An in-depth Q&A with industry leaders on IP vs CCTV has been published by Security Technology and Design magazine. I have summarized interesting points below and encourage you to use the comments section to discuss and debate the topic.

The Q&A consists of two parts. Part 1 overviews the basic tradeoffs of IP vs CCTV while Part 2 discusses megapixel cameras, standards and the future. Well worth reading. Other background material that might be valuable is my report on 'Should I Use IP Cameras?" and Top 5 Problems of IP Cameras

Interesting Points

• I2C Technologies states that "Most analog systems can only be accessed at the actual DVR." This is a very common misconception. Almost all DVRs in the last 5 years can be accessed remotely
• Axis characterizes the main problem as an issue of education. As I explained this week, I disagree.
• Panasonic offers an interesting point: "Making poor choices in IP Video deployment can be more costly than their analog counterparts. Excessive IP Camera recording system license costs, if unaccounted for, can cost far more than the embedded recording system alternatives, for which there is only an upfront cost."
• Samsung states, "Education, retail, government, transportation are all clearly markets for IP video. The analog market is still very strong with small retail and other small-business applications."
• NVT states: 'UTP based Hybrid Analog, without a doubt, is the best way for end-users to set themselves up for possible future migration. The future is clearly a mix of analog and digital video."
• Bosch warns on the user of megapixel cameras: "the majority of the mass market does not even use NTSC IP cameras to their full capability (30 FPS at 4CIF). This should be a warning sign as to the levels of expectation of the market and the user’s readiness to jump to a 40 Mbps stream per camera, which will increase storage needs by 20 to 40 times the current capacity."
• NICE claims that, "The fact that an IP camera requires a special interface to the system while all analog cameras are interchangeable, delays the adoption of IP solutions as customers are reluctant to depend on single source solutions with high level, sometimes complex level of integration."
• Axis states the analog will still be around in 10 years but only for smaller projects and replacement of existing systems. He anticipates all major players to focus on IP in the next 5 to 7 years. I agree.

While the roundtable did not provide any definitive conclusions or startling claims, I found it quite valuable in presenting the viewpoints of a variety of industry leaders.