What is the security industry view about HDcctv over coax?

At the last IFSEC gathering in Birmingham 2012, the real buzz around the NEC was about this “new” technology that allowed us to send HD images over RG59 coax. The number of exhibitors that were showing various HD SDI CCTV products had grown from the previous year almost 10 fold and to many of the attendees it was a new concept to them after the constant hype that previously had surrounded IP

Why should they be surprised by the concept of HDcctv over coax? Well as an industry we had been told/conditioned to believe for many years that HD quality images could only ever happen over an IP network. We thought we would never see old coax being re-used and quite frankly believed that it all needed to be replaced by CAT5 as the HD revolution started to take hold.

Of course HDcctv is not quite new . The concept had been turned into reality around 2009 . What is remarkable is the speed from which it has gone from a simple idea thrown around in a discussion between an elite few to a real workable product that will help to shape the CCTV industry for the next 10-20 years.

HDcctv has its place. The desire to re-use an existing cabling infrastructure will seem like a very good idea to those companies who invested heavily in analogue and RG59. Small installations of 4,8 and 16 ways will be prime targets for salesman looking to push their HD SDI DVR and cameras. However the HDcctv alliance has been looking to add to their standard and get alliance approved HDcctv products to work over existing and new CAT5 as well as coax. This opens up a whole new world of opportunity for both upgrades and new installs.

So what does the future hold. As cost of equipment plummets as more volume is produced then soon HDcctv will cost the same as analogue. At that point end users will see little point in continuing to upgrade analogue with analogue, so faced with the choice between HD SDI and IP they will probably go for the most cost effective solution, time will tell what that will be.

HD SDI DVR price drop. Will it continue?

HD SDI DVR’s are they getting cheaper?

HD SDI DVR’s are dropping in price as more and more options start to flood into the UK. Following the success of HD SDI CCTV in general at IFSEC this year  it seems installers have been selling the concept with a great deal of enthusiasm. It also seems that HDcctv compliant recorders are the preferred way forward. It is widely accepted that those badged as compliant are viewed as more reliable and more trustworthy. This of course does not mean that those HD SDI DVR’s that are non-compliant are not still a good option as long as the supplier is able to provide cameras with the product and guarantee they will work seamlessly together.

Everfocus HD SDI DVR was the market leader.

It remains to be seen who will come out on top as market leader but Everfocus certainly had a big head start. Analogue sales are still in the majority here in the UK but the signs are that the trend towards HD will continue to drive CCTV sales across the globe but particularly here in the UK where we have a huge legacy of coax infrastructure. Many end users are reluctant to replace all their cameras. As a result many have expressed an interest in targeting areas for HD SDI cameras rather than upgrade their entire system . With this in mind the Hybrid HD SDI DVR has been a popular choice for many. Combining HD SDI inputs with analogue inputs it allows this targeted response to HD and in times of austerity like we are currently experiencing it makes a lot of sense for many businesses.

HD SDI DVR verses Analogue CCTV

Just how good though is HD SDI compared to analogue? Well at 1.5 to 2 megapixels being the general standard HD SDI camera output the definition is at least double what was achievable previously. To the human eye though an HD upgrade looks remarkably impressive and this is matched when reviewing recorded images. The ability to zoom in on an incident without the image becoming blocky and blurred is the major benefit of HD SDI CCTV. Add to this the fact that there is no latency between the delivery of the images and many are questioning whether this technology is better than HD IP. The arguments are many on that subject but for a simple installation, using your existing infrastructure, HD SDI CCTV is the ideal way forward.

Will the prices drop further?

Further price drops are inevitable. The aim of Everfocus and other big names who now manufacture HD SDI CCTV equipment have always aimed to compete price wise with the top of the range analogue kit. This seems achievable now as new chip technology helps reduce the prices even lower and even faster. It is possible we could see some parallel pricing with analogue within two years. In the meantime its important to realize price is not everything . Quality must always come first and this is improving by the day as HD SDI technology just gets better and better.

HD SDI DVR recorders. Is the data safe?

With recent comments in the press about HD cctv and how we manage the data of our HD images it is important to mention that all the fuss is really a back handed compliment to all the manufacture’s of HD SDI cameras and DVR’s. Not long ago CCTV images were so poor the technology itself was questioned as to its usefulness and the uncontrolled spread of cameras into public areas caused ongoing concerns. Now with HD cctv firmly in the news it seems that end users in industry are asking “whats is this all about”?

Well in summary its simple. HD SDI CCTV has finally achieved a standard that is considered by some to be almost too good. Better images though mean more deterrent for crime , better control of working environments, health and safety improvements and better monitoring of manufacturing processes. Add to this airport and train and travel security as well as town centre monitoring and we have product now that will now do the job. HD SDI CCTV is here to stay and with easy upgrades to existing systems using legacy coax we can keep the cost down.

In answer to the question , is the data safe? We say as long as the data controller works within the bounds of the data protection act it will be. So something good here for everyone as long as you are not a believer in the big brother conspiracy of course!!

CTRING HD SDI DVR

CTRING’s HD-SDI DVR line-up is headed up by the V7304  HD-SDI DVR. CTRING are pushing the fact that the V7304 can record at a maximum recording rate of 30fps at 1080p per channel and has Pentaplex function.

The V7214H is an innovative hybrid standalone DVR which has 2 HD-SDI and 14 Analog Video inputs. This DVR will allow use of the existing ifrastucture of analogue cameras but the intoduction into the system of 2 new HD-SDI cameras for areas that need clearer pictures with just one DVR. CTRING;s high-end HD-SDI DVR is attracting interest from such organizations as financial facilities, casino’s and hospitals where clear images are crucial. Plans are a foot to release the “Low price” lineup of 8 and 16 channel HD-SDI DVRs to adapt to current market needs.

So what do CTRING say about themselves?

“CTRING is a pioneer in the DVR industry and a provider of world-class OEM, ODM DVR solutions to international security markets such as transportation, education, retail, gaming and government areas. Over the years, we were encouraging ourselves to be the leader in innovative DVR solutions by employing a high level of flexibility and forward-thinking principles into the development of our technical and business solutions.

At CTRING, we offer advanced and customized DVR technology and software solutions. The open architecture of our products provides an efficient and well-customized approach through a user-friendly interface. Being flexible and forward-thinking corporate culture encourage us to be a dynamic and innovative workforces that lead a constant development of cutting-edge DVR technologies and a exceptional customer support. In 2010 we launched our own brand, CTR, based on high technology and OEM & ODM experiences of supplying DVRs to world-class security equipment manufacturers and distributors. The launch of CTR brand will bring CTRING one step closer to the world`s best DVR manufacturer.”

A promising player in the HD SDI DVR market place and one we will be keeping an eye on.

HDcctv sees growth at IFSEC 2012

last year at IFSEC 2011  HD CCTV was very much a minority side show that attracted little or no attention from the vast majority of visitors who spent their time browsing the aisles for something new and exciting to sell. Apart from the Everfocus EPHD 08 NH HD cctv dvr there was nothing to speak of, although to be fair the Everfocus HD CCTV concept did attract a minority of people but we are not too sure they were taken seriously as a product/concept that would take off.

Move forward 12 months and it seems Everfocus were forward thinking prophets of the future. HD SDI CCTV was everywhere at IFSEC 2012. There were over a hundred different exhibitors showing their HD SDI range of CCTV products and this included big players such as Samsung and Grundig. Entrants of this caliber into the HD SDI market mean the technology has to be taken seriously now.

It was interesting talking to the guys who were showing their products. Many were members of the HDcctv alliance, a group who are trying to standardize HD SDI so each manufacturers products will work seamlessly with one another, something seen as crucial in order to promote HD SDI and compete against analogue .It was even more interesting that many exhibitors were not trying to compete with IP. Its seems there is now an acceptance that HDcctv is going to compete and replace analogue in the 4 to 16 camera market place. It seems interest in larger systems is going to be limited, leaving this totally different scene to the IP boys.

HD CCTV uses existing coax, and HD over coax is a tempting way to upgrade legacy systems. Its cheap, easy, produces great results with no latency and no need for compression. Any CCTV engineer can fit it without the need for IP skills and remote support. It’s simple and the pictures are stunning.

So if you are a customer who is thinking of upgrading to HD CCTV then you need look no further than HD SDI technology, it may yet  prove the best CCTV option for you and your company.