Five Things You Should Know About HD CCTV Systems

Is your existing CCTV security system wired with coax cable? Then you’re well on the way to upgrading to an updated HD CCTV system. Here are a few important facts for people who are considering upgrading from standard CCTV to HD CCTV systems.
You May Not Have to Rewire Your System
If your security camera system is wired using coaxial cable, you’re already wired for high definition CCTV systems. The newest HD CCTV camera configurations can send full 1080P highdef video in real time over your existing coaxial cables. That makes upgrading to a newer surveillance camera system far more affordable for the average business owner.
With HDSDI Cameras, CCTV Systems Are Broadcast Quality
Thanks to new technology, CCTV systems can now boast the same quality video you get when you watch the hover camera during the football game. An HDSDI security camera can send uncompressed 720P and 1080P video over coaxial lines at 30 frames per second, enabling real time surveillance in HD video quality.
Huge Price Drops in the Past Couple of Years Make HD Surveillance Affordable
Think HD CCTV systems are out of your price range? Think again. As with any new technology, prices were high at first, but as the demand rose for HD CCTV camera components and new manufacturers entered the market, the prices have tumbled very quickly. And since most HDSDI security camera components will work with your current coax wiring, retrofitting your system is neither difficult nor expensive.
HDSDI CCTV Systems Meet High Quality Standards
How high? In 2010, the South Dakota Gaming Commission approved an HDSDI security camera system for use in South Dakota casinos. How good is the video? The casino’s security people were easily able to determine which playing cards were turned and could read the denominations on dollar bills on a whole table using just one camera. Today’s HDSDI CCTV camera components send a constant 30 fps per channel at 1280x720 resolution.
HD CCTV Systems Are Plug-and-Play
Because the HD CCTV camera is point-to-point, all you have to do is plug it into a compatible DVR or recording device. You don’t need a degree in computer networking to figure out how to pick up the signal from your recorder. All you have to do is get the cable from the security camera to the DVR – and if you’re already wired for CCTV using coax cable, you’ve got that covered.
Finally, HDSDI CCTV camera systems work with both standalone and PC-based hybrid DVRs, but they do require a compatible DVR to deliver full HD video over CCTV systems. Manufacturers are committed to tracking HDTV with HDCCTV standards. So you can expect the resolution on new cameras to keep getting better and better.

Tips to Reduce CCTV Systems Downtime

One of the least-discussed facts about CCTV systems is that they sometimes need repair – and when they need repairs, your property is not protected. CCTV components, from your security camera to the DVR to the cabling that ties your whole system together, are electronic/electrical equipment, and sometimes they fail. And far too often, when they fail, you end up having to ship a component back to the factory to be evaluated, or pay a repair person to come out to the site to evaluate it in place. There are, however, a few ways that you can reduce downtime when dealing with CCTV systems.
Buy Quality
The better quality your equipment is, the less likely it is to fail. If you pay $30 for a security camera, there’s a much higher likelihood of it failing than if you buy a $150 surveillance camera. Spend a little more up front when buying components for your CCTV camera system to avoid costly downtime in the future.
Keep Extras on Hand
You’ve heard the old saying, “For want of a nail, the shoe was lost…?” The simplest things can take CCTV systems down for the count. Have extra cabling, BNC connectors and other small component pieces on hand so you can do quick repairs yourself. If you’ve opted for a cheap surveillance camera instead of a much more expensive one, keep a second one on hand, just in case.
Test Everything on Arrival
When your CCTV camera and other components arrive, test them to make sure that everything is operable. If anything is broken or doesn’t seem to work, notify the dealer immediately to get a replacement.
Record Model Numbers and Other Details
Record serial numbers, model numbers and all other pertinent details for each component of your system. If something goes wrong, you won’t have to dismantle your whole security setup to get to the serial number for one camera. You’ll be very glad you have it when you call about a repair or replacement, and the manufacturer can’t help you without the right model number or serial number. It’s also easier to find information (and replacement pieces) online when you know the exact model number.
Register Your Warranty
Return any warranty cards and/or fill out warranty information online when you purchase your components. Many manufacturers make it easier for you to find tech support for your products if you’ve registered your equipment. A registration also provides an accurate record of your purchase, which could make a difference if you need to call on the protections provided in your warranty.
While most CCTV systems operate without a hitch, there’s always the chance that you’ll run into problems along the way. These tips can help you minimize the inconvenience when your security camera system malfunctions.