HDCVI technology?

Video surveillance is an integral part of security for countless organizations worldwide. Yet while the capabilities of these systems continue to improve, such as higher resolution and intelligent analytics, businesses often restricted in the system design process by older infrastructure that doesn’t support the latest technologies. Unfortunately, high system design costs, technical challenges and other factors impede many companies’ efforts to upgrade their surveillance systems.

Enter High Definition Composite Video Interface (HDCVI) technology. HDCVI is a video standard that enables users to transmit HD video over existing coaxial cable infrastructure—ideal for lowering costs and maximizing return on investment.

First introduced by Dahua in 2012, HDCVI’s capabilities have expanded over the years. 

Benefits of HDCVI technology over HD-SDI:

• Longer video transmission distances. HD-SDI is limited to 333 feet (0.1 km) for video transmission. HDCVI can be transmitted up to 1500ft (0.46 km), (0.46 km).
• HD-SDI can only transmit video. HDCVI can transmit video, audio and control, requiring less cable infrastructure.
• HD-SDI can only transmit over high-quality copper core coaxial cable. HDCVI can transmit over any cable used for CCTV cameras. It will work with copper clad aluminum, Ethernet cable with video baluns and even prefabricated plug and play cables.
• HDCVI, less expensive than HD-SDI.

Benefits of HDCVI technology Over Network IP cameras:

• IP cameras cannot transmit video over coaxial cable natively, so the infrastructure must be built with Ethernet cable or fiber. HD-CVI can transmit over Coaxial Cable or Ethernet cable using video baluns, allowing the use of existing infrastructure, saving money and time.
• IP cameras cannot transmit video for distances over 333 feet (0.1 km) without using relay devices on Ethernet cable. HD-CVI can transmit video over 1500 feet (0.46 km) without using relay devices over coax or Ethernet cable.
• IP cameras require bandwidth considerations and are subject to latency and collisions, as well as IP conflicts. HD-CVI cameras do not consume any network bandwidth, nor do they have latency or collision issues. This means that HD-CVI will not interfere with the operation of your network and is much simpler to install and configure.
• HDCVI technology is much less expensive than IP Network cameras and recorders.

4K / Ultra HD capability

HDCVI 3.0 is the first technology to provide up to 4K resolution in systems based on a coax infrastructure. It also boasts Starlight technology, allowing for crisp, clear, images in near-darkness, down to 0.008 lux. Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) of 120dB to 140dB, depending on the model, further supports the camera in challenging lighting environments.

Video HDCVI technology compatibility

HDCVI 3.0 Penta-brid recorders are compatible with all five of the primary video technologies offered in video surveillance: standard analog, AHD, IP, HDCVI, and HD-TVI. Because it is backwards compatible, HDCVI 3.0 enables use of existing standard definition analog cameras while also receiving input from IP cameras. To that end, HDCVI 3.0 stands out for its ability to integrate several technologies within one system.

Digital video recorders (DVRs) using HDCVI 3.0 can serve as an access point for multiple security services, and integration planned with external passive devices such as alarms, infrared sensors, and others. Video, audio control signals and power combined in a single cable. Both coaxial cable or unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable can be used, and wireless transmission capability currently being developed. Third-party integration with other network video recorders and video management software solutions made possible by ONVIF Profile S conformance.

Intelligent feature support

Intelligent features – e.g., smart tracking, face recognition, people counting, heat mapping, and smart scene adaption – are supported by HDCVI 3.0. As a result, users can enjoy greater system functionality than would otherwise be possible on an analog system.

Some other intelligent features are intrusion detection, virtual tripwire, detection of missing and abandoned objects, and scene change. Because system design can be simplified and rip-and-replace costs eliminated through HDCVI 3.0, these features can be enjoyed at with a lower overall investment.

Types of applications

End-users in vertical markets such as banking and gaming will be particularly interested in HD and UHD HD-CVI, seeing as these types of facilities have a great need for detailed images without latency, yet often have legacy coax cabling. HD-CVI offers high enough image quality to see the fine details of cash transactions and card games, for example. For some businesses, coax cable may actually be the preferred transmission mode, since it reduces the concern of network security.