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Another consideration is the relatively low cost of installation. Thanks to Power over Ethernet, a single cable is all that's needed to connect an IP camera. In comparison, an analog camera needs at least one cable for power and another for the video signal, and functions such as pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ), audio, and control functions add to the cabling and installation complexity.
But Mr Mauritsson says the move to digital is being held back by systems integrators that prefer to stay in their analog 'comfort zone,' even though if their customers had the choice, they would go for the quality and cost advantages of digital. Wai King Wong, Axis country manager for Australia and New Zealand, said the company was running 'Axis Academy' - a two day training course for systems integrators covering general IP issues as well as Axis-specific material such as installation tips. The course costs around $US100, and more than 300 people have already completed it in Australia.
Mr Wong also pointed out that as an electrician typically costs between $100 and $150 an hour, the quick installation of IP cameras saves money even if new Ethernet cable has to be pulled.
