BNC Video Input Ports: Built-In vs Pigtails

A DVR system can function without audio recording, but video recording is essential for it to be considered a Digital Video Recorder (DVR).

The BNC video input ports connect analog cameras to the DVR system for recording and management. In PC-based DVR systems, these ports may be integrated into the DVR card or connected via DB25 video cables, as shown in the image above. Similarly, in standalone systems, the BNC ports can be built into the unit's back panel or connected through DB25 video pigtails.

There are reasons for having these two different BNC port configurations:

• Built-in Ports:

  • Durability: Some installers prefer built-in ports due to concerns about durability. Video cables can wear out over time, requiring replacement, which can be costly.
  • Labeling: Poorly labeled cables can cause confusion if the labels wear off. Re-labeling them may look unprofessional and is often unacceptable, making replacement the best option.

• Pigtail-type Ports:

  • Ease of Replacement: For DVR cards, replacing video cables is easier than removing the entire DVR card to address issues with the BNC ports. Repairing the hardware can leave unnecessary marks on the board, and in the worst case, the unit may need to be returned for warranty service (RMA).
  • Compact Design: In standalone systems, using video cables makes the units more compact by saving the space that built-in BNC ports would occupy. This results in smaller, lighter units, which reduces shipping costs.

So, which option do you prefer: built-in ports or pigtails?

Analog PTZ Camera Connection Diagram

Connecting an Analog PTZ Camera to the DVR System maybe an easy job for professional CCTV Installers. But for starters, it will take them wild guessing and a lot of trial and errors to accomplish the supposed-to-be-simple task. It might sound weird but it's surprisingly true.

Below is a diagram showing the proper connection of an Analog PTZ Camera to the DVR System:


I hope this will help the starters out there. Asking is a step to Knowledge. Everyone started from nothing. This is something we should not be ashamed of. Be an inquirer!

Cheers people! :D

The H.264 Standalone DVR: A New Level of Security

With its combined high performance, usability and affordability, the H.264 Standalone DVR is tailored specifically to meet the demands of your video surveillance. Utilizing the advanced H.264 compression technology, it ensures efficient data transmission and high-quality video at a much lower bit rate. Equipped with other key features such as enhanced GUI and mouse support, EMAP and DDNS support, 3G Mobile Phone Viewing, TV out support, multi-streaming and flexibility for integration, it is the ideal choice for medium to large-scale or growing systems.

The Wall-Mount H.264 Standalone DVR
The Desktop H.264 Standalone DVR

Key Features:

H.264 Video Compression Technology
Utilizes an advanced high-compression H.264 algorithm for efficient video recording and management system. Supporting video resolution up to D1, the highly efficient H.264 video compression format drastically reduces bandwidth and storage requirements without compromising image quality.
• Longer Recording Time. With high image quality and small file size, the SH Series provide longer recording duration and thus reduces storage cost.
• Efficient Data Transmission. Compared with conventional DVRs, the SH series provide faster network transmission with better video quality via internet.

* The diagram shows that MPEG-4 requires approximately one-third of the bandwidth used by JPEG and H.264 requires just one-fifth. That’s almost a 40% saving between standard MPEG-4 and H.264.

GUI with Mouse Support
Supports graphic user interface as well as dynamic, easy-to-navigate menus to allow users
manage the DVR easily. It features full mouse control through USB mouse for easy setup and operation.

EMAP support via Remote Client
Using an impressive E-Map, you can add floor plans or maps to plot the locations of cameras, sensors and relays. By charting positions this way, the DVR provides you with rapid response-time to emergencies. Via a single click, you can view live display of events instantly.

TV Live Display
With TV out function and IR control, you can easily do on site installation setup, configure video quality and perform local monitoring even without network.

Mobile Phone Surveillance
Supports mobile phone viewing through wireless devices such as cellular phones, PDAs and other smart phones.

DDNS Support
Supports static IP, dynamic IP and dynamic domain name system (DDNS) for easy remote
connection.

Multi-Device Streaming Support
Supports simultaneous encoding of D1, half D1, CIF, to allow multi-platform web viewing. Each stream is optimized for its purpose and environment, e.g. if you want to view high quality videos for live viewing, you can stream it D1 via PC. On the other hand, if you want to stream videos using lower bandwidth, you can stream it CIF size via web viewing on PC.

Integration Flexibility
Can easily be integrated with other systems such as Hybrid DVR, Video Server, CMS solutions and Sensors/Alarms.

Others
• SATA Support
• Motion Detection
• Two-Way Audio
• Hardware-Watchdog System
• Real-time event notifications through SMS and Email Alerts