IP Cameras

An Internet Protocol camera, or IP camera, is a type of digital video camera commonly employed for surveillance, and which, unlike analog closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, can send and receive data via a computer network and the Internet. Although most cameras that do this are webcams, the term IP camera or netcam is usually applied only to those used for surveillance that can be directly accessed over a network connection.

Some IP cameras require support of a central network video recorder (NVR) to handle the recording, video and alarm management. Others are able to operate in a decentralized manner with no NVR needed, as the camera is able to record directly to any local or remote storage media. The first centralized IP camera was Axis Neteye 200, released in 1996 by Axis Communications.

Here are a couple of IP Cameras:
The first is the Axis Communication brand IP Camera. The M1031-W is an indoor network camera. It is ideal for securing locations such as small businesses, boutiques, restaurants, hotels or residences. The camera offers both wireless (IEEE 802.11g) and wired connection to the network for flexible installation. It offers superior video quality in its class at 30 frames per second in VGA resolution. The AXIS M1031-W integrates a passive infrared (PIR) sensor for detecting movement – even in the dark. It includes a white LED for illuminating the scene automatically at an event or when requested by the user. It also offers two-way audio communication with integrated microphone and speaker, allowing remote listening in on an area as well as communication with individuals directly or using recorded audio clips.

It also provides multiple, individually configurable video streams in H.264 as well as Motion JPEG and MPEG-4 Part 2. Full frame rate and resolution is provided in either compression. The H.264 compression enables optimization for bandwidth and storage efficiency by significantly reducing the bit rate.

Finally this mighty little camera has won multiple awards.

Next up is Alarm.com’s small IP Camera:

The Alarm.com Indoor Wireless Fixed IP Camera with Night Vision (ADC-V520IR) is a great addition to your security system.  It provides a professional surveillance solution. HD 720P live and recorded video are available to customers through web-enabled computers, cell phone web browsers and via our free downloadable apps compatible with all Alarm.com enabled mobile devices. This camera has been designed to see at a distance of over 20 feet in the dark while still delivering true daytime colors thanks to the mechanical IR cut filter. Plus, wireless set-up is a breeze with push button wireless set-up using the WPS button.