The main types of CCTV systems
| CCTV type | How video travels | Recorder | Local app access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analog CCTV | Camera video travels over coax cable | DVR converts and records each analog channel | The network DVR must provide a stream for each channel |
| IP CCTV | Each camera encodes video and sends it over Ethernet or Wi-Fi | NVR, NAS, microSD card or local computer | Often direct through RTSP; ONVIF can help discovery and setup |
| Wireless CCTV | Usually a Wi-Fi IP camera; wireless describes data, not always power | Local card, NVR, NAS, computer or optional cloud | Depends on the exact model; cloud-only cameras may block local streams |
| Cloud-first camera system | Camera sends video to vendor services over the internet | Vendor cloud and sometimes local storage | Usually limited to the vendor app unless local protocols are documented |
CCTV vs IP camera
CCTV describes the complete private video system; an IP camera is one type of camera inside that system. Traditional analog CCTV sends raw video to a DVR. An IP camera compresses video itself, has a network address and can send streams directly to compatible recorders and viewers.
DVR vs NVR
A DVR normally receives analog camera signals over coax and converts them to digital recordings. An NVR records video already encoded by IP cameras. Some hybrid recorders accept both analog channels and network cameras.
How RTSP and ONVIF fit into CCTV
RTSP carries the live stream
RTSP is commonly used to request and control camera media sessions. A compatible viewer uses the camera or recorder's RTSP URL to receive video and, when available, audio. Port 554 is common but can be changed.
ONVIF connects compatible products
ONVIF defines interoperable interfaces for IP-based security products. Depending on the supported profile and features, a client can discover a camera, retrieve stream URIs and use supported events or controls. Always verify the exact product in the official database.
Does CCTV need the internet or cloud?
No. Analog CCTV can record entirely inside a DVR, and compatible IP CCTV can stream and record entirely on a local network. Internet access is optional for remote viewing, cloud backup, vendor notifications and firmware updates. For private remote access, use a trusted VPN instead of exposing RTSP or ONVIF ports directly to the internet.
View compatible CCTV locally with SmartRTSP
SmartRTSP can discover compatible ONVIF cameras or connect to an RTSP URL on iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV. Supported video processing happens on your device, and a vendor cloud is not required for a compatible local camera or recorder stream.
Try SmartRTSP FreeFrequently asked questions
What does CCTV stand for?
CCTV stands for closed-circuit television: video distributed to a limited set of authorized viewers or recorders rather than broadcast to the public.
What is the difference between CCTV and an IP camera?
CCTV is the overall private video system. An IP camera is a network camera that encodes and sends video over Ethernet or Wi-Fi, often to an NVR, NAS or app.
Does CCTV need internet or cloud storage?
No. Local recording and viewing can work without internet when the cameras, recorder and viewer support local connections. Internet access is only needed for optional online features.
Can CCTV cameras support RTSP and ONVIF?
Many IP CCTV cameras support RTSP, ONVIF or both. Analog cameras do not expose network protocols themselves, but a compatible DVR can provide network streams for their channels.