For more than a year, analog equipment has been predicted to completely leave the market, as happened with cassette recorders. Nevertheless, even against the background of the communication revolution, in the form of the appearance of wireless data transmission modules and the constant increase in high-definition formats, this segment remains. And if in the niche of multimedia technology this is almost imperceptible, then analog video surveillance is worthy of competition to digital equipment.
Overview of Analog Surveillance
These are traditional video surveillance systems that are powered through a coaxial cable and connected to an analog video recorder. The basis of the kit is formed directly by the video camera, which can also have different shooting options. Most often, analog video cameras are used for video surveillance of a budget type. They are distinguished by the monochrome “picture” of a simple lens with a fixed aperture and the lack of the ability to change the focal length. In contrast, premium models are characterized by high definition images with color reproduction, which do not have limitations in terms of the ability to work in different weather conditions.
In this connection scheme is almost always standard. The camera is connected to a power source (usually an autonomous power supply) and a signal recorder that processes it. Further, the signal that recorded the analog video surveillance can be sent to the dispatcher’s monitor, to the archive or to the network.
Hardware Features
Directly, camera matrices, compared to digital models of the same level, allow you to shoot high-quality video regardless of lighting and detail the objects in motion. As for the general infrastructure of analog video surveillance, it is spared all the disadvantages inherent in IP-devices. This includes delays in data transmission, viruses in network channels, minimal maintenance costs, etc.
But this part of the advantages is also conditional, since in the modern world a complete rejection of digital equipment is almost impossible. Therefore, already at the stage of signal conversion in the registrar, the infrastructure is faced with "digital" problems. Of course, there are many negative features that analog CCTV cameras sin - IP cameras, in turn, also become a contrasting background in which these shortcomings are clearly manifested. These include electromagnetic interference on transmission lines, the lack of extensive control capabilities in real time, the exclusion of the concept of a wireless connection.
New formats
One of the biggest challenges in today's competition for analog cameras is outdated low-definition standards. Understanding this state of things, manufacturers have developed several new analog formats, including HDCVI and HDTVI.
The first standard is characterized by signal translation using amplitude quadrature modulation. This means that the stream is segmented into several channels in which, for example, luminance and color signals are separated. Devices in this format can transmit three signals through one cable. These will include audio, video and command signals with PTZ control technology. These are modern analog CCTV systems, in which it is assumed that the camera can be controlled via cable - for example, the user can focus the device, scale the “picture”, rotate the body structure, etc.
HDTVI technology, in turn, is characterized by two-way transmission of control signals via the PTZ system, but at the same time, in comparison with HDCVI models, it provides insufficient protection against interference.
Programs for working with analog signals
CamPermanent can be recommended as the simplest solution for working with the converted signal from analog cameras. It has the basic functionality for programs of this type, but at the same time it is reliable and simple - this is the best solution for organizing home video surveillance.
If it is planned to organize a combined infrastructure with a combination of IP equipment and analog signals, then it is worth using the Video Locator system, which will allow you to combine all the security equipment into one complex.
Professional solution for analog video surveillance offer developers NVR Smartec. This program allows you to organize a client-server architecture, within which a network video surveillance system will be built.
Owner reviews
Most of the users of analog systems are consumers who, due to financial constraints, could not switch to a digital system. They value analogue tools for affordability, habitual handling and the lack of the need to rebuild cable infrastructure.
The fact is that in many enterprises a fully operational coaxial network is maintained, which is not compatible with IP cameras. Accordingly, the installation of compatible equipment is a reasonable step in such cases. In addition, the practice of operation does not always confirm that analog video surveillance noticeably loses to digital cameras. Users themselves rarely complain about picture quality, distortion or malfunction on the line. Another thing is that in terms of communication capabilities, the “numbers” have more advantages, but for most consumers the new opportunities are not so significant.
Conclusion
Modern technological solutions have opened for the user an extensive gamut of new functions in a variety of directions. At the same time, there are purely marketing products whose practical value is hardly perceptible. Partly due to loud advertising and the widespread adoption of digital cameras, analog video surveillance has noticeably lost ground several years ago. The most progressive part of consumers willingly switched to a new format, having received many advantages. At this stage, the developers of analog video cameras are trying to revive this segment, since it also has considerable operational potential.