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Analog Vs. IP - Which is Best for You?

Long gone are the days of blurry surveillance camera footage. Today’s video surveillance technology is able to capture high-resolution images that can capture minute details from any distance and in any lighting. Thanks to the latest digital IP camera technology, a single camera can go beyond 4K resolution of an analog camera and even do the work of multiple cameras with a single lens. If you already have an analog system in place, Legacy analog camera wiring can be reused with HD over analog cameras, allowing you to upgrade your system without the high cost of updating your wiring. To learn more about which technology is better for you - Analog or IP - read on below.

Compare HD Analog Technologies

HD Analog technology offers a compelling alternative to traditional analog and IP surveillance options. HD Analog video security solutions deliver megapixel resolution video over coaxial cabling (HD over coax), and are far less complex to install and operate compared to IP.

Which High Definition Over Analog Solution Is Best?

Since its introduction, several HD Analog formats have emerged, including: HD-SDI, AHD, HD-CVI and HD-TVI. While all HD Analog options offer the same basic benefits compared to analog or IP, each format features a unique set of capabilities and compatibilities.

Select technologies from dropdown you wan to compare
Technology HD – CVI AHD HD – SDI HD – TVI
Max Resolution (Pixels) 1080p
1920×1080 px		 1080p
1920×1080 px(1)		 1080p
1920×1080 px		 1080p
1920×1080 px
Video Output Quality
(What you see)		 Very good in daylight
Images not as crisp in low light conditions		 Good
Images not as crisp Colours not as accurate		 Very Good
Sharp images up to 1080p Ture Colors		 Very Good
Sharp images up to 1080p Ture Colors
Twisted Pair Coaxial Cable
(RG59)		 1600’(720p)
1300’ (1080p)		 1600’ 492’ 1600’
Twisted Pair
(CAT5)		 650’ 492’ 350’
(Digital convertor required)		 700’
DVR Input Compatibility Analog All analog cameras, limited channels, limited configurations All analog cameras, limited channels, limited configurations Limited models, limited channels, limited configurations All analog cameras, on my channel, in any configuration
HD Analog Like-branded HD-CVI cameras, on any channel, in any configuration Like-branded AHD cameras, on any channel, in any configuration Like-branded HD-SDI cameras, on any channel, in any configuration Any HD-TVI camera, on any channel, in any configuration
IP Supported IP cameras, on select channels, in select configurations N/A N/A Supported IP cameras, on 2 channels, in any configuration
DVR Hybrid Capabilities Limited Configurability Limited Configurability Limited Configurability Yes Unlimited Configurability
Format Compatibility Proprietary technology, only produced by 1 manufacturer, Dahua – out of China(2) Open standard, limited manufacturers Open standard, multiple manufacturers – are currently exiting the market as alternative HD formats outpace SDI Open standard, over 100 manufacturer’s have launched or are developing solutions using TVI technology

Analyis & Conclusions

Comparing formats across several dimensions that matter most to end users:

Resolution & Image Quality
  • All HD Analog formats offer cameras that capture up to 1080p resolution.
  • HD-SDI and HD-TVI produce sharper images with more accurate colors.
winnerIconHD-SDI, HD-TVI
  • All HD Analog formats offer cameras that capture up to 1080p resolution.
  • HD-SDI and HD-TVI produce sharper images with more accurate colors.
Video Transmission Distance
  • HD-TVI offers the longest transmission without signal degradation across both RG59 and CAT5 cabling.
winnerIconHD-TVI
  • HD-TVI offers the longest transmission without signal degradation across both RG59 and CAT5 cabling.
Camera Selection & Configuration Flexibility
  • HD-TVI allows the user to connect to any analog or HD-TVI camera, on any DVR channel, and is the only HD Analog format that supports IP cameras.
  • Other formats are limited in both camera compatibility and channel configurations.
winnerIconHD-TVI
  • HD-TVI allows the user to connect to any analog or HD-TVI camera, on any DVR channel, and is the only HD Analog format that supports IP cameras.
  • Other formats are limited in both camera compatibility and channel configurations.
Cost of Ownership
  • HD-TVI, HD-CVI and AHD cameras and recorders are available at similar costs to the end user.
  • HD-SDI is considerably more expensive, with compatibility limitations that significantly increase Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
winnerIconHD-TVI, HD-CVI, AHD
  • HD-TVI, HD-CVI and AHD cameras and recorders are available at similar costs to the end user.
  • HD-SDI is considerably more expensive, with compatibility limitations that significantly increase Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

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