Most everyone these days has heard of JPG, GIF, RAW or BMP compression formats used to take digital pictures, but unless you work in the security or video conferencing industries you may not have heard of CIF. CIF or Common Intermediate Format is used in IP Surveillance Camera systems. Those cameras usually use a NVR (Network Video Recorder) rather than a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) and when viewing images taken using CIF provides only 20% of a quality image because it does not use PAL in traditional surveillance cameras . This type of compression formatting allows easier viewing of the video stored. Additionally, access to that video uses less bandwidth than other types and earlier formats. Why mention this?
Because you, at some point, will want to view the images and data stored that the CCTV cameras have taken and are stored on the CCTV DVR. The most cost effective and user friendly way to do that is to make what you see more like a movie that is sequenced. You will probably utilize viewing of the data over the Internet or using your network. Having a format that allows you to view the data like a video conference allows you to understand what you are viewing, which is necessary.
Another reason CIF is important is because it does not take as much bandwidth to view the storage data or media access. This is very different than an IP camera that will send you images in MPEG format or MPEG4 format. You must store those images on a server or will only use them in live viewing situations. Both storage systems have more overhead and back end costs that effect the TCO (total cost of ownership) making it cost prohibited for most business CCTV systems. Additional software is needed to view the images as well which means you must learn the software to view it.
IP cameras do have there place if you want to give the illusion that you are recording the area. Our position is that giving illusions of security only hurts the business and the owners. Too many times in a calendar year we will have customers call in that will say they had the stickers, signs or cameras and no system. The reason they call - either a law suit or they are broken into and do not know what they did once the intruder came into the business.
IP cameras also have another negative aspect, Bandwidth. Network bandwidth is always a consideration because of the cost of both using it and maintaining it. Lets face it, network administrators make their living on maintaining a network. The more network, the more revenue. Additionally the added traffic on the network and the usage of a continual device that transmits packets of data causes the entire network stress and the usage could of it can be avoided. Cost for wiring is about the same.
The issue of ports on network switches also adds a financial consideration when you use IP cameras. Several cameras means several ports. When you add it all up, IP cameras are a very expensive alternative with hidden network costs that need serious consideration.
With a business DVR camera system that uses CIF, you use less bandwidth when viewing multiple cameras having less front end costs. The back end savings and trouble free service are substantial enough that you will be glad you heard of CIF.
