DVR stands for Digital Video Recorder. DVR systems process the video data at the recorder, whereas NVR systems encode and process the video data at the camera, then stream it to the NVR recorder which is used for storage and remote viewing.

DVR is a device that records video from up to a dozen or more surveillance cameras onto a hard disk. The frame rate can be switched from real time to time lapse in order to save storage space. Digital recorders are more flexible than earlier analog VHS tape systems, and the video can be easily transmitter over a computer network.

DVR is a device that allows you to pause and rewind any broadcast, cable or satellite TV program as well as record and play back selected programs.

Well, we would say that an XVR Recorder is basically a DVR on steroids (but in a good way). A DVR (Digital Video Recorder) is a device used for recording and processing HD Analog or SD Analog Security Cameras. Meanwhile, an NVR (Network Video Recorder) is the device used for IP Cameras.

These digital recorders allow the simultaneous use of the principal video formats in a single piece of equipment: HDCVI/HDTVI/AHD/CVBS/IP. The main advantage over 4 in 1 equipment is the possibility to mix and match technologies like HDCVI & HDTVI, whereas previously only a single video format could be used.

Intelligent Video Analysis

PTZ is an abbreviation for pan, tilt and zoom and reflects the movement options of the camera. Other types of cameras are ePTZ or virtual pan-tilt-zoom (VPTZ) where a high-resolution camera digitally zooms and pans into portions of the image, with no physical camera movement.

Surveillance cameras of this type are often connected to a digital video recorder which records the full field of view in full quality.

PTZ cameras, or pan tilt zoom cameras look like dome cameras, and are also encased in a hard-shell dome which both protects it and obscures the camera’s direction from curious onlookers. PTZ cameras differ though in that they have more capabilities and are capable of remote direction and zoom control. Typically used in surveillance, the PTZ is also a tool used in video conferencing, live production, lecture capture, distance learning, as well as many other applications. In some cases, you might want to consider this camera to serve your business in more than one way in areas that serve more than one purpose.

Q. What is meant by PTZ camera?
PTZ stands for Pan Tilt and Zoom. It is a camera used for surveillance which has remote directional and zoom controls.
Panning and Tilting is the part of camera physically moving, while the zoom function is the movement of the lens changing its focal length and focus.

Q. What is the difference between IP PTZ & AHD PTZ cameras?

In AHD PTZ camera – there are 2 separate cables – one for video signal and for the controller (pan, tilt and zoom). 

IP PTZ camera as the name suggests works on network cable, has only a single cable for video and controlling the camera (pan, tilt and zoom).

Q. What is the construction material of the PTZ camera? Is it vandal proof?

The PTZ cameras have an IP 66 rating and offer resistance to some extent against vandalism– the outer casing is made of metal, high-grade abrasion resistant plastic and the lens is further reinforced by the glass dome.

Q. What is the recommended power supply for the IP PTZ camera?

The available PTZ camera variants require 12V DC, 5 Amp power supply.

Q. What cable connection type is required for power and for video feed?

Power connector– DC pin – 12V DC, 5 Amp
Network video connector -RJ 45. Network cable- CAT6

Q. What is the ideal distance for providing power to PTZ camera? Can be power connection be provided from a distance?

It is highly recommended that the power connection to the PTZ camera be given from an immediate source (local power supply). Cable over a long distance will decrease the power supplied to the camera, and may not function properly.

The megapixel value is simply a shorthand means of expressing the camera's image resolution in a single figure.
Multiply the horizontal resolution by the vertical resolution to arrive at a value which expresses the total number of pixels that the image device can deliver.
Because this multiplication, typically of thousands times thousands, results in such a large value we use the term mega (indicating 10 to the power of six, which is 1,000,000) to express the result.

CIF, QCIF, 2CIF, 4CIF. Sounds like a bad nursery rhyme, right? If your eyes glaze over when you hear terms like these you are not alone.

The table below lists some of the more commonly used resolution terms in CCTV applications. Any resolution over 1 million pixels is considered 'megapixel'. In the case of megapixel cameras, the labels are approximate. For example, a 2 megapixel camera actually captures 1,920,000 pixels per frame. A 3 megapixel camera captures 3,145,728 pixels per frame.

Term Pixels (W x H)

720p - HD1280 x 720  "1Megapixel""

960P - 1280 x 960  Sony specific HD standard  "1.3 Megapixel 1280 x 1024" 

1080p - HD  1920 x 1080      "2.0 Megapixel"

3 MP - 2048 x 1536  "3.0 Megapixel"

4MP 2688*1520  "4.0 Megapixel"

5 MP - 2592 x 1944 Megapixel "5.0 Megapixel"

6 MP - 3072 x 2048 Megapixel "6.0 Megapixel"

8 MP - 3840 x 2160 Megapixel "8.0 Megapixel"

12 MP - 4000 x 3072 Megapixel "12.0 Megapixel"

Those of you familiar with CCTV know that the resolution of an analog camera is typically listed as "TV lines". These "lines" refer to the horizontal resolution of the image; therefore a 700 line camera has better resolution than a 420 line camera. Digital video recorders, however, list their resolution according to the terms in the chart above. DVRs that are 'Full D1' can record all the detail captured by the highest resolution analog cameras.

One of the most common questions we get is "What resolution camera should I buy?" Of course, it depends. Each camera in your application may require a different resolution. It comes down to how much detail you want, what platform (if any) you already have in place, and how much is your budget. Examples of applications where you can easily justify spending more for higher resolution are recording monetary transactions, desiring facial recognition, or reading license plates.

Q. What is an IP Camera?

IP stands for Internet Protocol. An IP camera is a digital video system that can transmit data over a network. These systems work with mobile devices so that you can view your security feed from anywhere with an Internet connection. IP cameras may also be referred to as network cameras or webcams.

Q. How Do IP Surveillance Cameras Work?

In a traditional security system, data is transmitted through a cable to a DVR (digital video recorder). With an IP camera, the Internet is used to transmit digital video. The unit contains everything it needs to do this. It’s connected to your network much like other external IT equipment like a printer. To store video, your IP camera may contain storage in-unit or it may transmit video to a device also connected to the network to be stored, also known as a network video recorder (NVR). Digital cameras and IP cameras capture images the same way, although the transmission method is different. Your quality won’t be compromised with an IP camera—in fact, the resolution is better.

Q. What Type of Network Connection Will I Need for an IP Camera Surveillance System?

You can use either a physical router for your network (wired) or a Wi-Fi connection (wireless). Wired networks tend to be more secure and reliable, although Wi-Fi is easier, it leads to the increased need for security. Surveillance Secure can help you encrypt these networks and customize a wireless network to minimize chances of any problems with a Wi-Fi setup. You may also choose to use a cellular network, which tends to be safer than Wi-Fi, but also slower. Surveillance Secure can discuss your options with you to determine which one would be best for your custom setup and security needs.

Q. What Components Will I Need for This System?

For an IP surveillance system, you’ll need the actual IP cameras, an NVR or other type of storage system, accessories such as a microphones and speakers generally will come built into the cameras so additional parts will not be required. At Surveillance Secure, we can help determine your needs and set you up with the best equipment for your budget.

Q. What Are the Advantages of IP Surveillance Systems?

They offer: · Higher resolution · Easy install · Improved capabilities for the cost · Faster and more reliable · Easy to manage · Easy to meet IT compliance regulations · And more!

What is HEVC / H.265?

High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), also known as H.265, is a new video compression standard, developed by the Joint Collaborative Team on Video Coding (JCT-VC).  The JCT-VC brings together image and video encoding experts from around the world, producing a single standard that is approved by two standards bodies;

ITU-T Study Group 16 – Video Coding Experts Group (VCEG) – publishes the H.265 standard as ITU-T H.265, and

ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 29/WG 11 Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) – publishes the HEVC standard as ISO/IEC 23008-2.

The initial version of the H.265/HEVC standard was ratified in January, 2013.

HEVC was developed with the goal of providing twice the compression efficiency of the previous standard, H.264 / AVC.  Although compression efficiency results vary depending on the type of content and the encoder settings, at typical consumer video distribution bit rates HEVC is typically able to compress video twice as efficiently as AVC.  End-users can take advantage of improved compression efficiency in one of two ways (or some combination of both);

At an identical level of visual quality, HEVC enables video to be compressed to a file that is about half the size (or half the bit rate) of AVC, or

When compressed to the same file size or bit rate as AVC, HEVC delivers significantly better visual quality. 

How can HEVC encode video files twice as efficiently as previous video coding standards?

Most of the power of video compression standards comes from a technique known as motion compensated prediction.  Blocks of pixels are encoded by making reference to another area in the same frame (intra-prediction), or in another frame (inter-prediction).  Where H.264/AVC defines macroblocks up to 16×16 pixels, HEVC can describe a much larger range of block sizes, up to 64 x 64 pixels.

HEVC allows predicted blocks to be coded in different block sizes than the residual error.  Each top level coding unit (or CTU) is first coded as a prediction quad-tree, where at each depth the encoder decides whether to encode with merge/skip, inter, or intra coding. The residual from those predictions is then coded with a second quad-tree which can optionally have greater depth than the prediction quad-tree.  For instance, this allows the residual error from a 32×32 inter coded coding unit (CU) to be represented by a mixture of 16×16, 8×8, and 4×4 transforms.

HEVC can encode motion vectors with much greater precision, giving a better predicted block with less residual error.  There are 35 intra-picture directions, compared with only 9 for H.264/AVC.

HEVC includes Adaptive Motion Vector Prediction, a new method to improve inter-prediction.

An improved deblocking filter

Sample Adaptive Offset – an additional filter that reduces artifacts at block edges

 

AHD CCTV stands for “analog high definition”. It is a new HD surveillance video standard for CCTV cameras and DVRs. AHD currently supports High Definition 720p,1080p & 4MP, 5MP & 8MP AHD cameras right now.

Surveillance cameras come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. When trying to determine which camera is best for your situation, the following aspects should be considered: Distance from the camera to the desired field of view, or the actual location the camera is viewing/recording. Width of the field of view you’re looking for Lighting changes that occur, or low/high lighting requirements

Whether you need color or black and white (B&W works well in low lighting)

Buyers need to consider all of these factors when determining which camera is right for them, because there is simply not a camera that works with every individual circumstance.

It is important to evaluate each individual location when deciding to purchase a camera system.

Q. What are AHD camera / AHD technology?
 AHD CCTV is an analog high definition closed-circuit television video surveillance standard that utilizes coax cable to transmit HD video from security cameras to DVRs. AHD supports from 720p to 8MP HD resolution.

Q. What is the difference between the technologies? SDI, TVI, CVI, Analog, AHD and IP?

 Analog: Goes up to 1000 TVL

AHD: Analog High Definition – up to 8MP resolution.
CVI/TVI: Different Manufactures up to 8MP
SDI: Full High Definition – 1080p
IP: Network/Digital cameras

Q. What is the Advantage of AHD camera?
AHD (Analog High Definition) CCTV cameras are capable of capturing high definition video surveillance at up to 8MP resolution.
These cameras are used with AHD DVRs (Digital Video Recorders) & have the convenience of plug and play installation.
Cameras and DVR are connected through BNC(Bayonet Neill–Concelman) cable which provides power to cameras & transfers feed to the DVR for recording, video & alarm management.

Q: What cables are used in the installation of the AHD cameras?

The installation of AHD cameras is done using coaxial cable, typically RG59.

Q. What is CMOS?

CMOS is an abbreviation for Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor. An Image sensor that converts light into electron.

Q. What type of lens is used in AHD camera? What different categories?

There are mainly two lens categories of AHD Camera – Fixed & Varifocal lens.
Generally, a wide range of fixed lens like 2.8, 3.6mm, 6mm, 8mm, and 12mm is used as per requirement.

Q. What is a Varifocal lens?

A varifocal lens is a CCTV camera lens with variable focal length in which focus changes as focal length changes. A 2.8-12mm lens is used in varifocal AHD cameras.

Q. What is ICR or IR cut filter? What is the function?

An ICR (IR-Cut Filter Removable) is a mechanical shutter design placed between the lens and the image sensor and is controlled by a motor or an electromagnet. 

When the ICR is switched on, it blocks infrared light and allows only visible light to pass through. 

When the ICR is switched off, infrared light is allowed to pass and the images turn to black & white mode (more sensitive to infrared light).

Q. What is IR LED or what is the Day/night feature of the AHD camera?

An IR LED (Infrared Light Emitting Diode) is a solid-state lighting (SSL) device which emits light in the infrared range of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum.

IR LEDs allow for cheap, efficient production of infrared light, which is electromagnetic radiation in the 700 nm to 1mm range. IR LEDs are used in a number of types of electronics, including many types of remote controls for televisions and other electronics. Used with infrared cameras, IR LEDs can act like a spotlight while remaining invisible to the naked eye.

Q. What DVR is required by the AHD cameras?

AHD camera requires an AHD DVR of the compatible resolution. For example, a 5MP AHD camera will be supported by a 5 MP DVR.

Q. What is the Advantage of AHD camera?

The advantages of an AHD camera are:
1. Wide range of resolution/s
2. Supports long transmission signal (500mtrs)
3. Low cost

4. Plug & Play

Q. Which cable type is used for connecting the AHD camera to the DVR?

Coaxial cable is used for connecting the camera with the DVR.
Most integrators use CCTV cable (3+1) which carries Video + Audio + DC power and has the limitation over long distance transmission due to the power and video signal drop.