IP CCTV Cameras, Are They Right For You? – Atlanta Georgia

We are getting more and more inquiries about IP CCTV cameras. In the initial part of the conversation the customer is convinced that this is what they want and need. Some of this is due to the fact that IP cameras are the “latest and greatest” retail anti theft devices . We sell IP cameras. If we did not care about putting in the correct product to fix a loss prevention problem and just the money we would just put them in.

But IP cameras are not the retail anti theft devices for everyone. In fact they are not for most companies at this point. Retail theft prevention has to be cost effective and give an ROI.

Yes you can get mega pixel digital quality. However, most companies do not need this on every camera, or any for that fact. Cost is a huge issue. You have to have storage space for all that data. Yes, I know that hard drive space is cheap now. Except that these hard drives are not consumer grade. They are commercial grade, meant to run 24/7.

Are you concerned about watching the cameras live from a remote location? Keep in mind that the maximum amount of data that you can send up a DSL or T-1 line equates to about three cameras. It is a lot of data!

Existing coax wiring must be replaced. Unless you are starting from scratch this itself could be cost prohibitive.

Many customers want to run cameras into their PC that they use for other daily functions. This is a bad idea. PC’s tend to crash or lock up even in the best of circumstances. Windows has many things going on in the background that will cause issues or slow down the system. Now add a huge amount of data flowing in.

Cost of the cameras is an issue. A quality camera costs at least $700.00. Oh sure, you can find them cheap. But you get what you pay for. The general rule of thumb is that if you need 23 cameras or more then IP is going to be as cost effective if not more. In most cases this is not a good ROI on retail theft prevention .

Now the good news. IP cameras are easy to use, have a higher resolution, provide some “future proof” protection, will allow for more system integration as time goes on among other benefits.

But be ready for the cost. If you want a 1 to 16-camera system do not even bother looking if you are watching your costs.

For more information about retail theft prevention contact us at retail anti theft devices or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia