HD Security Cameras
All of the major security equipment manufacturers sell HD over coax security camera systems. The problem with that is that these manufacturers do not tell you which HD technology their DVRs and cameras use. This is probably because they don’t want their customers to have choices of where to buy replacement cameras and compatible equipment. Here are the four major HD video formats used today:
- AHD Cameras – Analog High Definition. Available in 720p, 1080p, 3 mp, and 5mp security camera resolution.
- HD-TVI Cameras – High Definition Transport Video Interfaces. Available in 720p, 1080p, 3mp, 5mp, and 8mp/ 4K resolution.
- HDCVI Cameras – High Definition Composite Video Interfaces. Available in 720p, 1080p, 3mp, 5mp, and 8mp/4K resolution.
- HD-SDI Cameras – High Definition Serial Digital Interfaces. Available in 720p and 1080p resolution. It has been replaced over time by AHD, HD-TVI, and HDCVI.
DVR Compatibility
Even if you have a DVR that works with the 1080p cameras it came with doesn’t mean it will work with any 1080p security camera. It is normal for a DVR to support one of the video formats mentioned above only. There are also hybrid DVRs that support more than one video format.
Pre-Made Security Camera Cable
Most pre-packaged security surveillance systems that are sold at big retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Costco include pre-made camera cables. These cables are typically around 50 feet long each. These installations will require longer cables than these. You can get pre-made cables in 25, 50, 65, 75, 100, 132, and 165-foot length. These work well with HD-TVI, AHD, HDCVI, and HD-SDI cameras. You can use a double female BNC connector also to chain two or more cables together. Although it is recommended trying to use pre-made cables for cables to run longer than 250 feet. It is not recommended to try to use pre-made cables for runs longer than 250 feet. For cable runs longer than 250 feet, use RH59 Siamese cable.
HD Video Amplifiers
The maximum distance that an RG59 cable can be run for HD security cameras varies depending on the type of cameras and resolution you are using. For example, RG59 cable can run up to almost 1000 feet for 1080p resolution HDCVI and AHD cameras. RG59 can be run for 1080p HD-TVI videos up to 1600 feet. Video amplifiers can allow video signal to be boosted 5000 feet in some cases.
HD Video Splitters and HDMI Converters
Video splitters let you send the video signals to and from a security camera to multiple devices. For example, connecting a single camera to both a monitor and a DVR, you can use a splitter. Also, if you want to display live video from your security camera on a TV, you can convert the videos signal to HDMI in order to do so
