HD Security Cameras Different Formats Explanation
(TVI/CVI/AHD) is HD over Coax (Analog) Cables
TVI/CVI/AHD cameras send compressed digital signal over analog cable.
TVI/CVI/AHD allows customers who already have run BNC cable (the cable used by old CCTV systems), the ability to upgrade to an HD solution without changing any wiring. One of the best things about TVI/CVI/AHD is that you can upgrade cameras gradually. XVR recorders (HD DVRS) are Backward Compatible with Analog Cameras - if you plug an analog camera into an XVR recorder it will recognize that it is receiving analog rather than TVI/CVI/AHD's digital signal and record in analog; if you plug a TVI/CVI/AHD in it will recognize the digital signal and record in HD. Because the video is compressed, TVI/CVI/AHD is perfect for upgrading to HD if you have already run BNC cable, but will not replace IP cameras as the dominant cameras of the future.
TVI/CVI/AHD recorders can accept signal from HD Coax security cameras brands such as Samsung, iCatch, Hikvision, Eclipse, and others, it will also support Analog cameras. TVI/CVI/AHD is a transitional technology to help people with already existing cable get higher resolutions.
(IP) is HD Digitally Connected via Cat5 (Networking) Cable
IP cameras are true digital cameras.
Cat5 Cable is the cable used in creating computer networks. With an IP camera system, this one wire caries both your video data and your power. The power is added by the NVR (if you made a home run and are using our Networker Pro POE models, which has built-in POE ports) or you can use a POE injector or POE switch to power your cameras at convenient locations.
The resolution of IP cameras is measured in Megapixels and they record in HD and Beyond
Because IP cameras are digital cameras you measure their resolution in megapixels rather than TV Lines. TV Lines is the measurement of old 1980's-TV quality cameras.
Our IP cameras come in different resolution options: 2.0MP which shoots at 1080P, 3.0 MP (which is 1.5x 1080P), 4.0 MP (which is 2x 1080P) 4K (which is 4x 1080P), and 12 MP (6x1080P).
You can record an IP camera with a NVR. Some NVRs on the market are really terrible (and can't record HD footage on every channel), but all of ours can record at least 1080P at 30 FPS without any frame rate or camera limitations.
Why People Choose High Definition IP Cameras
1. Better Resolution: 1080P to 4K
The main selling point of IP cameras is the increased resolution.
HD quality recording makes identifying faces and license plates much, much easier than standard definition. Although IP cameras are more expensive, HD recording can also mean that you don't need to purchase as many cameras to properly secure an area, since you can record at a wider angle and still get footage that can identify suspects and be used in court.
2. Plug & Play Ease of Use
With our line of industry tested Eclipse POE NVRs and our Eclipse IP Cameras you'll have no trouble installing and configuring the cameras. Just plug the single Cat5 cable into the NVR's POE ports, and the NVR will setup, manage, and power the cameras for you.
One cable and you're done.
3. Video Analytics
Video analytics is a series of technologies that automatically analyzes video to detect and determine events not based on a single image but upon the change in the video stream.
Our NVRs have basic video analytics such as motion detection and email alerts built into the units. PC, Mac, Andorid, Kindle Fire, and iOS software is also included free of charge.
Optional Upgrade: Our new line of intelligent have additional built in video analytics like Face Detection, Missing/Left Object Detection, and Restricted Access Zone Alerts.
Some video analytics options are only available on certain cameras because they require additional hardware, but all video analytics and remote viewing are included without any monthly or yearly fees whatsoever.
Choosing between Bullet and Dome Cameras
There are five main body styles of IP cameras, but most people end up choosing between Dome and Bullet Cameras.
Our Bullet cameras are weatherproof, mount on the side of the wall, and can have long-range lenses. Dome cameras can hang from the ceiling or mount on the wall and can be used indoors and outdoors. Some IP Dome cameras are vandal-proof and most of our dome IP cameras are weatherproof, except a few indoor models.
Our product lines are designed so that our dome or bullet camera that have identical specs (lens, processor, viewing angle), so the decision is mostly about what you think looks better in your space.
Bullet cameras are almost always easier to install, but in lower accessible locations may put you at risk of tampering. Domes are more difficult to tamper with, which is the most common choice.
Choosing between Fixed, Motorized Vari-focal, and PTZ lenses
IP cameras come with one of three lens types and this is how our product lines are differentiated.
Fixed lenses have a focal point and angle of view that are not able to be modified.
Both vari-focal and PTZ cameras have the ability for you to choose your viewing angle and level of zoom, but PTZ cameras are more expensive and can Pan and Tilt as well as Zoom (that's where the PTZ term comes from). PTZ can be controlled remotely via a joystick. The level of zoom for a motorized vari-focal camera can also be controlled remotely via joystick as well.
Discover the 4 Types of Zoom
Vari-focal cameras have lenses that allow you to physically adjust the viewing angle and focus of a camera. The most common form of vari-focal is wide angle 2.8mm to telephoto 12mm. The terms sound complicated, but you've actually done this a ton of times already. Every time you twist the lens of a DSLR camera or push the zoom button on a digital camera, you are changing the focal length and viewing angle. In photography, we call this "zooming," but in surveillance we call these types of cameras "vari-focal."
Hope this info was helpful in explaining all the formats available for security cameras. If you have other questions or need help, just contact us with the button below.