Wireless Security Camera Types

In the following brief paragraphs we would like to introduce the two fundamentally different types of Wireless CCTV System Solutions. Taking a minute to understand the implications is imperative, as it may greatly reduce your time spent on further search and even more importantly - prevent you from finding yourself in the very common scenario of having purchased the wrong solution. There are currently only a 'hand full' of companies in the UK, who have the expertise and experience to advise in this matter - not only are we one of them, but we are further willing to provide insight here - free of charge and in laymen terminology.

3G Wireless CCTV (Mobile Phone Type Broadband)

This type of CCTV System has a number of advantages and disadvantages. What really determines whether this is the right choice for you is your application scenario.

3G CCTV Advantages 3G CCTV Disadvantages
  • No distance limit between transmitter and receiving system
  • Highly Mobile - easily deployed in 3G covered areas
  • Many mobile cameras can be managed from a central monitoring location with ease - and even the central monitoring location can be changed to any Broad-Band enabled place without complications
  • Compatible with IP CCTV special functionality within Intelligent Analytic Functionality (like that of Mobotix Megapixel IP Cameras etc.)
  • Does not require fine-tuned directional aerial setup - a 3G Omni-Directional Antenna can be positioned by far less specalised technicians/staff (when compared to directional RF synchronisation)
  • Limited data bandwidth of mobile network resulting in a trade-off between low image refresh rate or low quality/resolution image (Ideal CCTV have developed a solution that allows for lower resolution Live monitoring, but yet enables beyond Full HD Resolution stream retrieval of recorded footage on demand - without visiting the remote camera site - The download will obviously take longer than realtime)
  • A SIM Card is required - similar to your mobile phone, this CCTV System will require the customer to enter into a contract with reoccurring fees

RF Radio Frequency Directional Wireless CCTV

Traditional RF Wireless CCTV ids fundamentally different from 3G. This system utilises traditional analogue radio frequency technology to transmit analogue signals. Therefore it is not possible to directly transmit IP Video Streams, without the use of expensive interfaces, adaptors and converters - which would render such a solution too cost ineffective for most clients. This leads us to the logical conclusion that only analogue cameras are compatible with RF Wireless CCTV Transmission.

There are many applications that are ideal for this solution - such as lambing, foaling and calving CCTV. The greatest disadvantage of analogue CCTV Cameras is their inability to produce High Definition Video - instead the best resolution produced is similar to that of DVD Movies. The situation has lead to the matching of a highly compatible and suitable pair: RF Wireless Transmission with PTZ (Pan, Tilt and Zoom) Analogue Cameras.

Wireless PTZ CCTV System Solution

This solution side-steps the previously mentioned resolution disadvantage by utilising a fully functional Pan Tilt and especially Zoom Dome Camera head. If a sharper image and more detail are required in a part of the current video view, it is possible to zoom in on the object of interest and focus the DVD (roughly - used for ease of understanding) resolution on a small and distant point. It is typically possible to identify registration plates several hundred yards away, so one camera of this type installed in a large stable will give immense detail of monitored animals.

RF Wireless CCTV Advantages RF Wireless CCTV Disadvantages
  • Very fast (Realtime) analogue video transmission
  • No trade-off problem - forcing neither low image refresh rate nor low quality
  • No SIM Card is required - No monthly reoccurring costs
  • Distance limit between transmitter and receiving system
  • A physical (totally uninterrupted) direct line of sight is an absolute requirement
  • Not compatible with IP CCTV special functionality within Intelligent Analytic Functionality (like that of Mobotix Megapixel IP Cameras etc.)
  • Not as easily deployed as 3G Wireless
  • Does require fine-tuned directional aerial setup (when compared to directional RF synchronisation)