CCTV vs IP Cameras

June 29 2021

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If you're concerned about the security of your home, installing a reliable surveillance system can give you, and your family, peace of mind. Enabling you to keep an eye on your property, there are two main options to consider: CCTV and IP cameras. 

To help you choose the right surveillance system for your circumstances, we've covered all the basics of CCTV and IP cameras below. 

What is an IP camera? 

An IP camera (also known as a Wi-Fi camera) is a type of digital video camera that receives and sends image data over an IP network. Once installed and hooked up to Wi-Fi in your home, you'll be able to view live or recorded footage through a web portal, or if you're an ADT Smart Home user, directly on the ADT Smart Services app whenever motion is detected. 

Easy to install, you can purchase both indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi cameras, so you can keep tabs on what's happening anywhere on your property. 

What is a CCTV camera?

CCTV is a standalone system, unlike the Wi-Fi cameras available at ADT.  Short for closed-circuit television, a CCTV system uses analogue cameras and digital video recorders (DVRs) to monitor the interior and exterior of a property. 

Signals are transmitted to a monitor - or group of monitors through cables - so there's no need to rely on Wi-Fi when viewing footage.

Around the clock surveillance

Whether you choose a CCTV system or an IP camera, both options will deliver clear, full HD footage during the day. At night, indoor and outdoor IP cameras have night vision capability, whereas CCTV systems use infrared to help you see clearly in low light. 

IP cameras can be integrated with the ADT Smart Home package 

If you have an existing ADT Smart Home package, or you're considering one, IP cameras are available as a product add-on. Seamlessly integrating with other ADT Smart Home products, an indoor or outdoor Wi-Fi camera can help you get even more out of your package.

At ADT, our Wi-Fi cameras can only be purchased as an add-on to an existing ADT Smart Home intruder alarm system. If you'd prefer a standalone video surveillance system to keep watch over your property instead, you may prefer our HD CCTV packages.

IP cameras can be placed anywhere in the home

Super easy to install, IP cameras can be placed on shelves, tables or even securely mounted onto ceilings and walls. Easy to reposition too, you can move your IP cameras around the home whenever you please.

Meanwhile CCTV cameras require professional installation by engineers. Here at ADT, our consultants will visit to make sure every inch of your home is covered, with minimal interruptions to the look and feel of your property.

CCTV cameras can store up to 30 days of footage

Footage from CCTV cameras can be stored for up to 30 days, when they’re paired with a CCTV recorder. Typically, CCTV recorders have the capacity to capture more footage than IP cameras. Our CCTV package, for example, has the capacity to record up to 30 days of footage - and playback is available at any time. 

Want to know more about the cameras available at ADT? Get in touch with a member of our team today to discuss your options.