IP

If you've of heard of IP CCTV before but have no idea what it actually means, we'll let you off. It's actually really boring. IP stands for Internet Protocol. In the case of CCTV it means a camera can use your home broadband network to build a multi-camera system. You might have a detached garage? If so an IP camera can be installed wirelessly using CPE bridges. This can't be done with an analogue TVI camera because that would require a cable to run directly from the camera to the recorder.

In addition; IP CCTV cameras typically provide a lot more functionality. i.e. facial recognition, human targeting, 2 way audio, on-board memory, Number Plate Recognition, they can even use this features to trigger security lighting or an audible alarm. 

The negative side of IP cameras is the price. As these are the latest technology and fully digital, they're more expensive, but the entire technology is going IP over time.



Analogue

Analogue CCTV (aka TVI) is much more cost effective than IP. A good CCTV engineer should be able to install a full multi-camera system to your home with virtually no visible cables. These days analogue really only relates to the hardware. Analogue CCTV uses fully digital back-ends, software and mobile apps. The resolution available exceeds 4K and HIKVision's Colour Night Vision TVI system is one of the most popular residential systems in the world.

So! IP for it's features and ability to fit CCTV literally anywhere (even 25 miles from the recorder, on solar panels!) TVI for affordability and near IP image quality.