Is Analog Dead, Or How Is It Viable In Today’s Security Systems?

Analogue is not entirely dead in today's security systems. For established deployments, there can be a fair number of analog cameras in use, and until they stop working, there is no issue continuing to rely on them, especially due to the initial lower cost or having an existing infrastructure in place. However, as technology advances rapidly, there’s certainly a shift toward IP cameras on new projects and some replacements. Digital systems offer higher image quality, remote access, advanced analytics, and greater flexibility to scale and adapt to changing security needs. Moreover, the cost of digital security systems has continued to decrease while the capabilities have increased, making them a more cost-effective option in the long term. In summary, while analog may still be a viable option for some businesses, digital security systems are quickly becoming the industry standard due to their superior performance and lower total cost of ownership.

Analog cameras have been around for decades, but while they have largely been replaced by IP-based systems, they still have their place in today's security landscape. Many installations still rely on analog, particularly in historical or listed buildings where installing an entirely new security system may not be feasible. These customers still require support and maintenance to keep their assets safe and secure. But analog isn’t an all-or-nothing proposition. Products like IP encoders can help bridge between old and new technology, allowing end-users to utilize newer analytics and the ease of use of digital CCTV recording management, without having to replace a system wholesale. At Vicon, we understand that each customer has unique needs and requirements, and we are happy to support them no matter how complex their system may be. 

Ironically the development of more powerful and intelligent digital systems is actually making it easier and more attractive to bring analog technology into the mix. While we are unlikely to see analog technology being used to develop new sensor technologies, for example, this “old” technology can and is being brought into the new mainstream via the use of protocol converters and transponders. These digitize analog signals for incorporation into today’s and tomorrow’s digital systems and IoT. While analog technology is often considered out of date or redundant, sometimes it makes sense from a cost point of view to reuse perfectly serviceable legacy systems when their performance fits the needs of the job. There may actually be some specialist applications (perhaps in dangerous or harsh conditions/environments, or a location where it would be difficult or detrimental to update the technology) where changing a perfectly functioning analog sensor makes no sense and it is preferable to incorporate it into a modern system.​

While legacy analog systems may not be an ideal choice in today’s digital-first, hyper-connected world, upgrading such systems has never been easier. In fact, updating an existing system can be just as effective as implementing entirely new technology, and it allows for a faster, more cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to bring older systems into modern times. This is done with smart migration solutions, like video encoders and audio amplifiers, that can be integrated into existing systems to transform analog technology into network technology while also ensuring the seamless operation of the entire system. Bringing analog systems onto the network enables a myriad of intelligent capabilities like video analytics, health monitoring, remote system management, and more. This also allows for heightened scalability and flexibility, as bringing analog systems onto an IP network introduces edge-based capabilities that enable users to expand their existing system as business needs change and grow over time.