surveillance

For two decades of evolution, video surveillance has progressed from fully analog to fully digital. The development
of surveillance systems is segmented into three periods, known as the first, second and third generation.
The first-generation surveillance system consists of the use of analog CCTV cameras, multiplexers, analog
monitors and VCRs. Camera images are transmitted via coaxial cables and stored in VCR cassettes. Due to
limited storage capacity, the cassettes must be replaced frequently for a long period of recording.
The early 1990s saw the emergence of the second-generation surveillance system, which is composed of CCTV
cameras, DVRs and digital monitors. Analog camera images are digitized and stored in DVRs. The replacement
of VCRs by DVRs gives users more flexibility in data viewing and storage. Around 2005, demand for network-
enabled DVR picked up, and pure network-enabled NVRs were introduced. NVRs provide remote data access and
management capability.
The third-generation surveillance system, also known as IP surveillance, appeared in early 2000. The surveillance
system uses network cameras and takes full advantage of the TCP/IP Internet. Users can remotely control, monitor
and record live video (Figure 1.11).
Analog
Camera
Analog
Camera
Advantages of IP Surveillance
Remote monitoring/storage
●
Since video data can be transmitted to remote networked devices over Ethernet networks, users can view camera
images in any place where IP network connection is available.
Cost efficiency
●
Video surveillance systems can leverage existing IP network infrastructure, significantly reducing overall installation
costs.
High scalability
●
Adding new network cameras or other networked devices in an IP surveillance system is easy by simply connecting
them to a router.
Superior image quality
●
Network cameras provide high image quality; many of them even offer megapixel resolutions. In addition, IP
surveillance has no signal degradation problems during transmission, and thus can ensure steady image quality.
6
LAN
LAN
VIVOTEK Network Camera
Coaxial Cable
VS7100
Coaxial Cable
VS7100
VIVOTEK Video Server
Figure 1.11 IP surveillance system architecture
Internet
NVR
VIVOTEK Network
Video Recorder
LAN
LAN
LAN
PC with Video
Management Software