CCTV technology guide — IP vs analog
Both architectures remain relevant. The right choice depends on cable plant, resolution targets, analytics appetite and budget — not branding alone.
IP CCTV systems
Resolution & quality
- Typically 4 MP–8 MP+ per camera on modern installs
- Digital zoom on playback uses sensor pixels effectively
- WDR / low-light chipsets vary by model tier
Infrastructure
- Cat5e/Cat6 structured cabling
- PoE switches sized for peak draw
- Bandwidth planning for remote viewing
Analog / HD-over-coax
Resolution & quality
- HD-over-coax commonly up to 5 MP class on supported recorders
- Digital zoom limited by captured resolution
- Good results with adequate lighting
Infrastructure
- Reuse existing coax where sound
- Separate 12 V power unless POC-capable gear
- Lower LAN load — recorder often local-first
Hybrid recorders exist; many East Gippsland upgrades blend coax segments with new IP runs where trenching makes sense.