Buyer’s Guide to Modern CCTV (HD-over-Coax) Cameras
Today’s CCTV centers on multi-format HD-over-Coax—CVI, TVI, and AHD—so you can achieve crisp HD video while reusing existing coax. Many cameras are “4-in-1,” combining CVI/TVI/AHD with CVBS for backward compatibility, enabling phased upgrades without downtime. Common resolutions include 2MP (1080p), 4MP, 5MP, and 8MP (4K), with modern encoding that helps maximize storage and remote-viewing performance.
HD-over-Coax vs. IP — When to choose each
- Choose HD-over-Coax when reusing RG59/RG6, keeping labor low, or upgrading a working analog site to 2–8MP with minimal disruption.
- Choose HD-over-Coax for longer single-run distances over coax and straightforward point-to-point wiring.
- Choose IP when you want PoE single-cable installs, scalability, multi-streaming, and advanced analytics/AI. See IP Security Cameras.
Key decisions
- Resolution: 2MP/1080p for general coverage; 4MP–5MP for added detail; 8MP/4K for wide scenes and forensic clarity.
- Format & compatibility: Multi-format CVI/TVI/AHD simplifies mixed fleets and phased migrations; many models also provide CVBS for legacy spot monitors.
- Lens & field of view: Fixed lenses keep installs quick; varifocal (for example, 2.7–13.5 mm) lets you fine-tune identification zones and plate-capture angles.
- Low-light & WDR: Integrated IR, smart IR, and true WDR handle parking lots, storefront glass, backlighting, and nighttime scenes.
- Housing & mounting: Weather ratings (IP66/IP67) and vandal-resistant housings protect outdoor and public-facing devices; junction boxes and mounts keep cable management clean.
- Audio & I/O: Some models add mic support or alarm I/O for event triggers and site deterrence.
- Recording & retention: Pair with a Hybrid DVR/XVR using efficient codecs (for example, H.265/H.265+), motion rules, and schedules to maximize days on disk.
Use-case playbook
Home & Residential
Turrets or domes for doors/driveways; bullets for visible deterrence. True WDR helps with backlit porches and garage glare.
Small Business & Office
Turrets and domes inside; bullets outside. Prioritize entrances, corridors, cash/asset areas. Use schedules and smart events to stretch retention.
Retail & Hospitality
Emphasize entrances, POS, and aisles. True WDR near storefront glass; LPC at lot entrances supports incident follow-up.
Campus & Commercial
Mix fixed coverage with PTZs for response; place LPC on choke points (gates/garages). Standardize on multi-format cameras to simplify service.
Industrial & Infrastructure
Rugged housings, surge protection, and thoughtful mounting are key. Bullets for long approaches; domes/turrets in process areas; PTZs for yards and perimeter tours.
Wiring & installation notes
- Reuse existing RG59/RG6 where feasible; confirm connector quality and power budget for IR-heavy models.
- Need UTP? Run HD-over-Coax over CAT5e/CAT6 with video baluns; label format settings (CVI/TVI/AHD) per camera for easy service swaps.
- Add surge protection and weather-rated junction boxes outdoors; protect pigtails and terminations.
- Align bitrate, frame rate, and recording schedules with retention goals and remote bandwidth limits.
- Hard-to-wire sites can use point-to-point wireless bridges or 4G/5G backhaul; for remote/no-power locations see Solar Security Camera Systems.
Storage & retention planning
Size storage based on cameras, bitrate, frame rate, and recording mode (motion/continuous/schedules). H.265/H.265+ on the recorder can reduce disk usage significantly. For quick sizing and layout help, use calculators and guides in the Support Hub.
Compatibility & legacy terms
Legacy analog specs such as 960H or TVL reflect pre-HD eras. Modern systems use CVI/TVI/AHD and megapixel resolutions (2MP/1080p, 4MP, 5MP, 8MP/4K). If you’re replacing older cameras, an XVR keeps the system usable during transition while you phase in higher-resolution or IP devices.
Resources
Looking for step-by-step help? Visit the Support Hub for FAQs, calculators, and guides on topics like CVI vs TVI vs AHD, storage and retention, and LPC setup.