FAQ

Surveillance Video Technologies

Generally, security cameras can be broken down into two main types, IP and HD. Both are used for surveillance, recording and storing video, and remote viewing over the web or mobile devices. IP Cameras and HD (High Definition) Analog  Cameras make up the overwhelming majority of CCTV or Surveillance Camera Installations today. In general, IP Cameras are devices that are viewed over a network and currently allow for higher resolutions. HD Cameras are easier to deploy, more affordable and do not require any networking knowledge.

What is an IP or Network Camera?

A Network Camera or IP (Internet Protocol) camera, is a type of digital video camera commonly employed for surveillance, and which, unlike analog closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras, can send and receive data via a computer network and the Internet. IP Cameras are capable of the highest resolutions in security cameras available today. Because of the network format, IP or Network Camera are much more capable of convergence with other Technologies and Integration with other security aspects of a network.

This means they are very versatile in the way they can be set up. For instance, an IP camera could be setup alone, connected into the existing local network of a home or business. Those on the local network can access the camera through a browser or other software and see the image coming from the camera. If the camera has built in storage, such as an SD card, they could even go back and review past footage. In order to centralize the IP cameras to a single storage device a Network Video Recorder (NVR) is used. An NVR is a network device with a large hard drive (HDD) that is setup to record all of the IP cameras on the local network. Some NVRs even have a built in network switch so that they can be installed much like a normal surveillance system with the cameras connecting directly to the NVR instead of routing though the existing network.

IP cameras are capable of high resolution video, as of the writing of this article up to 12 Megapixel or 4K Resolution (August, 2017). The cables used for these systems are the same as those used in any modern computer network, CAT5e or CAT6. Some consideration has to be taken into the capacity of an existing network to support the transmission of high resolution video. A high performance power-over-Ethernet (PoE) switch is a necessity and often one of the more expensive parts of an IP system. The complexity and costs associated with IP systems can be off-putting to residence and small businesses, but for installations with large numbers of cameras IP is the best option.

                           

What is HD Analog?

HD Analog or HDCCTV was born out of traditional Analog CCTV and is capable of high resolutions up to 4 and 5 Megapixel as of the writing of this article (August, 2017). HD Analog technologies have come on strong in the last few years as they have seen great improvements in resolution while keeping the affordability and ease of use that was available in traditional Analog. HD Cameras use common BNC or Coaxial Cabling to deliver the signal from the camera to a DVR (Digital Video Recorder). There are currently several competing HD Technologies including: HD-TVI, HD-CVI, AHD and HD-SDI. Except for HD-SDI, all of the other HD formats allow for extremely long transmission distances, some up to 1600 feet.

HD TVI Cameras: HD-TVI stands for High Definition Transport Video Interface. HD-TVI is an HD Analog Technology that uses traditional coaxial cable (BNC) for video and data transmission. HD-TVI solutions are capable of transmitting zero latency 720p or 1080p and up HD video over standard coaxial cabling up to 1600’. HD-TVI delivers high-resolution megapixel surveillance video for much less than the price of IP, and is as simple to install and operate as traditional analog CCTV. HD-TVI has become one of the go to choices in the HD Analog market. Resolutions are climbing and

AHD CCTV Cameras: AHD CCTV is an Analog High Definition closed-circuit television video surveillance standard that uses coax cable to transmit HD video from security cameras to DVRs. AHD supports 720p and 1080p HD video resolutions. AHD has gained market share considerably since its entry into the HD Analog Market.

HD-CVI Cameras: HD-CVI stands for High Definition Composite Video Interface. This is a brand new technology in the security camera industry that provides a different method of transmitting video signals over coaxial cables. Until this and other new technology surfaced, analog CCTV video was limited to 960h video resolution.

HD-SDI Cameras: HD-SDI or High Definition Serial Data Interface was one of the first HD Analog Technologies. Although this format allows for the most bit-perfect images, transmission distances are very short without expensive additional equipment. HD-SDI has not taken hold like other HD technologies as it lacks many of the benefits of HD while remaining much more expensive.

SD Analog Cameras: Cameras on modern Analog CCTV systems send their video in the traditional base band format over coax cabling back to a digital video recorder (DVR). Here, video is digitized and stored on hard drives. This technology was the standard for many years dating back to VCR’s and Multiplexers. Analog or CVBS has evolved into the Modern HD Analog formats and systems. Since many Analog Systems were installed using COAX or BNC Cabling, they can be easily upgraded to HD by switching out the cameras and DVR.

HD CCTV Systems use common BNC or COAX Cabling.

This is the industry standard for HD and SD Analog surveillance systems and the vast majority of DVRs and Cameras will have BNC connectors on them. Some proprietary systems have used other connectors such as RJ45 and mini-DIN. Additionally, many installers like to use twisted-pair CAT5/CAT5e cable with RJ45 connectors adapted with BNC video baluns. CAT5/CAT5e is a common type of bulk cable and is also well suited for long runs when high quality baluns are used.