HD SDI cameras are starting to fulfill their potential but what are the benefits over IP technology (if any) and how easy are they to install?
The first and most obvious benefit has to be the fact that we can view and record the images from an HD SDI camera in HD. The HD revolution is under way and HDcctv over coax is leading this surge in HD security camera sales. The second benefit of HD SDI cameras are that they can be run over existing coax. This gives a particular advantage to companies looking to upgrade existing analogue systems but trying to keep the cost down. The third advantage is the speed that these HD SDI cameras and recorders have dropped in price due to new chip technology. Just two years ago a camera that would have cost over £600 can now purchased for around the £250 mark. As always there is varying quality between different manufacturers products but none the less as a technology improves and more product is made prices have seen dramatic falls. Chips manufacturers continue to invest heavily to ensure involvement in this rapidly expanding market place.
Further advantages include ease of installation and the limited training required to actually understand the technology . Its no different to installing analogue. Finally there is the playback quality. We now have cameras that can capture quality images that can be used to achieve their goal ie recognising individuals committing crimes , identifying health and safety breaches, picking up number plates on forecourts or in gate entrances and giving the end user real value for money.
So as HD SDI cameras develop further with added features at better prices we can only imagine how far this HD revolution will go. As for the initial comment regarding IP cameras and whether HD SDI cameras are better, we think they fit into totally different market places and that HD SDI cameras will be sold to upgrade analogue security systems where as HD IP cameras will fit into manufacturing and larger industry that run much of their network using IP. Its horses for courses !