---
title: Whats the Difference In IP OR CVI?
description: IP Cameras are internet based, while CVI systems are analogue based and require cables from the recorder to the camera.
---

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# Whats the Difference In IP OR CVI?

## IP Cameras are internet based, while CVI systems are analogue based and require cables from the recorder to the camera.

![cable-into-switch](https://www.hdcctveurope.com/hubfs/web-images/cable-into-switch.jpeg)

IP systems are Internet Protocol based. They are incredibly modular and flexible as they can utilise the nearest internet access point rather than needing a direct cable to the Recorder. This makes them incredibly easy to scale and extend versus a HDCVI System.

![switch](https://www.hdcctveurope.com/hubfs/web-images/switch.jpeg)

HDCVI systems are the latest platform traditional style CCTV Systems. Their protocol allows them to be retro fitted into any existing Analogue system by swapping a Recorder and the Cameras. This allows an easy upgrade to HD systems for existing systems. They also have a much lower initial cost, however the requirement of running cables will make them less flexible.

There are also hybrid systems, these allow you to mix both types. A good example of this is using CVI to replace your existing cameras, and then IP cameras in the places you wish to extend your coverage.

From a feature perspective both systems are almost identical with both the difference in cost and the flexibility of each system being the main factors in choosing whats right for a job.