What is the difference between Analog, SDI, and Megapixel?

Good morning folks, how about we talk a little about CCTV cameras? Let’s try to distinguish the difference between Analog, SDI, and Megapixel… also let us explore the different types of recording devices available to us and what it all means.

Starting with the basic analog cameras, we are no longer tied down to just TVL standards although these cameras are still readily available from 420 to 760 TVL (TV Lines of Resolution) and at very reasonable prices. Available with viewing angles from 1.3 thru 100+MM lenses for wide to concentric views. Standard DVR recording with a very low bandwidth so you can fit a sizable amount of information on your hard drive and keep extended periods of videos to review. Although the resolution is low by today’s standard, it can still be digitally zoomed in to a certain extent until the image becomes pixelated.

We get a great deal with HD/SDI (High Definition/Serial Digital Interface) this type of CCTV system allows you the ability to record megapixel in a standalone DVR, it also gives you the ability to upgrade your system without rerunning all the coax cables you already have in place. Although this system is relatively new, it efficiently uses a pure digital signal to transfer your video from the camera to the recorder, it remains an economical way as well as an easy transition to higher-end megapixel systems, with about half of the cost of a hybrid DVR system.

A Hybrid DVR (Digital Video Recorder) is commonly used for surveillance that allows its user to connect both analog and IP camera to the existing or new surveillance system and store, manage and view videos. Network IP cameras or IP camera enable transmission of live video over LAN or Internet. Analog or traditional cameras captures content that cannot always be broadcast for remote access, or require an analog to digital encoder so it can be accessed from a remote location. The Hybrid DVR system allows you to mix-and-match the analog cameras with the digital IP (Internet Protocol) cameras, which means that you have the ability to upgrade your system over time instead of having to dish out one lump sum for the entire upgrade.

Now let’s talk about the NVR (Network Video Recorder)… This is a software program that records video in a digital format to a mass storage device such as a hard drive. An NVR contains no dedicated video capture hardware, however, the software is typically run on a dedicated device and usually with an embedded operating system of which the standard and most frequently used is Linux. Alternatively, to help support increased functionality and serviceability, the software will be displayed in HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) format, which is what your internet mostly runs on, so you can combine the Linux and Windows or Mac OS operating systems to access and manage your video software. Although a little pricier than the other choices in the market, the distinction is that you are recording more of what you actually see, definition is higher, quality is spectacular, speed is downright astounding and accessibility is limitless.

So come on in and let us show you some of these CCTV systems that will most assuredly be custom fitted to your needs and budget.