HD Analog.com - HD Surveillance Technology Comparisons
Compare HD Analog Technology

Compare HD Analog Technology

Since HD Analog technology launched in 2010, several HD Analog formats have been developed, including: HD-SDI, AHD, HD-CVI and HD-TVI. While all HD Analog options offer the same basic benefits compared to analog or IP – delivering HD video over standard coaxial cable – formats vary in the resolution, transmission distance, camera compatibilities, and configurability.

Here is how HD Analog formats compare:

Technology HD-CVI AHD HD-SDI HD-TVI
Max Resolution 1080p1920 x 1080 px 1080p*1920 x 1080 px*expected EOY 2014 1080p1920 x 1080 px 1080p1920 x 1080 px
Video Output Quality Very good in daylightImages not as crisp
in low light conditions
GoodImages not
as crisp
Colors not as accurate
Very goodSharp images up to 1080p
True colors
Very goodSharp images up to 1080p
True colors
Transmission Distance Coaxial Cable
(RG59)
1600’ (720p)
1300’ (1080p)
1600′ 492′ 1600′
Twisted Pair
(CAT5)
650′ 492′ 350′(digital converter required) 700′
DVR Input Compatibility Analog All analog cameras, limited channels, limited configurations All analog cameras, limited channels, limited configurations Limited models, limited channels, limited configurations All analog cameras, on any channel, in any configuration
HD Analog Like-branded HD-CVI cameras, on any channel, in any configuration Like-branded AHD cameras, on any channel, in any configuration Select HD-SDI cameras, on any channel, in any configuration Any HD-TVI camera, on any channel, in any configuration
IP Supported IP cameras, on select channels, in select configurations N/A N/A Supported IP cameras, on 2 channels, in any configuration
DVR Hybrid Capabilities Limited configurability Limited configurability Limited configurability Yes, unlimited configurability
Format Compatibility Proprietary technology, only produced by 1 manufacturer, Dahua - out of China. Concern is limited supply options, limited technology options, and lack of competitive pricing Open standard, limited manufacturers Open standard, multiple manufacturers - are currently exiting the market as alternative HD formats outpace SDI Open standard, over 100 manufacturers have launched or are developing solutions using TVI technology
  Learn More About HD-CVI Learn More About AHD Learn More About HD-SDI Learn More About HD-TVI

Resolution
& Image Quality

Winner:
HD-SDI, HD-TVI

  • All HD Analog formats offer cameras that capture up to 1080p resolution.
  • HD-SDI produces the highest quality, followed closely by HD-TVI.

Video
Transmission Distance

Winner:
HD-TVI

  • HD-TVI offers the longest transmission without signal degradation across both RG59 and CAT5 cabling.

Camera Selection
& Configuration

Winner:
HD-TVI

  • HD-TVI allows the user to connect to any analog or HD-TVI camera, on any DVR channel, and is the only HD Analog format that supports IP cameras.
  • Other formats are limited in both camera compatibility and channel configurations.

Cost of Ownership

Winner:
HD-TVI, HD-CVI, AHD

  • HD-TVI, HD-CVI and AHD cameras and recorders are available at similar costs to the end user.
  • HD-SDI is considerably more expensive, with compatibility limitations that significantly increase Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).