1. BOX to BOX

In most cases, if location A uses a video transmitter box, and location B uses a video receiver box. Only one-way transmission can be accomplished from A to B. Another words, user can monitor from B to A.

SMC-2008 has the ability to transmit data both ways. It is a transceiver that transmits and receives data. So, it allows two-way monitoring that is from point-A to point-B or vice versa. It is easy to use, specially designed for easy adaptation of both PC and non-PC users.

(Pros and Cons of SMC-2008)
Pros:

• Easy to use (good for all regular users, especially non-PC users.).
  
• Easy to install.
• Two-way monitoring (some don’t).
• Can integrate with security system.
  
• Able to integrate with control unit for remote controls.
  
• Built-in modem (some don’t).
  
• Economic compact size.
  

Cons:

• First time buyers who do not use PC must purchase two boxes to be able to transmit and receive data.
  

2. PC to BOX

If location A uses a video transmitter box, and location B uses a video receiver box. Only one-way transmission can be accomplished from A to B. Another words, user can monitor from B to A.

SMC-2008 offers PC monitoring software that is free of charge (normally at a cost in the market). User can install the software to desktop PC or notebook and use it as a remote monitoring station. The results are astonishing for the PC users.

(Pros and Cons of SMC-2008)
Pros:

• PC users can purchase one box, and use an existing PC as a receiver.
  
• Can integrate with security system.
  
• Able to integrate with control unit for remote controls.
  
• Good for notebooks, users can use notebook as a mobile monitoring station.
  
  

Cons:

• Must have PC/notebook.
  
• Can not have two-way monitoring (A to B, B to A, or video conferencing between two ends. If needed, another box can be purchased.).
  

3. PC to PC

Both location A and location B use PCs as a transmitter or a receiver. There are two solutions to PC to PC; (1) supplier sells AV card and software kit to users; (2) supplier sells special designed PC (like DVRs, digital video recorders) and software to users.

Pros:

• It is cheaper to use AV card and software kit.
  
• It is good for PC experts to use AV cards or special designed PC.
  

Cons:

• Not good for non-PC users.
  
• The AV card plus software solution requires installation of AV card and software to PC.
  
• Users need to have PC/notebook for viewing (receiving) PC.
  
• Special designed PCs are expensive.
  
• No two-way monitoring (A to B, B to A, or video conferencing between two ends).
  
• The AV card plus software solution is not able to integrate with security system.
  
• The AV card plus software solution is not able to integrate with control unit for remote controls.
  
• It is hard to distinguish problems caused from computer.
  
• Hard to get tech support from CCTV suppliers
  
  

Transmission Media

1. PSTN (like SMC-2008)

Pros:

• Reliable and dependable connections.
  
• Easy to access phone line from anywhere.
  

Cons:

• Limited in bandwidth.
  
• Stay within new and developed area.
  
• Videoconference from two ends may be limited for the long distance. (But, most cases, there is no problem with one-way monitoring.)
  
• Phone bill for long distance connections.
  

2. Internet

Pros:

• No long distance phone bill.
  
• Easy to access with monthly subscription from ISP (Internet Service Provider).
  

Cons:

• Both ends/sites must subscribe from ISP.
  
• Limited in bandwidth.
  
• Internet traffic: This is not good for the situation needs immediate connection.
  
• ISP server down: This is not good for the situation needs immediate connection.
  
• IP address setup varies from city to city. This is inconvenient for travelers.
  
• The place being monitored has to be on-line. This is not good for the on-line fee based on hours.
  
• Possible attack from internet hackers.
  

3. ISDN

Pros:

• Wider bandwidth provides faster speed than PSTN.
  

Cons:

• Expensive installation fee and monthly fee.
  
• Inconvenient for travelers.
  
• Not good for moving.
  

4. DSL

Pros:

• Widest bandwidth provides fastest speed. Faster speed provides better monitoring video quality.
  
• Cheaper monthly fee than ISDN (at least in USA).
  

Cons:

• Pay installation fee and monthly fee (could be expansive in some areas or countries.)
  
• Limited areas.
  
• inconvenient for travelers
  
• Not good for moving