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Is high definition analogue confusing?

We have a new name in the crowd, AHD (analogue high definition). Now the key question is, which CCTV solution do you choose: HD-CVI, HD-TVI, HD-SDI, IP or AHD.

There is a great deal of confusion over which is the best and there are many critics for and against each available technology. A critic who prefers a particular solution will always talk down the other and vice-versa. Each solution has its own place in the market, but with the latest changes to the analogue market, installers and integrators are becoming confused with the offerings from the different manufacturers. So which do you choose?

HD-CVI (High Definition Composite Video Interface)

In 2012, Dahua announced that they were in the process of developing their own HD CCTV standard and as a result, HD-CVI was born. So what is HD-CVI?

HD-CVI is for high definition analogue solutions with megapixel resolution and zero latency over longer distance video transmissions. According to Dahua, the name has to do with its baseband and quadrature amplitude modulation technology, which is able to avoid CVBS cross talk and separate the brightness and hue signals that further enhance the video quality. Their technology allows an extremely low signal distortion over long distance transmission with its patented Auto Signal Compensation (ASC) feature.

In short, the positive side is high quality megapixel images in both 720p and 1080p formats. The negative is that it is not compatible with other HD offerings.

HD-TVI (High Definition Transport Interface)

This also began development in 2012 through Techpoint and finally being acquired by Hikvision and a few other Chinese manufacturers for their offering in the HD CCTV market. HD-TVI also based on distance transmission using coax cabling, it converts digital signals to analogue ones and offering both 1080p and 720p resolutions. HD-TVI also offers zero latency allowing for real-time preview without delays. HD-TVI, due to its open source framework, is able to work with other manufacturers and therefore not restricted to one brand.

In short, the positive is its compatibility to work with other manufacturers and its affordable pricing, similar to 960H.

AHD (Analogue High Definition)

This is the new kid on the block and one that is taking most of the criticism due to the way it is marketing itself as, “the technology to be reckoned with” in this new analogue arena. It is developed by Korean company, Nextchip.

It is the only high definition system that is completely backward compatible, meaning it will work with any 960H / D1 device. Although it is very new, it is being considered as the solution that will take over the analogue market.

The cameras produce an excellent 720p image and soon will be able to offer a 1080p. With pricing always being the sensitive issue when it comes to offering these new technologies, AHD will be extremely price competitive.

The bigger named brands are starting to get involved and therefore opening the AHD market on a much wider scale and catering to the price sensitive buyer. Syntech has launched 2015 with the introduction of its Nihon and Raysharp brands into the arena and has seen the product quickly move off the shelves.

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