General

1. What is the network/IP camera?

   An IP Camera is a true networking device containing an embedded OS (Operating System) and sometimes a Web Server, supports multiple users, and can be viewed using any web browser. It does not require additional hardware to operate and therefore has the flexibility to be located anywhere with a network connection.

2. How is the network camera different from the analog camera? Witch one has higher quality?

   The network/IP camera is basically a standard analog camera that has embedded OS, or Web Server (read above). The resolution (i.e. quality) of a digital video image will depend on the available bandwidth. Digital video can provide an image of near-analog quality, but a practical assessment of the application's bandwidth requirement may determine the quality of image that is possible. The available bandwidth must be carefully assessed and balanced against the acceptable quality of the final video image.

3. Is the network solution cost effective?

   Digital technology was expensive long time ago, but like any technology, the more it is used, the cheaper the hardware becomes to manufacture and the overall cost of digital technology decreases. For large distributed systems the use of network cameras is a lot more cost effective: Installation cost is driven down – CAT5 vs. Coax The cost savings in having one network for all voice, data and video applications Recovery cost when video server goes down is no longer an issue, because each camera is a stand-alone device and can still be accessed.

4. What is the difference between the eGuard™ DVR (Digital Video Recorder) and the eGuard™ NVR (Network Video Recorder)?

   Digital Video Recorders is the first wave of digital technology penetrating surveillance industry. Originally Digital Video Recorders where developed with analog inputs, and they do not support network/IP cameras. Network Video Recorders on the other hand support all network/IP cameras, video servers and other network devices. To save the overall cost of the system, analog inputs where removed from NVRs, disabling them from accepting regular CCTV cameras. So think: DVR – analog cameras, NVR – network cameras.

5. What is a Hybrid system?

   The Hybrid360™ line of video recorders derived from eGuard™ Network Video Recorders after including a capture card for analog input. In a sense, Hybrid is a Digital Video Recorder and a Network Video Recorder all-in-one.

6. Is video from DVR/NVR/Hybrid acceptable as evidence in court?

   Yes. Our Digital Video Recorders use the watermark protection. Network Video Recorders and Hybrid360 systems use proprietary video recording format. Both technologies are legitimate protection from video editing.

7. How much storage will I need?

   Use our Storage Calculator in Support section.