HDCVI Technology

HDCVI security camera technology originally developed by Dahua (sold in Canada as Eyeonet) and licensed to a number of other manufacturers is designed to allow high definition 720p or 1080p video to be transmitted from security cameras to camera recorders (aka DVR or HDCVR), over new or existing coax cable, preferably RG59 or RG6 cable.

HDCVI is easy to install and set up because there is no need to program device IDs or IP addresses in to each camera.  The cameras simply connect to the recorder with a BNC connection.  Since HDCVI can use the same coax cable as older lower resolution systems, it's perfect for upgrading existing installations with no new wires. 

Better yet, the cameras and recorders are priced the same or lower than many traditional CCTV cameras with much better video quality, similar to 720p or 1080p IP cameras, without the complication.

What do you need?

• HDCVI Camera(s)
• HDCVI Recorder
• Coax or Siamese Cables
• Power supply or supplies for each camera(s)
• Connectors for cable ends if not using pre-made cables. BNC for video, barrel for power

Some advantages of HDCVI:

• High Definition 720p or 1080p video (much higher than CCTV systems, as good as most complicated IP camera systems
• Perfect for upgrades or new installs - uses existing or new coax cable, or siamese coax/power
• Simple installation - regular BNC connections on each end for video.   No channels, ID's, IP addresses, etc to program.  Essentially plug and play.
• Affordable - priced the same or lower compared to analog CCTV and generally lower cost over IP cameras
• Secure - Cameras send video directly to recorder - not over private or public network
• Optional Internet/Network Access - the HDCVI recorder provides both recording and network or Internet access/playback

HDCVI Compared To Analog CCTV Systems

Traditional CCTV security cameras sported resolutions from 330 TV lines (old) to 700 or 800 TV lines.  But recording maxed out at D1 or 480 horizontal lines regardless of the camera resolution.   This was a general limitation of the recorder.  Cameras use siamese cable - coax for video and a pair, usually 18 guage for power.  Or in some cases CAT5 was run with a balun installed at either end to convert video to run over CAT5.  This makes HDCVI a perfect upgrade without running new wires.

HDCVI Compared to IP Camera (IPC) Systems

IP Cameras are generally high definition with some VGA but most 720p, 1080p or better.  IP cameras provide the same high definition or in some cases higher resolution.  But they require some basic knowledge of network configuraiton, and usually require network switches, IP address configuration for each camera and are a more technical installation.  Network cable distance is limited to 300 feet per cable run.  For longer runs a switch or other form of repeater is needed.   Network cameras and recorders tend to be more expensive than HDCVI cameras.  For advanced installers or very high resolution, or network/IT professionals these provide an excellent option. They cannot be installed practically over coax cable so retrofit would require new wires.