IP CCTV is a new(ish) technology for security and surveillance that has many unique advantages that make it a favorite with a large number of businesses and individuals. IP CCTV stands for ‘Internet Protocol Closed Circuit Television’ and this refers to the fact that the camera transmits its data wirelessly for transmission to a computer instead of needing cables. In the old meaning of CCTV, the ‘closed circuit’ in question referred to the connection that kept all your cameras connected to your TVs and VHS recorders. This represented a closed circuit that others could not use. While IP CCTV isn’t actually a circuit, the data is still limited to being viewed by those devices that have been granted access.

This translates into a number of different advantages for businesses and individuals, and comes with some drawbacks. First of all, as the term ‘wireless’ denotes, IP CCTV means you have a lot fewer wires to deal with. This is very useful as having a lot of wires and cables is not only unsightly but also disorganized and can damage devices. Normally with CCTV you would be limited as to where you could place your cameras and where the wiring could be run, however with IP CCTV this is unnecessary and the devices will simply connect where you need them without configuration. This means a lot less money and time spent hollowing out walls to run cables through, and it also means you’re not restricted by things like light switches or wanting to mount your cameras too high. While the cost of IP CCTV may be a bit higher than traditional CCTV, this is reflected in the fact that there will be less wiring to do and fewer cables to fix in the future. This shows how IP CCTV is a sound investment and will start to pay for itself almost immediately after installation.

At the same time, direct streaming to your device has a number of practical advantages. Mainly it means you won’t have to be on the premises to monitor your business and this means you can always be sure your stock and office are safe (great for those who have trouble going offline). At the same time, this also allows for things like password protection and eliminates the need to store large files.

Many good IP CCTV cameras, such as LG CCTV, also include a variety of other features, such as VoIP and video analytics, which when used in combination, for example, can be used to identify when an intruder is on your premises and then call to ask for help.

Of course, with more features, that means more can go wrong and this can make it more daunting for those who are less tech-savvy and may not need as much setup for their buildings. Smaller businesses may then go for IP CCTV, but there are still plenty of CCTV systems from LG and others that will be easier to use but lack a few extra bells and whistles.