When an analog camera is connected to a sufficiently sophisticated video management system, the camera gains several of the capabilities of IP cameras, including flexible configuration and remote storage options. Video management systems which utilize encoders that can be cost effectively distributed are key. If one distributes video encoders around a network many of the flexible cabling options are possible as well. Analog cameras can also easily use the same structured wiring systems used by IP cameras using now commonly found analog video twisted pair baluns or hubs. The only real limit of the analog camera is the maximum resolution defined by the NTSC standard of 4CIF at 480 lines. In more modern, digital terms 4CIF resolution is 704×480.
It’s anybody’s guess as to when IP camera costs will begin to compete with analog. When that happens, expect sales of analog cameras to drop extremely fast. But for now and likely for several more years, in any scenario where cost is an important factor, analog cameras deserve a serious look if they are combined with an appropriate video management system.