Ever since HD (High Definition) Analog technology was launched in 2010, several HD Analog formats have been developed, including: HD-SDI, AHD, HD-CVI and HD-TVI.
While all HD Analog options offer the same basic benefits compared to analog or IP – delivering HD video over standard coaxial cable – formats varies in the resolution, transmission distance, camera compatibility, and configurability.
Here is how HD Analog formats compare:
Technology | HD-CVI | AHD | HD-SDI | HD-TVI | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Max Resolution | 1080p 1920 x 1080 px |
1080p* 1920 x 1080 px *expected EOY 2014 |
1080p 1920 x 1080 px |
1080p 1920 x 1080 px |
|
Video Output Quality | Very good in daylight Images not as crisp in low light conditions |
Good Images not as crisp Colors not as accurate |
Very good Sharp images up to 1080p True colors |
Very good Sharp images up to 1080p True colors |
|
Transmission Distance | Coaxial Cable (RG59) |
1600’ (720p) 1300’ (1080p) |
1600? | 492? | 1600? |
Twisted Pair (CAT5) |
650? | 492? | 350?(digital converter required) | 700? | |
DVR Input Compatibility | Analog | All analog cameras, limited channels, limited configurations | All analog cameras, limited channels, limited configurations | Limited models, limited channels, limited configurations | All analog cameras, on any channel, in any configuration |
HD Analog | Like-branded HD-CVI cameras, on any channel, in any configuration | Like-branded AHD cameras, on any channel, in any configuration | Select HD-SDI cameras, on any channel, in any configuration | Any HD-TVI camera, on any channel, in any configuration | |
IP | Supported IP cameras, on select channels, in select configurations | N/A | N/A | Supported IP cameras, on 2 channels, in any configuration | |
DVR Hybrid Capabilities | Limited configurability | Limited configurability | Limited configurability | Yes, unlimited configurability | |
Format Compatibility | Proprietary technology, only produced by 1 manufacturer, Dahua – out of China. Concern is limited supply options, limited technology options, and lack of competitive pricing | Open standard, limited manufacturers | Open standard, multiple manufacturers – are currently exiting the market as alternative HD formats outpace SDI | Open standard, over 100 manufacturers have launched or are developing solutions using TVI technology |
Resolution & Image Quality
Winner: HD-SDI, HD-TVI
- All HD Analog formats offer cameras that capture up to 1080p resolution.
- HD-SDI produces the highest quality, followed closely by HD-TVI.
Video
Transmission Distance
Winner: HD-TVI
- HD-TVI offers the longest transmission without signal degradation across both RG59 and CAT5 cabling.
Camera Selection & Configuration
Winner: HD-TVI
- HD-TVI allows the user to connect to any analog or HD-TVI camera, on any DVR channel, and is the only HD Analog format that supports IP cameras.
- Other formats are limited in both camera compatibility and channel configurations.
Cost of Ownership Winner:
HD-TVI, HD-CVI, AHD
- HD-TVI, HD-CVI and AHD cameras and recorders are available at similar costs to the end user.
- HD-SDI is considerably more expensive, with compatibility limitations that significantly increase Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).