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An alternative to IP

Grundig, the German electronics manufacturer, has introduced a complete high definition – serial digital interface (HD-SDI) CCTV range, comprising cameras, speed domes and DVRs. HD-SDI CCTV is a breakthrough in the security industry. It enables the transmission of uncompressed digital video at a higher quality than IP, yet uses the same simple installation method as analogue coaxial cable. It also does not require expert IT support.

Grundig’s CEO, Ludwig Bergschneider, explains, “Grundig’s HD-SDI products operate at 1080p progressive scan, 1980 x 1080 pixel resolution and 50/60 fps. This compares to D1 resolution at 720 x 576 pixels and IP megapixel cameras at 1280 x 1024 pixels. The recorders support 120 fps and offer up to a massive 64 TB of storage.”

Unlike IP CCTV, HD-SDI uses no compression at all, so image quality is optimised. It even enables installers to offer a digital upgrade to analogue systems, re-using the existing coaxial cable infrastructure to save money.”

HD-SDI is presented in 16:9, widescreen format, meaning no black bars appear on monitors. Transmission distances are currently 100 m and similar to IP. However, developments in SDI-specific, fibre optic transmission systems are extending transmission distances to many kilometres.

An HD-SDI CCTV system from Grundig can still be connected to an IP network for remote access, DVR software updates, remote maintenance or multi-site control and management, but the cable between the DVR and camera is coaxial. This makes HD-SDI a closed system, with limited external access. It is intrinsically safe, far simpler to protect, ideal for installers and very effective in security applications.

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