CCTV systems use cameras to capture video footage. The footage then sent to a recording device (a DVR or NVR) and stored for future reference. It is then sent from the cameras to a dedicated monitor, or even a smartphone or computer, displaying the footage in real-time.CCTV security systems are connected with a coaxial cable, network cable, or wireless signal, depending on the system type.

As we like to call them, analog systems, or HD systems, are the more traditional CCTV forms. These can use several cable types to connect the camera and recording system.Analogue HD systems have lower video quality than IP; however, the flexibility with compatible cabling types tends to make HD more suitable for system upgrades.

IP systems, otherwise known as network cameras, are technically not “CCTV” in the same way as hardwired analogue HD systems but often referred to as CCTV systems for convenience.IP systems are entirely digital. IP systems run on networks just like a computer network. And just like a computer network, a single Ethernet cable can connect multiple IP cameras compared to Analogue HD that requires a dedicated cable for each camera.

Unlike analog systems, IP CCTV cameras use only Ethernet cables such as CAT5e; however, being digital also means data transmission wirelessly is also possible.

Analog HD CCTV cameras offer reliability thanks to their simplicity, but they generally shoot in lower resolutions than their digital counterparts.IP security cameras are capable of much higher resolution, up to 4k ultra HD in many cases, thus providing better image quality.

They are also usually compatible with many more features than analogue-based systems, such as video analytics and advanced processing performance in low-light recording situations.

IP systems can often require less cabling than analog systems. IP cameras can also be scaled almost infinitely, allowing for far more flexibility and more powerful systems than analog cameras have traditionally allowed.

In analogue HD CCTV systems, this is a DVR (Digital Video Recorder). IP systems use an NVR (Network Video Recorder). In analogue HD systems, a DVR recorder converts all video footage to digital format, compresses the file, and stores it on a hard drive. The DVR can connect to a monitor to show video footage or a router and internet modem to broadcast the footage using mobile Apps or PC software.NVR CCTV systems connect to IP cameras and use software to record video in a digital format. NVRs are typically more advanced systems that offer higher video quality and more flexible features.