History of CCTV
The very first CCTV system was installed by Siemens AG at Test Stand VII in Peenemünde, Germany in 1942. The system was designed for observing the launch of V-2 rockets and noted German engineer Walter Burch, along with Wayne Cox and Tashara Arnold, were responsible for the technological design and installation of the system. The first commercial closed-circuit television system available in the United States came about in 1949 under the name Vericon. There is very little known about Vericon aside from the fact that it was advertised as not requiring a government permit.
Flash forward 20 years to September 1968 when Olean, New York became the first city in the U.S. to install video cameras along its main business street in an effort to fight crime. Times Square in New York City saw the installation of security cameras in 1973 to deter crime in that area as well. It wasn’t until the 1980s that video surveillance began to see wide adaptation, specifically in public areas.
The Modern Age
Since then security camera technology has grown exponentially. There are a lot of different kinds of security cameras, all of which have their own strengths and weaknesses.
Bullet cameras are a wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted unit that is designed for indoor use primarily but can be outfitted for outdoor use. Bullet cameras are also designed to have a fixed position and not allow for Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) functionality.
Dome cameras are, as the name implies, dome-shaped and designed to be unobtrusive, not covert or hidden. Dome cameras are usually used in retail, gas stations, and other similar applications. These cameras are also designed to let the would-be criminals know that the area is under surveillance. Patrons will feel safer knowing that the facility is under protection. These cameras have the ability to spin quickly within the housing and are sometimes known as “speed domes”. PTZ functionality is common on dome cameras.
Network/IP cameras can be both hardwired and wireless and transmit images via the internet. These cameras also compress the bandwidth so the internet is not overwhelmed. IP cameras are much easier to install than analog cameras because they don’t require a separate cable run or power boost in order to transmit images over long distances.
Ultra high-definition cameras are typically used in niche markets, like casinos. These allow pit bosses and other casino security officials to zoom in with extreme clarity. Over the years, these cameras were tube-based analog cameras though today’s technology has displaced those older units. In addition to that, these cameras can also transmit images via HDcctv.
The Low-Cost Upgrade from Analog to Digital — HDCVI
HDCVI stands for High-Definition Composite Video Interface. This is a brand new technology in the security camera industry and provides a totally new method of transmitting video signals over coaxial cables. Before HDCVI, analog CCTV video was limited to 960h video resolution, which gives it a 960 x 480 resolution max. HDCVI is a true alternative to Network IP solutions. These cameras use licensed video transmitters and receivers that can transmit up to 1080p video resolution in an uncompressed format via the same standard coaxial cable that is used for standard CCTV cameras.
What really sets HDCVI apart from other cameras is its cost-effectiveness. In most cases, HDCVI is roughly the same price as the older analog CCTV technology but is exponentially less expensive than HDSDI or IP Network transmissions. While the price point may be similar between CCTV and HDCVI cameras, you are getting a much better resolution for the money you are spending with HDCVI.
Here are some benefits of HDCVI over HDSDI:
- HDSDI has a 333-foot limit with HDCVI having a 1,500-foot limit.
- HDSDI can only transmit video. HDCVI can transmit video, audio, and control with less cable infrastructure.
- HDSDI only transmits over high-quality copper core coaxial cable. HDCVI can transmit over any cable used for CCTV cameras.
- HDSDI is more expensive than HDCVI
Here are some benefits of HDCVI over Network IP cameras:
- HDCVI can transmit over coaxial cable natively whereas IP cameras cannot.
- HDCVI can transmit over a 1,500-foot limit. IP cameras have a 333-foot limit.
- HDCVI cameras don’t consume any network bandwidth or have any latency or collision issues.
- HDCVI is less expensive than Network IP cameras.
CameraSecurityNow has almost 30 years of experience in the security camera market. Having been founded in the 80s, CameraSecurityNow has been around security camera technology since it first started seeing widespread use. We’re “In Business To Protect Your Business” and that’s exactly what we aim to do. Our skilled security camera professionals can assist you in getting the perfect system for your exact needs and specifications.
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.
- The width of the field of view you’re looking for.
- Lighting changes that occur, or low/how 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. Our camera service and installation professionals deliver the security camera solutions that your organization needs, helping you ensure the security of your staff, visitors, and customers. To find out how easy it is to make your organization more secure, request a quote today.
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