The Secret Is Out, HD-CVI Security Cameras Rule Now

Have you ever wonder why the cost of regular security cameras are going down? Customers can now get a high resolution analog security camera system from any big box stores like BJ s and Costco at half the price from the price a year ago. What has changed ? Well, affordable digital cameras has changed the landscape. Large wholesale outlet stores are buying the present stock from other retailers who are trying to unload all of their analog cameras to make way for the new wave of digital cameras that are more affordable and easier to install than present day digital cameras like IP and SDI.

The new revolution of security cameras cost almost the same as regular security cameras but gives you the quality of HD digital security cameras without the hassle of changing wiring when upgrading. You can upgrade your poor quality security camera system to high definition digital cameras that can view cars, doors, cash registers, and faces using a revolutionary affordable technology known as HD-CVI. Unlike today's' high definition security cameras that need specialized wiring like Cat5 or short runs of high grade coaxle, HD-CVI allows you to use any previous wiring you've used to connect your present security cameras either it will be a wiring that comes in a security camera kit or network wiring with analog connectors(baluns). Also, it will work with cable runs as long as 1,500 ft where the newest generation of replaceable security cameras(HD-SDI) and ip cameras can only give you a digital signal up to 330 ft.

Almost every convenience store and gas station has a low quality analog security camera system but very few are able to afford high quality digital cameras that can view license plates from cars or distinguish tattoos and facial features of crime suspects. Also, there are lots of home owners and apartment complexes owners that purchased regular security cameras only to found out that they have to live with the quality limitations especially when they take into account the cost of upgrading their systems to digital cameras.

The new HD-CVI cameras must be used with new HD-CVI DVR�s (recorders). They can use the same hard drives as their old systems and viewing, controlling and online playback is secure and easily accessible from your mobile phone, tablet or computer. We all know that homes, hotels, gas stations, convenient stores as well as other small businesses can all benefit from upgrading their cameras to the soon to be HD standard for security cameras because of the cost of equipment and the much lower cost of labor when it comes to replacing old security cameras with HD-CVI security camera systems. The new revolution in security cameras is here and they are more affordable than ever.

Analog, IP Vs HDCVI Security Camera Systems

The Difference Between Analog, IP & HDCVI Security Camera Systems

Analog Surveillance Systems

Analog systems began the surveillance industry and are still around today. They feature a low cost, low resolution, easy alternative to IP but with mixed results. Analog cameras are usually listed with an X number of TV Lines. You'll often see 600, 700, 800 TVL and occasionally 960H with the higher the number generally being the better choice. With the higher number being better you are ultimately limited to a maximum pixel count of 960x480 (960H) which is not high definition by any means. Analog DVRs and cameras are mostly interchangeable. You can mix and match cameras and DVRs from different manufacturers.

However, this easy setup-low cost alternative comes with a few downfalls when compared to newer technology. Low limited resolutions provide a mediocre image which can often be pixilated and grainy. A maximum resolution of 960H is the highest possible or 960x480 to be exact. Think of a high definition 1080p TV with a resolution of 1920x1080, when comparing the two, 960H provides much less detail and quality. This often results in less arrests and convictions due to specific features not being distinguishable on captured video.

Nevertheless, this technology is still available for a low price from most sellers but will most likely be phased out very soon due to demand for advanced high definition systems such as IP and CVI.

Analog System Overview: Pros

• Simple and Cost Effective
• Analog systems are very stable and need little to no maintenance.
• Analog cameras don't depend on your network and will continue to work if the network goes down.

Analog System Overview: Cons

• MUCH Lower resolution than IP and CVI cameras.
• Very few customizable features.
• Harder to get really good quality evidence.

IP Surveillance Systems

The majority of homes and businesses today have some type of network with data being sent not only through the location but essentially all over the world. With this ever expanding technology and internet speeds increasing everyday we have an opportunity to incorporate this into our surveillance needs.

IP cameras allow video and audio surveillance to be sent over a network using cat5 cable with an assigned IP address to each camera. This allows for a vast improvement over analog systems such as individual camera configuration, wifi cameras, Power over Ethernet or PoE, adding cameras from other networks, better security features such as people counting and facial detection. Most importantly, extremely high megapixel resolutions are now possible.

Another major advantage to IP systems is that there is no limit to it. As we see an increase in megapixel resolutions and high quality cameras there isn't a bottleneck to where IP surveillance can take us.

However, there are a few minor details that one can't ignore when considering purchasing an IP system. With IP systems using a camera from one manufacturer and NVR from another could result in incompatibility issues such as not being able to record motion detection, occasional video loss, certain features on the camera and NVR not syncing with each other or the worst of all, when the cameras won't display video whatsoever.

Obviously, this was a problem and needed a solution. The solution was created and dubbed the ONVIF protocol. ONVIF basically lets 2 completely different IP products "talk" to each other and generally do full time recording at the least. While it may not sound like much to some, to others this could mean being able to use a preexisting ONVIF IP camera they have had for 3 years on a brand new NVR.

All in all, IP offers the most features and best resolution out of all the choices. However, if affordability of an IP system is an issue but you still want HD video quality, please continue reading to learn more about the very interesting CVI technology.

IP System Overview: Pros

• Very high resolution so you can see more fine details.
• Each individual camera has a web interface for more customization.
• IP cameras can be configured through the network.
• Because of POE you only have to run a single Cat5e cable to each camera.
• IP will be around for a very long time.

IP System Overview: Cons

• Generally higher priced compared to Analog & CVI.
• High resolutions require more bandwidth which can sometimes mean remote viewing the main stream HD video feed over the internet can be difficult (depends on your internet speeds).
• More technical to set everything up.
• IP cameras will not work if your network is down (However, this can be overcome if a properly installed IP system is put in place).

CVI Surveillance Systems

Composite Video Interface or CVI. This new technology allows a simple solution for the consumer who is looking into getting their first surveillance system or already has a system installed and wants to upgrade to high definition without breaking the bank.

CVI is the perfect blend between IP and Analog. It blends the two technologies into one easy setup-affordable option. It's benefits are not limited to a low cost alternative but also includes longer cable runs, easy to use equipment, audio/video and control signals built together (no RS-485 needed for PTZ), and most importantly full 1080p to boot.

CVI works by sending high definition audio and video over regular coaxial cable at distances of up to 500 feet. This new technology allows you to take your old analog cameras and analog DVR out and simply plug in a new HDCVI DVR and HDCVI Cameras to get a fully high definition picture at a fraction of the cost of IP equipment.

We firmly believe the majority of analog equipment will soon be replaced by this modern advancement on high definition surveillance. If this is your first venture into surveillance systems or if you already have an analog system and aren't happy with the quality of your cameras look no further. CVI is the answer.

CVI System Overview: Pros

• Simple and Cost Effective
• Easily upgrade older Analog systems.
• High Definition Quality without the price of an IP system.

CVI System Overview: Cons

• Newer technology, limiting your camera selections.
• Limited to 1080p
• Not as customizable as IP systems.
• Power still needs to be ran to cameras vs POE's one cable method.

The three main security systems we have laid out above should point you in the right direction when trying to make an educated decision on picking out what is best for your own personal scenario.

We hope this article has helped clear some of the confusion that surrounds the surveillance industry and its vast product selection.

The Tribrid option allows you to have any combination of Analog, HDCVI and, IP cameras.

As always, if you have any questions on the equipment, contact us. (763) 767 8500 .

We carry best security cameras and equipment available today and our installers have many, many years of experience.