High Definition CCTV Cameras
HD CCTV cameras
As a CCTV installer, you always want to buy the best value cameras on the market. Current trends in video products have influenced our customers’ perception of security cameras. Big TV manufacturers like Samsung, LG, Sony prepared for the launch of 11K TV resolution, so it’s no surprise that the CCTV market is also under pressure from consumers demanding higher definition.
Analogue CCTV cameras have faded from the market. In fact, I had a really hard time finding an analog CCTV camera for one of my clients. We are left with two options, IP and high definition.
IP cameras like AXIS come with fantastic resolution. But, the experience required to install them and the price sometimes do not fit the budget of our clients. If you’re upgrading an existing analog system, you may need to rewire the entire place with CAT5 or CAT6. And this is an expensive option. So what are the other options?
High definition analog CCTV cameras
In the last few days, the demand for analog HD has been overwhelmed. Many manufacturers have started making high definition analog CCTV cameras.
This article compares some of the high definition analog technologies available to us.
HD-SDI (high definition – serial digital interface)
The first to start with high definition in analog is HD-SDI. HD-SDI is capable of producing Full HD or 1080p resolution. However, their high price and compatibility have pushed them to last place.
HD-SDI was used in the early days of camcorders. The only reason they weren’t introduced to CCTV cameras is because they were so expensive.
HD-CVI (High Definition Composite Video Interface)
HD-CVI or High Definition Composite Video Interface is the latest addition to the HD CCTV system. This technology is developed by Dahua. HD-CVI technology is capable of transmitting video signal through coaxial cable up to a maximum of 500 meters. This is a huge advantage compared to previous generation analog cameras. HD-CVI also makes it easy to transmit audio, video, and data over a single coaxial cable. HD-CVI has zero latency and this is another distinct advantage compared to IP technology.
HD-TVI (High Definition Transport Video Interface)
HD-TVI was introduced in 2014. This is a DSP-TVI technology developed by an American company called Techpoint. HD-TVI chipset is used by Intersil, Hikvision, HanBang and many more.
When using stranded cables, TVI clearly offers an advantage when running longer distances.
AHD (Analog High Definition)
AHD technology is developed by NextChip Korea. AHD supports 720p and 1080p video resolutions. AHD technology also has advantages and disadvantages, AHD chipsets are generally the cheapest among HD chipsets, therefore the cost of the final product is slightly cheaper than HD-TVI or HD-CVI.
AHD cameras can transmit video signals through RG59 and RG6, so they can transmit signals up to 500m without losing strength. It is also compatible with coaxial audio.
IP cameras
When it comes to IP cameras, there is no limit to the maximum video resolution you can get. Axis is one of the leading IP CCTV camera manufacturers and their AXIS Q3617-VE is capable of outputting 6 MP (3072 × 2048).
IP cameras have become easier to install and maintain, but they still require a fundamental understanding of networking. In most cases, this is a challenge for installers.
What is the best option for me?
The verdict is that it all depends on your project requirements. If your customer is more concerned with video resolution and wants to use a video management system, IP cameras may be attractive to them. If most of your customers are small to medium sized businesses, it may be a good idea to look into higher definition analog. And if you’re planning a long cable run, AHD is a good option. All analog HD cameras are very similar, except for HD-SDI, so it might be a good idea to check your dealer’s after-sales support as well.
