CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION

(CCTV)

1|P a ge
Contents
CCTV (CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION) ................................................................................................. 4
What is CCTV? ............................................................................................................................... 4
Analogue HD vs Digital IP ............................................................................................................... 4
Digital Video Recorder (DVR) ............................................................................................................. 4
Network Video Recorder (NVR) ......................................................................................................... 5
Types of Cameras .............................................................................................................................. 5
Some factors you need to consider on buying a CCTV camera: .......................................................... 8
The correct lenses ......................................................................................................................... 8
The correct sensor ......................................................................................................................... 9
CCD+DSP (Digital Signal Processor), CMOS+DSP (Digital Signal Processor) A glimpse of latest
analog HD ...................................................................................................................................... 9
The correct output resolution ...................................................................................................... 10
IP Ratings for Surveillance Cameras ............................................................................................. 11
LUX Levels of Surveillance Cameras ............................................................................................. 13
Infrared Security Cameras | IR CCTV ............................................................................................ 13
Starlight Technology .................................................................................................................... 14
LPR Camera / License Plate Recognition....................................................................................... 16
Frames per Second (FPS) ............................................................................................................. 16
Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) ........................................................................................................ 16
HLC (Highlight Compensation) ..................................................................................................... 17
Let’s Differentiate 2DNR and 3DNR Better ................................................................................... 17
Video Compression for CCTV ........................................................................................................... 19
Comparison of High Definition Over Coax Technology Solutions (HDoC) .......................................... 20
Available HDoC technologies include ........................................................................................... 20
Progressive scan vs. interlaced video ............................................................................................... 21
Interlaced scanning ...................................................................................................................... 21
Progressive scanning ................................................................................................................... 21
Cables ............................................................................................................................................. 22
Co-axial Cable .............................................................................................................................. 22
Twisted Pair Cable ....................................................................................................................... 22
How To Choose Power Supply For Your CCTV Monitoring Project? .................................................. 23
Centralized power supply ............................................................................................................ 23
Isolated power supply.................................................................................................................. 24

2|P a ge
 POE (Power Over Ethernet) ......................................................................................................... 25
How to pick the best surveillance hard disk? ................................................................................... 26

3|P a ge
CCTV (CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION)
What is CCTV?
Closed-circuit television (CCTV), also known as video surveillance, is the use of video
cameras to transmit a signal to a specific place, on a limited set of monitors. It differs
from broadcast television in that the signal is not openly transmitted,

Analogue HD vs Digital IP
Analogue HD
In the traditional analog CCTV application, security cameras capture an analog video signal
and transfer that signal over coax cable to the Digital Video Recorder (DVR). The DVR
converts the analog signal to digital, compresses it, and then stores it on a hard drive for later
retrieval. Intelligence is built into the DVR to handle such things as scheduling, motion
detection, and digital zoom. Monitors for viewing the video are connected to the DVR, or it
can be set up to publish over an internal network for viewing on PCs. The DVR can also be
set up to broadcast over the Internet and can add password protection and other features.
When broadcasting over the Internet.

Digital IP
In the IP world, each network camera captures an analog image but immediately converts it
to digital inside the camera. Digital processing happens right at the camera, such as
compression and motion detection. The digital video stream is then broadcasted over the local
area network (LAN) using Ethernet (CAT5 or CAT6) cable. Power is supplied to the cameras
through the ethernet cable via Power-Over-Ethernet (POE) adapters built into the cameras
and at the (POE enabled) switch. The ethernet cable for each camera is plugged into the
switch which feeds into the network hub. As with all network devices, some set-up needs to
be done for each network camera to set up its IP address and other identifying attributes.

Digital Video Recorder (DVR)

The DVR is used to record and store the CCTV images digitally onto a built-in hard drive
from a number of cameras. The DVR is able to control a given number of cameras and which
are identified as channels. These multiple images from the cameras can then be transmitted to
a single monitor screen for viewing in a number of different ways e.g. individually or on a
multiscreen so that all images can be displayed simultaneously. This becomes a requirement
if more than one camera is to be viewed, or recorded, and shown on a single monitor screen.
The data that is stored can be replayed locally at the DVR through a CCTV monitor or it can
be connected into a PC network. The DVR can be set to store 25 pictures every second to
give an image that is seen by the human eye as a moving picture with no flicker. This is
known as ‘real time’ and gives a picture similar to that of broadcast TV. However to make a
greater use of storage space the equipment can be set to a time lapse mode. By using this
technique the recording hours can be changed so that less information (number of pictures)
will be stored. This can be set by the installer to suit the specific application.

4|P a ge
Network Video Recorder (NVR)
A Network Video Recorder (NVR) performs the same function as its DVR cousin in the
analog world. It captures each camera’s signal, compresses, and records it. The main
difference is that the video feeds are digital (and much higher resolution) and not analog. The
NVR combines the video streams from the cameras and handles the broadcast over the LAN
and internet for local and remote viewing.

Types of Cameras
Indoor Camera
Outdoor Camera

There are many different types of cameras. Let’s know only the Camera that we mostly use

1. Dome CCTV Camera

2. Bullet CCTV Camera
3. PTZ CCTV Camera
4. Fish Eye CCTV Camera

Dome CCTV Camera

Dome security cameras get their name by their circular, dome shape. The security camera is
encased in a transparent protective dome. Although dome security cameras can be used both
indoors and outdoors, many businesses including hotels, restaurants, and retail stores use
dome cameras inside due to their discrete design.

One of the main benefits of a dome camera is that the dome can make it difficult to determine
where the camera is pointing. In addition, dome cameras are generally more durable and
resistant to vandalism as the camera lens is protected.

5|P a ge
Bullet CCTV Camera
Bullet cameras are also named by their distinct cylindrical shape, which looks like a bullet
shell or lipstick tube. As one of the most common types of security cameras, bullet cameras
are a visible deterrent. In fact, studies have found the presence of security cameras will make
your property a less desirable target. Like dome cameras, bullet cameras can be installed
indoors and outdoors.

The main benefits of bullet cameras are their range and installation. Bullet cameras have a
longer range which makes them ideal for viewing large areas like backyards and parking lots.
Also, bullet cameras are easier to install, and due to the shape of the bullet camera bigger
lenses can be fitted to its body. Ideal for outdoor use

PTZ CCTV Camera

PTZ cameras, or pan tilt zoom cameras look like dome cameras, and are also encased in a
hard-shell dome which both protects it and obscures the camera’s direction from curious
onlookers. PTZ cameras differ though in that they have more capabilities and are capable of
remote direction and zoom control. Typically used in surveillance, the PTZ is also a tool used
in video conferencing, live production, lecture capture, distance learning, as well as many
other applications.

6|P a ge
Fish Eye CCTV Camera
The 360o camera when installed over the ceiling covers the complete area in a single shot.It
provides the footage from every angle. If there is no possibility of installing on the ceiling
then best is to opt for 180o view camera on the two walls or pillars. Make sure that the view
of the camera in not blocked from the sides due to the walls. The fisheye camera is best to
cover areas like markets, large retail halls, parking area, warehouses, factories, and malls.

7|P a ge
Some factors you need to consider on buying a
CCTV camera:

If you’ve been asking yourself, ‘what type of cctv camera should I buy?’ then you have come
to the right place, because the experts here at Caught on Camera will be covering things to
consider and the best types of CCTV cameras. But first, there are some factors to consider:

The correct lenses

This will ensure that you receive a quality image. Choosing the right lens will allow your
camera to focus and will bring enough light to the sensor on the camera, helping you to read
registration plates and recognize faces etc.

Having more detail will, of course, help in all situations, because it means that you will be
able to see exactly what’s happening and get a clear record on film. A zoom lense can
provide customers with more information.

8|P a ge
The correct sensor

There are two things to take note of when finding the right sensor: the type and size. These
are:

 CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor)

 CCD (charged coupled device) cameras

CCD are more expensive than CMOS and they produce a clearer image, ideal for identifying
faces and registration plates.

Sensor Size
Sensor size is the diagonal measurement of the imaging array of a sensor, meaning the area
with the pixels on which the lens is focused. The bigger the image sensor size means the
bigger the pixel size, which generally means the more light-sensitive the sensor is. However,
the higher resolution the sensor (i.e. the more pixels), the smaller the sensor pixel size is. This
means the pixel size is determined by both the image sensor size as well
as the number of pixels.

Sensor size affects two areas:

• Pixel size, which affects light sensitivity
• Field of view
what you need to know:
• Low-end cameras use 1/5. This size makes the pixel size smaller so it’s less light sensitive.
• The larger the sensor, the larger the pixel size.
• Bigger pixel size = more light sensitivity

CCD+DSP (Digital Signal Processor), CMOS+DSP (Digital Signal

Processor) A glimpse of latest analog HD

Recently, several heated debates were found from some Chinese surveillance blogs, chat
rooms, and social media. The topic was about analog HD solutions made possible or not by
combining CMOS and DSP. The thread started with some of the manufacturers in Shenzhen.
Facing a severe competition from IP surveillance vendors, they tried to come up with HD
upgrades for analog cameras.

The idea started from an unintentional move from several chipset providers by switch CCD
of an analog camera with HD CMOS. As we know, the core components of any given camera
(surveillance, digital cameras, or camera recorders) are image sensors and DSP. Despite
similar works of sensors and DSP among these cameras and video recorders, differences still
exist. However, the proliferation of BYOD is revolutionarily bridging this gap, which brings
up new possibilities. Breaking the rule that analog cameras consist of CCD sensor and DSP
by default, some analog camera manufacturer replaced CCD with HD CMOS out of a
smartphone or camera recorder, combining it with DSP and tested it. Amazingly, the
resolution reached 700TVL. The manufacturer continued testing various endeavor

9|P a ge
combinations of different CMOS and DSP, eventually achieving 800 to 1,000 TVL. This trial
was soon made into a prototype module, making analog HD solution possible and practical.

CMOS and DSP suppliers such as Aptina, Pixelplus, OmniVision, Sony, Fullhan, Sonix,
Nextchip, and many others all play important roles that make this analog HD solution
achievable. For instance, with the right combination of HD CMOS sensor and DSP, the
analog HD solution may delivers HDTV 720P resolution in 60 fps, over 98 percent color
reproduction, and high sensitivity and DSS feature in low light conditions. If DSP combined
with 1.3 megapixel HD CMOS sensor, the horizontal resolution reaches up to at least
800TVL. Moreover, high SNR without smearing and reliable performance in high
temperature make the combination even more appealing.

Currently, sensor providers such as Aptina and Sony play key roles in analog HD solution.
Aptina 139 and Sony CMOS IMX138 deliver resolution over 1,000TVL, equivalent to 1.3
megapixels, and illumination of 0.001 Lux. Both of their DSS features make low light
performances much enhanced than regular CMOS sensors.

From the perspective of DSP influences, Fullhan's FH8510 and FH8520 are currently the
game changers. Designed exclusively for CMOS and security applications, FH8520's analog
video outputs support 720/960H while it also supports WDR, adaptive 3D noise deduction,
OSD menu, and more. FH8520 can be used in mid- and high-end analog camera, HD-SDI
cameras, and network cameras. At this moment, Fullhan's DSP solution plays key role in the
analog HD surveillance solution. In order to catch this wave, more DSP vendors are expected
to offer similar solutions.

Analog HD potentials have drawn attentions from component suppliers such as Sony and
Aptina while Korean chip makers are also eager to join. Despite the IP migration in the
security industry is pick up its pace, the analog deployment still dominates. Various analog
upgrade solutions with CVBS are sure to catch attentions to those who already have analog
infrastructure in place.

The correct output resolution

A camera’s resolution is the number of pixels on the image sensor, measured horizontally by
vertically. For example a Full HD 2-Megapixel camera has a resolution of 1920 pixels wide
by 1080 pixels high. If you multiply 1920 x 1080, the result is the image resolution, in this
case, 2,073,600 pixels or 2 megapixels.
Resolution is one of many factors that affect image quality. The higher the resolution, the
more details can be seen in the image. However, other factors can be affected by higher
resolution, such as low light performance. Be sure to study the camera’s datasheet to see if
there is any tradeoff between resolution and low light performance or frame rate.
Resolution is also measured in pixels per foot, which can help define if there is enough
resolution and/or the lens is zoomed enough to capture face or license plate details (typically
60 pixels per foot)

10 | P a g e
IP Ratings for Surveillance Cameras
An IP Rating (or IP code) is a rating system for security camera enclosures (not the camera)
created by the International Electro technical Commission’s (IEC) international standard
60529. Security cameras manufacturers can voluntary submit to have their cameras tested by
the standard. Because it is a voluntary system, some surveillance cameras can be actually
be weatherproof without having obtained an IP rating.

Understanding the IP rating system

An IP rating can be a bit difficult to read, and is usually represented by two digits and may
contain an additional letter. The numbers represent how difficult it is for solids and liquid to
enter the security camera enclosure and the optional letter at the end represents how tamper-
proof the enclosure is. The most consistent use of the IP rating system is to help customers
determine if the camera will be able to withstand rain, wind, snow, and condensation, and if it
is safe to use the camera outside. The two most common IP ratings are IP66, IP67 and IP68,
so as we talk about what each digit means, we will be using these two designations as our
examples.

11 | P a g e
The first digit of the IP rating

The first digit represents of the IP rating represents the level of protection provided by the
camera’s enclosure against solid objects foreign to the camera and against access to
hazardous parts. Higher numbers relate to more protection, and here are the criteria:

0. No protection
1. Protection against object 50 mm or larger
2. Protection against object 12.5 mm or larger
3. Protection against object 2.5 mm or larger
4. Protection against object 1 mm or larger
5. Some dust protection
6. Full protection from dust
So, referring back to our IP66, IP67 and IP68 examples, all three of these cameras offer full
protection from dust.

The second digit of the IP rating

The second digit represents the level of protection against liquids, most notably water. The
second digit can range from 0 to 8, with 0 meaning no protection at all and 8 indicating
immersion possible over 1 meter in depth.

0. No protection
1. safe from vertically dripping water
2. safe from vertically dripping water and dripping water when tilted up to 15 degrees
3. safe from spraying water at an angle of up to 60 degrees
4. safe from splashing water from any direction
5. safe from water projected from a nozzle
6. safe from powerful water jets
7. safe for immersion up to 1 meter*
8. safe for immersion beyond 1 meter*

*Exact length of time and the exact amount of depth of pressure for which submerged
cameras can continue to operate is not measured by the IP rating.
Again, referring back to our IP66, IP67 and IP68 examples, you can see that the IP66
camera is safe from powerful water jets, the IP67 camera is waterproof up to a depth of 1
meter, while the IP68 camera is waterproof for a depth greater than 1 meter.

12 | P a g e
LUX Levels of Surveillance Cameras
Infrared LEDs, are what give a camera the ability to see in low light situations. This ability is
measured as the “Lux” Level, below are some approximate lux levels to help give you an
idea of how good a cameras night vision is.

Lux Guide

 0.00005 lux = Starlight

 0.0001 lux = Moonless overcast night sky
 0.001 lux = Moonless clear night sky
 0.01 lux = Quarter Moon
 0.25 lux = Full Moon on a clear night
 1 lux = Moonlight at high altitude at tropical latitudes
 3 lux = Dark limit of civil twilight under a clear sky
 32000 lux = Sunlight on an average day (min.)
 100000 lux = Sunlight on an average day (max.)

Infrared Security Cameras | IR CCTV

Infrared security cameras have the capability to capture video in low light and no light (0 Lux) areas.
Infrared cameras (IR) are sometimes referred to as IR cameras or "Night Vision Security
Cameras" because of this. Infrared cameras have IR LEDs positioned around the outer edges of the
camera lens which gives the camera its "Night Vision".

Infrared Cameras can capture acceptable video in total darkness and even better quality video in low
light. Even a small amount of ambient light helps the overall night vision capability of IR cameras a
lot. IR cameras are available in various body styles, such as dome and bullet styles

How do infrared cameras work?

Infrared security cameras use built-in IR LEDs, an IR cut filter, and a photon detector (light level
sensor) to enable their "infrared / night vision mode". The photon sensor is used to detect when light
levels are low. When light level goes below a certain level, the camera's infrared LEDs automatically
turn on and the IR cut filter is engaged over the image sensor. The IR LEDs reflect the infrared light
of objects within the view of the camera. The IR cut filter enables the camera to capture the infrared
light. The result is a black and white video surveillance image. When light levels return, infrared
cameras switch back to day time mode and capture color images.

What is "Smart IR"?

Smart IR is a technology that automatically adjusts the intensity of the infrared illumination according
to the distance that objects are from the camera. For example, if a person walks towards a camera with
Smart IR, the IRs will dim as the person gets closer. This is to avoid the image from being washed out
/ overexposed. You can see a demo video of Smart IR below.

13 | P a g e
Starlight Technology

What Are Starlight Cameras

Starlight cameras are security cameras with special starlight sensors to provide improved
night vision in low light conditions.

And that means “see things clearly that your eyes can’t see”!

You know, human eyes could hardly identify anything when the illumination goes below
20 Lux. Well, the starlight cameras, with exceptional starlight sensitivity, could give you
sharper and clearer images than your eyes could see even in 0 Lux condition.

How Do Starlight Night Vision Cameras Work

How does the starlight cameras work with only the “starlight” or even NO light?
In fact, it is the latest starlight sensor technology and the sophisticated noise suppression that
result in the exceptional sensitivity and clearer night vision.

To be more specific, the starlight camera uses larger size sensors, wider aperture and reduces
the shutter speed to collect enough light for human face and plate number identification, even
when human eyes couldn’t see anything.

14 | P a g e
Color Night Vision vs. Black & White Night Vision

Starlight cameras provide the best quality night vision, but not necessarily color night
vision.In order to see details clearly, like the human faces and plate number, in extremely
poor light conditions, most quality starlight security cameras will automatically turn to black
and white mode for the best clarity.

Where Should You Use Starlight CCTV Cameras

With the great improvement in night vision, the starlight security cameras could be used in
expanded situations, like home monitoring, bar, hotel, parking lot surveillance, and etc.

There are even starlight cameras meet the standard for military and national geographic
research use. For example, the starlight cameras used in underwater are once reported to
capture bioluminescence.

And they will have more advantages in the open fields for their far-reaching night vision,
including the back yard, front yard, meeting halls, street, airport, highways and tourist
attractions monitoring.

Some of you might take the starlight cameras as overkill in home security, while it’s
definitely worth the investment and will prove its value if you feel unsafe during the night for
the repeated burglars in your area – some wire-free mini starlight cameras are also available
to make the surveillance more secret and effective!

15 | P a g e
LPR Camera / License Plate Recognition
The LPR cameras (license plate recognition) on this page are used in traffic video
surveillance systems. For installers that prefer to use based video surveillance solutions, the
LPR cameras on this page are a great choice. These LPR IP cameras all have specially built
in software that enables them to capture clear enough video to be able to identify the numbers
and letters on license plates of moving cars.

Some customers mix the terms and concepts of license plate recognition (LPR) and automatic
number plate recognition (ANPR). Generally, LPR is used to describe surveillance cameras
that are capable of capturing license plates clear enough for humans and machines to
recognize. For example, if you record video to a DVR and go back to review footage, the
license plates can be read. ANPR generally refers to software that can identify license plates
and take some type of action such as recording the plate number to a database or matching
the plate against a database list for access control (like opening a gate).

Frames per Second (FPS)

Frames per second or frame rate is the number of images that occur in a second of time. For
example, television broadcasts are usually 30 FPS, movies are 24 FPS and animation is 12
FPS. In surveillance, you have a choice of what frame rate to record, anywhere from 1 FPS to
30 FPS. Most cameras are capable of frame rates up to 30 FPS, but that doesn’t necessarily
mean you need to record at the full 30 FPS. Doing so creates redundant data and consumes
excess bandwidth and storage. The average frame rate range falls between 5 and 15 FPS.

Wide Dynamic Range (WDR)

WDR allows the camera to simultaneously capture detail in both light and dark areas of the scene.
What you need to know:
• WDR is most often needed for interior shots with large windows in the background (e.g., a bank
lobby, grocery store entryway).
• One side effect of WDR is less contrast in the image

16 | P a g e
HLC (Highlight Compensation)
It's ability to reverse bright points in the picture to black. As an effective approach to
recognize vehicle plate number at night, HLC function can detect any spotlight diffused by
object-vehicle and compensate it for obtaining clearer image.

Let’s Differentiate 2DNR and 3DNR Better

It happens often with the people who are far away from the lines of technology to face
troubles to read between the lines when they are out and about for a CCTV Camera shopping.
They face a hard time understanding the technical concepts and specifications that are
associated with the CCTV cameras like 2D-DNR, 3D-DNR. They are just aware of the fact
that these features help immensely in improving the quality of the image and the videos so
captured, but the real details only a few people are aware of.

The experts and CCTV infrastructure professionals of Sure Secure in this blog have decided
to offer its esteemed customers some much-needed knowledge on the two concepts that
reaches their ears a lot when the CCTV cameras specifications pop up.
In our previous Blog, we have talked in detail about the image Digital Noise Reduction
Technology and how well they play their part in banishing all kinds of noise and graininess
from the images captured by the CCTV cameras in the low light settings. Today we are going
to talk in great length about the two of these DNR elements and how this exceptional noise
reduction approach that has been implemented in the security cameras helps pave way for
clearer images.

As you all are aware of the images that are captured in the low light settings are sometimes
grainy and cluttered with dark and light specs that cover them. This spot injection in the
images is the courtesy of the various factors that led to the irregular fluctuations that transmit
electrical signals (electromagnet), which aren’t the original part of the normal CCTV footage
and thus obstructs the CCTV signal.

17 | P a g e
To remedy this, CCTV cameras developers incepted a new technology called Digital Noise
Reduction that offers cameras to click and record clear and sharp images even in the low
light settings without a grain of noise ruining the image visibility and clarity.
Now, the CCTV Cameras that come with the specification of DNR Technology can either be
equipped be 2DNR or 3DNR Technology, but not the both.

What’s the difference?

The 2DNR Technology works by individually analyzing the different frames of the video,
examine and identify algorithm, differentiate those pixels that can likely cause noise and
correct them.

The 3DNR Technology goes one step ahead in rectifying the noise causing pixels by
additionally analyzing the difference occurring between the successive frames in order to
make the pixels noiseless and improve the clarity parameters.

It is a matter of fact that 3DNR Technology offers greater and much higher reduction in the
noise in the images captured by the security and surveillance cameras than the 2DNR
Technology. It just lacks on one front and that is while capturing the objects in motion it
creates a motion blur in the field of view.

18 | P a g e
Video Compression for CCTV
What is Video Compression?
Video compression is the process of using a codec to go through your video files to reduce or
eliminate unnecessary files. This makes your video files smaller, so you can store more video
on your NVR/DVR hard drive or camera’s MicroSD card.

There are many types of compression, H.264 and MJPEG, while MPEG4 is an older version.
Almost all IP surveillance cameras come with a video compression codec.

MJPEG - is an older standard for video compression. First used in the mid 1990s, it is less
efficient and is likely the more common standard for lower resolution video.

H.264 - also known as Advanced Video Coding (AVC), was introduced in 2003 and is an
efficient video compression standard commonly used for HD video (720p and 1080p) and
Blu-Ray discs.

H.265 - also known as High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), was introduced in 2013 and
is the latest video compression standard to be supported by newer NVRs, especially for 4K
video support. Before selecting H.265, make sure that your DVR/NVR system supports this
standard.

H.265+ - is an enhancement of H.265 that slightly improves the compression effectiveness.

Some systems offer a separate H.265+ setting. Before selecting H.265+, make sure that your
DVR/NVR system supports this setting.

19 | P a g e
Comparison of High Definition Over Coax
Technology Solutions (HDoC)
Technology was introduced to the video surveillance market in 2010 as a lower cost
alternative to IP network video solutions. HDoC delivers high definition video images up to
1080p over existing coaxial cable at significant cost savings over IP network solutions.
Benefits of HDoC when compared to traditional analog and IP solutions include

Available HDoC technologies include:

AHD (Analog High Definition) is the newest technology and works by converting digital
signals to analog signals. It is an open platform technology and has lower hardware costs than
several of the other technologies, allowing end users to enjoy AHD video images at the same
price as traditional analog cameras.

HD-TVI (Transport Video Interface) was developed as an open platform technology with
over 100 manufacturers producing HD-TVI products and Hikvision is the largest. It converts
digital signals to analog like HD-CVI but has lower hardware costs.

HD-CVI (Composite Video Interface) technology coverts digital signals to analog and was
originally proprietary to Dahua but is now available for licensing to other manufacturers.

HD-SDI (Serial Digital Interface) was the first HDoC technology, originally designed for
the broadcast industry in 1989. Unlike the other technologies, HD-SDI transmits
uncompressed digital signals over coax and has higher hardware cost than the other
technologies.

20 | P a g e
Progressive scan vs. interlaced video

Today, two different techniques are available to render the video: interlaced scanning and
progressive scanning. Which technique is selected will depend on the application and purpose
of the video system, and particularly whether the system is required to capture moving
objects and to allow viewing of details within a moving image.

Interlaced scanning
Interlaced scan-based images use techniques developed for Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)-based
TV monitor displays, made up of 576 visible horizontal lines across a standard TV screen.
Interlacing divides these into odd and even lines and then alternately refreshes them at 30
frames per second. The slight delay between odd and even line refreshes creates some
distortion or 'jaggedness'. This is because only half the lines keeps up with the moving image
while the other half waits to be refreshed.

The effects of interlacing can be somewhat compensated for by using de-interlacing. De-
interlacing is the process of converting interlaced video into a non-interlaced form, by
eliminating some jaggedness from the video for better viewing. This process is also called
line doubling. This feature eliminates the motion blur problems caused by the analog video
signal from the analog camera.

Interlaced scanning has served the analog camera, television and VHS video world very well
for many years, and is still the most suitable for certain applications. However, now that
display technology is changing with the advent of Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), Thin Film
Transistor (TFT)-based monitors, DVDs and digital cameras, an alternative method of
bringing the image to the screen, known as progressive scanning, has been created.

Progressive scanning
Progressive scanning, as opposed to interlaced, scans the entire picture line by line every
sixteenth of a second. In other words, captured images are not split into separate fields like in
interlaced scanning. Computer monitors do not need interlace to show the picture on the
screen. It puts them on one line at a time in perfect order i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 etc. so there is
virtually no "flickering" effect. As such, in a surveillance application, it can be critical in
viewing detail within a moving image such as a person running away. However, a high
quality monitor is required to get the best out of this type of scan.

21 | P a g e
Cables
The principal cable forms used in CCTV systems are co-axial cables and Twisted Pair Cable.

Co-axial Cable
Co-axial cable is the traditional medium for carrying the CCTV signals. It features a centre
copper conductor core which is insulated and then screened by an outer shield or braid. Co-
axial cable is terminated for CCTV purposes with an appropriate form of BNC connector.

Twisted Pair Cable

Twisted Pair Cable is actually a communications cabling form that has been adopted by the
CCTV industry. It employs four pairs of cables that are twisted along their full length. It is
these twists that give the cable pairs added protection against electrical interference being
inducted into
the wiring. Twisted Pair Cable is also capable of carrying the CCTV signals far greater
distances than co-axial cable. Twisted Pair Cable is a form of unshielded twisted pair (UTP)
cable but to more exacting requirements and with particular characteristics. For these reasons
it should never be replaced by standard twisted pair, multi core or screened cable as this will
have an effect on the system performance.

22 | P a g e
How To Choose Power Supply For Your CCTV
Monitoring Project?
There are three main methods to supply power for security cameras:
1.centralized power supply;
2. Isolated power supply;
3. POE ( Power Over Ethernet).

Before you decide to choose them, it is better for you to know about them clearly.

Centralized power supply

In this method, the source equipment is centrally installed in the power room, and electric
power is supplied to each device after the unified transformation distribution.

For CCTV system, centralized power supply means in a monitoring room or a middle point,
using 12V power to supply cameras.

23 | P a g e
Advantages: 1. Easy to maintain;
2. Better for unified management and management.
Disadvantages: 1. Preliminary preparation is complex;
2. DC low voltage power supply, it will cause voltage loss if the
distance is long;
3. Anti-interference ability is bad during transmission.

Isolated power supply

In this method, it needs to install DC12V power adapter next to the camera, and power
camera separately.

Advantages: 1. low voltage loss of 220V AC during the transmission;

2. Has a great anti - interference performance
Disadvantages: There is a trouble that each point need to be installed a power supply.

24 | P a g e
POE (Power Over Ethernet)

PoE refers to the provision of DC power supply technology for other devices without any
changes to the existing Cat.5 Ethernet cabling infrastructure, which is mainly used in high-
definition network monitoring systems.

Advantages: 1. lower costs;

2.flexible deployment and convenient installation;
3. single-port maximum power up to 30W.

Disadvantages: 1. Require better quality of network cable;

2. Transmission distance is limited;
3. Equipment power cannot exceed 30W.

Some tips:
1.When you use many pieces of infrared camera, it is not recommended to use centralized
power supply. Because the current is large when IR LED are working. Centralized power
supply is hard to ensure all of IR LED working normally.

2.Using point-to-point power supply, you can save some cost of the cable. But it is no double
that after-sales maintenance is a more difficult than centralized power supply.

3. When there are numbers of cameras and power supply distance is less than 100 meters, it is
recommended to use PoE power supply. It is more convenient, but pay attention to the quality
of power supply equipment and cable.

25 | P a g e
How to pick the best surveillance hard disk?
Over the past years, the required storage capacity for surveillance footage significantly
increased, so, naturally, this also increased the demands for hard disk drives. Like expected
traditional HDD manufacturer acknowledges this trend, as well as the need the video
surveillance industry has, so they decided to exploit the moment.

In most cases, a product made by a famous brand is not necessarily the best, but when it
comes to picking a hard drive for a surveillance system, it's exactly the opposite.

If you know at least the basics about building a PC, you've definitely heard about brands like
Western Digital or Seagate. They also happen to make some of the best hard disk drives for
WiFi/IP camera-based security systems and even the best models released in 2017 are
recommended to be used with HDDs from these brands.

Here are recommended to be used with HDDs from these brands.

To be more specific, we're talking about two main product lines:

WD Purple Surveillance

Designed for the extreme demands of high temperatures and compatible with 24/7
surveillance systems, these HDDs are engineered for high quality video playback, whenever
you need it most. They are also optimized to support up to 64 cameras, giving you the
possibility to use them for big systems, covering wide areas.

The product range is incredibly varied, as you can start with a 500GB drive, perfect for
smaller spaces, or choose between capacities of 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 or even 10TB, depending on
the number of cameras and surface you want to monitor.

https://www.wd.com/solutions/wd-surveillance-capacity-calculator.html

Seagate SkyHawk

Optimized for DVR and NVR systems, Seagate's SkyHawk line-up of surveillance drives are
also specifically tuned for 24/7 workloads. Also, thanks to the ImagePerfect firmware, then
can minimize dropped frames, as well as the downtime. Finally, they can record up to 90% of
the time and support up to 64 high definition cameras as well.

Just like their competitors, Seagate offers the surveillance hard disks in various capacities: 1,
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, or 10 TB. Also, thanks to the robust design in a RAID environment, the drive
performance can be maintained, by improving vibration tolerance.
https://www.seagate.com/in/en/video-storage-calculator/

26 | P a g e