HDCVI technology originally developed by Dahua and licensed to a number of other manufacturers is designed to allow high definition 720p or 1080p video to be transmitted from security cameras to DVR or HDCVR (recorders), over new or existing coax cable, or CAT5 cable (using baluns for CAT5).  HDCVI is easy to install and set up because there is no need to program device IDs or IP addresses, and since it can use the same coax cable as older lower resolution systems, it’s perfect for upgrading existing installations with no new wires.  Better yet, the cameras and recorders are priced the same or lower than many traditional CCTV cameras with much better video quality, similar to 720p or 1080p IP cameras, without the complication.

• High Definition 720p or 1080p video (much higher than CCTV systems, as good as most complicated IP camera systems
• Perfect for upgrades or new installs – uses existing or new coax cable, or siamese coax/power, or can use CAT5 with baluns
• Simple installation – regular BNC connections on each end for video.   No channels, ID’s, IP addresses, etc to program
• Affordable – priced the same or lower compared to analog CCTV and generall much cheaper than IP cameras
• Secure – Cameras send video directly to recorder – not over private or public network
• Optional Internet/Network Access – the HDCVI recorder provides both recording and network or Internet access/playback

HDCVI Compared To Analog CCTV Systems

Traditional CCTV security cameras sported resolutions from 330 TV lines (old) to 700 or 800 TV lines.  But recording maxed out at D1 or 480 lines regardless of the camera claims.   This was a general limitation of the recorder.  Cameras use siamese cable – coax for video and a pair, usually 18 guage for power.  Or in some cases CAT5 was run with a balun installed at either end to convert video to run over CAT5.  This makes HDCVI a perfect upgrade without running new wires.

HDCVI Compared to IP Camera (IPC) Systems

IP Cameras are generally high definition with some VGA but most 720p, 1080p or better.  IP cameras provide very high resolution.  But they require network knowledge, network switches, IP address configuration for each camera.  Network cable distance is limited to 300 feet per segment.   Cameras and recorders tend to be expensive and there is a slight delay in video.  For advanced installers or very high resolution, or network/IT professionals these provide an excellent option. They cannot be installed practically over coax cable so retrofit would require new wires.