Bring the benefits of High Definition CCTV to your customers cost-effectively. HD-SDI a new opportunity for CCTV installers

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1 Bring the benefits of High Definition CCTV to your customers cost-effectively. HD-SDI a new opportunity for CCTV installers If you install CCTV, then HD-SDI is an opportunity you can t afford to ignore. Many customers will have High Definition TV in their homes, and will come to expect the same level of picture quality from a CCTV system. You can now bring that to them easily and cost effectively thanks to HD-SDI. Briefly, the benefits of HD-SDI CCTV are: High Definition images, making it easier to identify individuals. Simple installation using standard co-ax cable. No need to involve IT Managers as part of the installation. If you re new to HD-SDI CCTV, this guide will show you everything you need to know to get started.

2 Megapixel CCTV A frame of CCTV footage is made up of pixels. Any picture with over 1 million pixels is classed as a Megapixel image and can be referred to as High Definition (HD). HD Equipment typically has one of two resolutions: What is HD-SDI CCTV? HD stands for High Definition, and SDI stands for Serial Digital Interface a family of standardised, broadcast quality digital interfaces using BNC connectors. The standard was adopted by the SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers). 720P 1280 pixels (horizontal) x 720 pixels (vertical) 1080P 1920 pixels (horizontal) x 1080 pixels (vertical) 720 or 1080 refers to the number of pixels in a vertical line that make up the picture. The P stands for progressive the way in which an image is scanned, compared with the conventional interlaced scan. The full Videcon range offers 1080p resolution and can be switched to 720p to allow longer recording times. Megapixel CCTV has been possible for some time over IP CCTV networks. So HD-SDI is not the only way to achieve it, but its arrival makes Megapixel CCTV simple and affordable for your customers, and easier for you to install. That s why it s predicted to grow significantly in the coming years. Because of its origins in broadcast, the definition and picture quality of HD-SDI footage is noticeably higher than a standard analogue signal. The technology has now been adopted by the CCTV sector. Because it has been designed with the sole purpose of providing Megapixel, High Definition footage over standard co-ax cable, it is perfectly suited to CCTV, where the majority of existing systems use co-ax. HD-SDI is significantly easier for experienced CCTV installers to get to grips with and can easily be used in tandem with existing analogue cameras. Compared with IP, installers can install HD-SDI straight away with next to no training. There is also very little risk of getting in to complications when installing it, as long as they are experienced in installing analogue CCTV. Let s consider why IP CCTV has yet to become mainstream: To get the full benefits of IP you need Cat 5 cable rather than co-ax. This makes replacing an existing system costly. Installing IP systems can require in-depth knowledge of network infrastructures. Smaller businesses in particular may be reluctant to add more devices to their networks. Dealing with IT managers can cause delays and complications. For those reasons, IP CCTV is more prevalent in new builds (where there is no issue of replacing co-ax) and large installations where budget is less of an issue. HD-SDI on the other hand is well-placed for rapid growth, so as an installer, it is well worth getting to grips with this technology now. Arrange a demonstration to see just how easy hd-sdi is to install

3 Installing HD-SDI CCTV for your customers You have two basic options when a customer wants HD-SDI CCTV a full HD-SDI system, or a Hybrid system combining HD-SDI with Analogue. Some customers especially those with an existing analogue CCTV system may feel that a few HD-SDI cameras in key positions such as external doors will suffice. The things you need to consider before you decide which is right for your customer are: Do they have an existing CCTV system? If so, does it give adequate picture quality throughout the premises? Are there key locations where identification is important? What is the customer's budget for installation or upgrade? Full HD-SDI Installation Hybrid HD-SDI Analogue Installation Typical applications: Premises with no existing CCTV system Premises with an existing system but with a budget to upgrade Premises that require high definition for identification throughout Typical applications: Premises that already have CCTV but want to add HD cameras in key locations Premises with no CCTV that don t need High Definition footage throughout Pros: High Definition allows you to identify individuals throughout the premises. Can be easily installed on co-ax cable. No need to involve IT managers to install on an IT network. Pros: Existing analogue cameras don't need to be replaced. Co-ax cable already in place can still be used. Cons: Having HD-SDI cameras throughout will be more expensive than a hybrid system. Cons: Customers with existing analogue systems will need to buy a new DVR with HD-SDI inputs.

4 So what equipment do you need to install an HD-SDI system? DVRs To use any HD-SDI cameras, you will need a DVR with HD-SDI inputs, as they will not work with an analogue DVR. You could use an HD-SDI DVR, or a hybrid DVR offering both HD-SDI and analogue inputs so you can install HD-SDI cameras alongside analogue cameras. An HD-SDI DVR on the other hand, which only has HD-SDI inputs, is better for new installations, or for end users who want High Definition throughout the premises. Monitors To fully appreciate HD-SDI CCTV, you will need a High Definition monitor, and these are available in 720P or 1080P definition. Cameras For an experienced CCTV installer, HD-SDI cameras are not significantly different from analogue cameras. One of the main differences is that many of them use a CMOS image sensor rather than a CCD, but in terms of installation, there is no significant difference. Accessories One of the few significant differences between analogue and HD-SDI is the length of cable the signal can be carried over We recommend that the co-ax cable between the camera and DVR should not exceed 100m. It can be extended beyond this by using a signal repeater. This accessory will give you a further 100m, and in theory there is no limit on how many of these can be used. It is very important not to use too long a cable run for HD-SDI equipment. Because the signal is digital, rather than gradually degrading, the picture will simply disappear altogether if the cable is too long.

5 HD-SDI, Analogue, or Megapixel IP a comparison HD-SDI Analogue Megapixel IP Uses co-ax cable? Yes Yes No Near-zero latency? Yes Yes No Guaranteed 100% plug-and-play? Yes Yes No Comprehensive, global interface standard? Yes Yes No 100% digital technology Uncompressed No Compressed Delivers full 1080P and 720P video? Uncompressed No Compressed Compatible with 2 Megapixel cameras? Uncompressed No Compressed As this table demonstrates, HD-SDI is the best way to get full HD CCTV footage over standard co-ax cable without any issues of latency or compressed images. What next? If you want to make the most of the opportunities that HD-SDI offers to you as an installer, a good next step is to get a demonstration of the equipment at your premises. The Videcon range is all capable of capturing 1080p footage, and shows HD-SDI CCTV at its best. Call Videcon today to arrange a demonstration of our HD-SDI Range or to reserve your place for HD-SDI Training