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Writer's pictureVadzo Imaging

Why is an AHD Camera Preferred Over an Analog Camera?

Updated: Nov 22

 AHD cameras offer a resolution of 720p standard HD, producing crisper, clearer details.

The world of technology is always changing, and CCTV security systems are no exception. There are a variety of CCTV security systems available that are equipped with the latest technology, making them easy to install and cost-effective. Do they upgrade if they already have an analog and analog high definition (AHD) system? Does it merit it? And should they pick an analog or AHD camera if they are simply setting up their security system? Make sure your decision is based on the requirements and spending limit of your business. When deciding whether to upgrade from an analog and AHD camera system or install a new security system with an analog or AHD camera, all of these factors must be considered. Here is a list of surveillance cameras for this purpose, including analog and AHD models.


What is an Analog Camera?

Analog cameras are the most conventional cameras used in CCTV systems, in which a cable is used to send video to Digital video recorders (DVRs) or VCRs. Analog cameras have the advantage of being relatively inexpensive and having simple installation procedures. They use a chemical process on film, which is then converted into an electronic signal and transmitted over a coaxial cable. However, when compared to digital cameras, analog cameras have low resolution and image quality and are prone to degradation over time and distance. All digital cameras that can transmit signals over a wire and store images on a network are considered IP cameras. Today, a lot of security camera systems are hybrid systems that combine analog and digital components.

Benefits

  • You can now find HD analog cameras with four- and five-megapixel resolutions, which is astounding. An IP camera offers many more advantages when comparing resolutions on an apples-to-apples basis.

  • DVRs, which convert analog recordings to digital files and store them, make it relatively simple to use analog cameras. DVRs require no wifi connectivity and are easy to set up and use. All you need are some wires and a recorder box to get started.

  • Greater selection of installers and vendors, because analog cameras have been used for so long and are relatively easy to install, you might have an easier time finding both an installer and a vendor.

  • The price tag is the most obvious argument in favor of keeping your analog system. Particularly as your camera count rises, analog cameras are typically significantly less expensive.


What is an Analog HD camera?

Analog High Definition (AHD) is a high-definition 720P analog closed-circuit television video surveillance technology that enables the camera to transmit an HD signal over a regular coax or RCA wire. AHD supports real-time HD video streaming and is capable of providing high-quality images up to a distance of 500 meters. The main advantage of AHD is its ability to provide HD images over a long distance, making it perfect for applications such as remote monitoring or security surveillance. In comparison to CVBS cameras, which only give a resolution of 480p, many AHD cameras offer a resolution of 720p standard HD, producing crisper, clearer details. AHD also provides a better signal-to-noise ratio than CVBS cameras, which means the noise level is lower in AHD images.

Benefits

  • Increased image resolution, better image retention, and 3D noise reduction.

  • Long-range transmission distances can travel up to 500 meters.

  • Real-time transmission of uncompressed video

  • Greater compatibility like D1/960H product compatibility.

  • OSD menu support, simple to use and install

  • High-definition image quality for the same price as an analog camera.

  • Open standard for the AHD chipset from Nextchip is beneficial for security manufacturers, as it allows them to have access to a uniform product that can be used across all platforms.


Platform Differentiation between Analog Camera and AHD Camera

  • Image top quality: The resolution of the analog cameras is constrained. Typically, it is 0.5 megapixels. The resolution of the analog camera varies from 420 to 700. In comparison to analog cameras, HD analog cameras provide images with higher resolution and quality.

  • Video caliber: Compared to HD analog, the video quality of analog cameras is inferior. In low-light situations, analog camera systems perform better. Because analog cameras have a small field of view and poor zoom clarity, the quality of the images degrades as you zoom in. In comparison to analog cameras, HD analog cameras have made tremendous advancements and provide greater video quality. Facial recognition and license plate recognition are both possible with HD analog cameras.

  • Scalability and flexibility: Analog cameras employ a DVR setup, which necessitates direct connections between each camera and the DVR and power source. As a result, analog cameras need a lot of wiring. Analog cameras also require a lot of manual labor. HD analog cameras, on the other hand, do not require any network configuration or setting changes and function with coaxial cable because they are plug-and-play devices. As a result, scaling HD analog cameras is simple.


Summing Up

AHD camera has more advantages than analog cameras, and you have plenty of good reasons to switch. Depending on the specific requirements of a company, either analog or AHD cameras may be more suitable. When comparing analog and AHD cameras, one must consider their key differences, such as resolution and compatibility. In general, an analog camera produces a lower-resolution image with less detail and requires more wiring than an AHD camera. As a result, AHD cameras provide numerous advantages over analog cameras, including higher resolution image quality, increased storage capacity, and enhanced security features.

Vadzo has experience with the design, development, and manufacturing of AHD cameras based on imaging sensors from Sony, Omnivision, and Onsemi.

Hope this post has given you a better understanding of the differences between analog and AHD cameras so you can make the best choice possible.

Still confused? Feel free to Contact Us.

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