HD SDI compatability

It has long been known that the HDcctv standard has been developed in order to ensure interoperability between compatible HD SDI equipment but what happens if you test non compliant equipment together? We set out to prove if it mattered or not. The devices we tested were as follows.

The edge bullet camera (C)

The concept pro internal dome

The Qihan bullet camera

The Qihan vandal proof dome

The edge body camera.(C)

These were tested with the following HD SDI DVR’s

The Edge 4 way lite

The FD02 2way Trium

Everfocus 4way EDRHD4 (C)

(C) = HDcctv compliant.

Firstly it was interesting to note that all cameras initially seemed to work with all the recorders. We got pictures and it seemed that all was fine. It has to be said though the although the pictures were massively better than any analogue picture we have ever seen there were some notable variations in image quality. The Edge bullet and the Edge body cameras were clearly better images on all 3 HD SDI DVR’s. The concept Pro came a close second for picture quality but with both the first two camera makes the colour left a little to be desired. The two Qihan cameras had picture quality that seemed slightly less crisp but the colour was undoubtedly better and the pictures with the built in IR was superb both inside and externally.

We then however discovered our first compatibility issue. With the cameras connected to the Edge lite we removed power from all the cameras but when power was restored the Qihan bullet camera refused to boot up unless the coax was disconnected the reconnected. All other cameras including the Qihan dome restored without issue.

We tried different cable lengths and different coaxial connectors. It was clear that we must stay within the 90 meter cable length and no compromise should be made on connectors. Ensure you use HDcctv compliant BNC’s. Don’t compromise on the quality of the power supply!

We continued to test and all the pictures remained of the highest quality but to be fair no other incompatibility issues arose. It did however bring home the one issue we are all aware of. If you sell non HDcctv compliant equipment or mix and match then you will come across potential problems that could cause you issues going forward. The industry must not take this risk and all HD SDi manufacturers should get on board with the Alliance in order to ensure HD SDI continues its epic rise in the CCTV market place.

Samsung HD SDI CCTV

Samsung have started to advertise and promote their new product line that moves them into the new HD SDI CCTV market place. Previously Samsung have been advocating IP and the benefits that this can deliver in the form of HD. By actively promoting HD SDI technology  built into Samsung’s new HD-SDI cameras and DVR, we can see just how much this is now in the minds of all CCTV professionals.The Samsung HD SDI CCTV solution allows the transmission of uncompressed and non-packetized Full HD (1080P) video over analogue cabling and as a result suits deployment here in the UK because so much coax currently exists here.

Samsung HD SDI CCTV

The main benefits of HD-SDI technology is that there is zero loss of image data and zero latency when viewing images. Samsung have released two new HD SDI cameras into the market place. These are the SCB-6000 fixed camera and  SCD-6080 internal dome. HD as we know ideally suits many applications especially where HDcctv images are required. Many businesses including airports, ports, banks and casinos will gain a great deal more detail from using HD. This is especially true in situations where it is not always simple or cost effective, to send HD images over an IP network.

So now Samsung has the cameras to produce HD images over coax they have also introduced a four-channel HD SDI DVR. The new SRD-480D DVR offers real-time 1080p across selected channels. When using the DVR on the 720P resolution, real time can be achieved across all channels. Both the new cameras and the Samsung  HD SDI DVR is fully compatible with Samsung’s licence-free Net-i Viewer software. This allows users to view analogue, IP and HD-SDI technologies on one common platform. Installers can now offer their customer base all the benefits of HD megapixel cameras without having to have any specialist knowledge of IP based systems.

The SCB-6000 fixed camera and SCD-6080 internal dome have included as standard Super Noise Reduction (SSNRIII) technology. In addition both are true day/night HD SDI cameras transmitting full HD images up to 100 meters over coax in real-time. With images recorded at 25 frames per second the end user experience is one of seamless movement and high quality HD. Both models are now delivering over five times the image resolution that standard definition analogue cameras are able to achieve.

The maximum transmission distance between the SCB-6000 or the SCD-6080 and the HD SDI DVR is 100 metres, however this can be increased to 200 metres when low-loss L-6CHD coaxial cable is installed. To increase transmission distances even further Samsung intend to  introduce the SPH-120R Repeater very shortly.

 

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!!

Essen 2012

The bi-annual Essen Security exhibition has now closed for another 2 years.

Boasting a huge array of Halls and technology to visit, surely Essen has now rightfully claimed its title as THE Security Exhibition to visit ahead of rivals such as IFSEC?

Essen security show

Spread over 11, yes that’s 11 Halls, Essen needed a transport system of its own inside just to get us from hall to hall !

Talking of transportation, the travel system, namely the hugely efficient DB Train system, delivered us on time every day – if the platform board showed 1 minute until the next train, 1 minute it was!

Anyway, back to the show.

Notable massive stands (or booths as our European friends referred to ) were Bosch, Honeywell, Siemans.

Bosch had their representation of an aircraft, complete with actual airline seats to sit and listen to the presentations! Rumour has it (and only rumour because we weren’t invited!) that all visitors to their stand (oops, booth) were taken out to the back of the Bosch area and treated to a full 3 course cooked lunch!!! Now that is customer care!

security shows

Interesting that their flagship new MIC 550 was represented by one, solitary lonely looking model on top of one of their product podiums…….

The British contingent were represented in the BSIA section by the likes of GJD with their HD CCTV lighting solutions, Elmdene and NVT. Also present for the first time at ESSEN was 360 Vision Technology, brave guys taking their range of Predators into the back garden of Bosch MICS!!!!

Talking of 360 Vision, they certainly flooded their stand with multiple-coloured Predators! Gold, orange, green and JCB Yellow ensured that sun glasses were needed for this UK manufacturer!

Into Hall 2 and the mighty Geutebrueck had an amazing stand – packed with staff and visitors it seemed for the full 4 days!

Some great video Analytics were observed over at the UDP Technology stand – fully expecting these guys to be taking the UK by storm real soon with their very clever technology!

MP was represented amply by the usual guys – Arecont and Avigilon had excellent displays.

We spotted  Todd Rockoff  at the show as well spreading the word about HDcctv . Keep watching this space for more news from Todd soon.

Visitors attending the show were from far flung regions – talking with some of the exhibitors, they had seen good quality leads from US, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Middle East and of course the main Euro regions – affirming Security Essen’s status as a truly International show.

It therefore must beg the question, with such a high quality show held only every 2 years, is there now room for a smaller, certainly less well presented IFSEC anymore in the UK? We paid fairly low airline fares to Dusseldorf, stayed in a clean, functional but inexpensive hotel (compared to London or Birmingham hotels) and travelled effortlessly, cheaply and efficiently on excellent transport to and from the halls.

Our opinion? Security Essen is the show that is worth visiting……and waiting for!