Frequently Asked Question
Analogue HD Camera System over IP Camera System
Last Updated 22 hours ago
1. Lower Overall Cost
- Cheaper cameras and recorders – Analogue HD cameras and DVRs are generally less expensive than IP cameras and NVRs with similar specs.
-No need for network switches or PoE injectors, which further reduces hardware and cabling costs.
-Lower bandwidth and storage overhead — video is encoded at the DVR, not each camera.
2. Simpler Installation & Setup
- Plug-and-play setup – Just connect the cable and power; no IP configuration or networking knowledge needed.
- No IP addressing or configuration – avoids potential issues like IP conflicts, subnet setup, or network firewall restrictions.
- Automatic camera detection – DVRs detect connected analogue channels instantly.
3. Stable & Dedicated Transmission
- Dedicated signal path per camera (via coaxial cable), meaning no dependency on network bandwidth or traffic.
- Less vulnerable to network issues – latency, packet loss, or congestion on a LAN/WAN do not affect video performance.
- Reliable over long distances – AHD/TVI/CVI signals can transmit up to 300–500 m on coax (or more with amplifiers), without needing network repeaters or extenders.
4. Easier Maintenance & Troubleshooting
- Problems are localized (cable or camera-specific), not network-wide.
- Signal testing is straightforward – can use a simple video tester or connect directly to a monitor.
-Firmware and compatibility issues are minimal compared to IP systems with mixed-brand components.
5. Backward Compatibility & Upgrading
- Many modern DVRs support hybrid inputs (analogue + AHD + IP), allowing gradual migration to IP in the future.
- Existing coaxial infrastructure can often be reused when upgrading from older analogue systems.
6. Lower Cybersecurity Risk
- Not connected to IP networks by default, so immune to hacking, IP spoofing, or network attacks.
- No open ports or internet exposure unless remote access is manually enabled.
7. Real-Time, No Latency Video
- True real-time monitoring (zero delay) since the signal is analog-to-digital encoded directly at the DVR.
- IP systems can introduce encoding/decoding delay, especially over congested or wireless networks.
⚙️ Best Use Cases for Analogue HD + DVR Systems
- Small to medium-sized premises (homes, small shops, offices)
- Sites with existing CCTV Cameras
- Locations where network reliability is questionable
- Projects requiring simple, cost-effective surveillance
Would you like me to also include a comparison table (Analogue HD vs IP) to visually summarise the pros and cons?
- Cheaper cameras and recorders – Analogue HD cameras and DVRs are generally less expensive than IP cameras and NVRs with similar specs.
-No need for network switches or PoE injectors, which further reduces hardware and cabling costs.
-Lower bandwidth and storage overhead — video is encoded at the DVR, not each camera.
2. Simpler Installation & Setup
- Plug-and-play setup – Just connect the cable and power; no IP configuration or networking knowledge needed.
- No IP addressing or configuration – avoids potential issues like IP conflicts, subnet setup, or network firewall restrictions.
- Automatic camera detection – DVRs detect connected analogue channels instantly.
3. Stable & Dedicated Transmission
- Dedicated signal path per camera (via coaxial cable), meaning no dependency on network bandwidth or traffic.
- Less vulnerable to network issues – latency, packet loss, or congestion on a LAN/WAN do not affect video performance.
- Reliable over long distances – AHD/TVI/CVI signals can transmit up to 300–500 m on coax (or more with amplifiers), without needing network repeaters or extenders.
4. Easier Maintenance & Troubleshooting
- Problems are localized (cable or camera-specific), not network-wide.
- Signal testing is straightforward – can use a simple video tester or connect directly to a monitor.
-Firmware and compatibility issues are minimal compared to IP systems with mixed-brand components.
5. Backward Compatibility & Upgrading
- Many modern DVRs support hybrid inputs (analogue + AHD + IP), allowing gradual migration to IP in the future.
- Existing coaxial infrastructure can often be reused when upgrading from older analogue systems.
6. Lower Cybersecurity Risk
- Not connected to IP networks by default, so immune to hacking, IP spoofing, or network attacks.
- No open ports or internet exposure unless remote access is manually enabled.
7. Real-Time, No Latency Video
- True real-time monitoring (zero delay) since the signal is analog-to-digital encoded directly at the DVR.
- IP systems can introduce encoding/decoding delay, especially over congested or wireless networks.
⚙️ Best Use Cases for Analogue HD + DVR Systems
- Small to medium-sized premises (homes, small shops, offices)
- Sites with existing CCTV Cameras
- Locations where network reliability is questionable
- Projects requiring simple, cost-effective surveillance
Would you like me to also include a comparison table (Analogue HD vs IP) to visually summarise the pros and cons?