Analogue equipment has been predicted for more than a year to leave the market completely, as happened with cassette recorders. Nevertheless, even against the background of the communication revolution in the form of the emergence of wireless data transmission modules and the constant increase in high-definition formats, this segment remains. And if in the niche of multimedia technology it is almost imperceptible, then analog video surveillance is a worthy competitor to digital equipment.
Analogue Video Surveillance Overview
These are traditional CCTV systems powered by coaxial cable and connected to an analog DVR. 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 budget-type video surveillance. They are distinguished by the monochrome "image" of a simple lens with a fixed aperture and no possibility of changing the focal length. In contrast, premium models feature high-definition color images that are unrestricted in terms of multi-weather capability.
At the same time, the connection scheme is almost always standard. The camera is connected to a power source (usually a self-contained power supply) and a signal recorder for processing. Further, the signal recorded by analog video surveillance can be sent to the dispatcher's monitor, to the archive or to the network.
Hardware Features
Direct camera matrices, compared to digital models of the same level, allow you to shoot high-quality video regardless of lighting and capture objects in motion in detail. As for the general infrastructure of analog video surveillance, it is free from 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 benefits 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 also faces "digital" problems. Of course, there are a lot of negative features that analog video surveillance cameras sin with - IP cameras, in turn, also become a contrasting background against which these shortcomings are clearly manifested. These include electromagnetic interference on transmission lines, the lack of extensive real-time control capabilities, and the exclusion of the concept of wireless connection.
New formats
One ofThe biggest problem in today's competition for analog cameras are outdated low-definition standards. Understanding this state of affairs, manufacturers have developed several new analog formats, including HDCVI and HDTVI.
The first standard is characterized by signal transmission using amplitude quadrature modulation. This means that the stream is segmented into several channels, in which, for example, luminance and chrominance signals are separated. Devices on this format allow the transmission of three signals through one cable. Among them will be audio, video and command signals with PTZ control technology. These are modern analog video surveillance systems, which assume the ability to control the camera via a cable - for example, the user can focus the device, scale the "picture", rotate the body structure, etc.
HDTVI, on the other hand, features two-way transmission of PTZ control signals, but at the same time, compared to 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 of 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 the combination of elements of IP equipment and analogsignals, you should use the Video Locator system, which will allow you to combine all security equipment into one complex.
Professional solution for analog video surveillance is offered by Smartec NVR developers. This program allows you to organize a "client-server" architecture, within which a network video surveillance system will be built.
Owner Reviews
The majority of users of analogue systems are consumers who, due to financial constraints, could not switch to a digital system. They value analog for affordability, familiarity and no need to rebuild cable infrastructure.
The fact is that many enterprises still have a completely working coaxial network that is not compatible with IP cameras. Accordingly, it is a reasonable step in such cases to install compatible equipment. 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 line faults. Another thing is that in terms of communication capabilities, digital has more advantages, but for most consumers, new opportunities are not so significant.
Conclusion
Modern technological solutions have opened for the user a wide range of new functions in various directions. At the same time, there are purely marketingproducts, the practical value of which is barely perceptible. Partly due to high-profile advertising and the widespread use of digital cameras, analog video surveillance has noticeably lost ground several years ago. The most progressive part of consumers willingly switched to the new format, having received many advantages. At this stage, the developers of analog cameras are trying to revive this segment, since it also has considerable operational potential.
