StanLee2066

I mean any CRT TV size. 32" and bigger LCD/LED. The camera is analog 700TVL, it has BNC output. The system is PAL bot NTSC.

The idea is that any good camera gives good and clear image on CRTs while worse image on LCDs and LEDs, even when using VGA and HDMI output from DVR to the screen.

The reason I asked about monitor sizes, is because I've experienced many situations where users watch media on a 21" CRT, then are disappointed when the picture looks worst on a 32" or higher LCD/LED. it just won't look as sharp and clear. That's completely normal and what you might expect hooking up the cameras directly to the TVs. If you are comparing with identical TV sizes, then you shouldn't notice much of a difference unless you are using a really old LCD (original LCD TVs had growing pains, especially when it came to contrast).

There are exceptions. Many DVD players for example are capable of up-converting an SD signal to a higher level (HD) when using HDMI. It's not as nice as an original source HD signal, but does make a noticeable difference.

The question is, does your DVR up-convert the digitized PAL (576p) to a higher resolution before sending the signal to HDMI? If not, it could also explain why you see no difference in picture quality. Although just occurred to me that the higher analogue resolution of these cameras (compared to regular CCTV) when digitized by DVR and sent to LCD/LED should actually help with the general larger display size of these monitors. Could it be this feature is turned off in the camera? It can probably be disabled so an image could be sent directly to a regular analogue PAL CRT.

Dear all.

 

I used to install CCTV systems. Nowadays I'm installing 700TVL CCD Sony Effio-2 cameras which gives high resolution image. These cameras for example gives excellent image on the old CRT monitors/TVs, but worse image on LCDs and LEDs. I noted that big LED and LCD screens require using VGA or HDMI inputs rather than RCA for high resolution image. So I bought good DVRs with HDMI output to get the best possible image. After trying HDMI, I still see the CRT image is much better.

I made a quick search on the net and noticed that there is special screens for CCTV, but anyway it's hard to get such screens in my area. Is there a specific LCD/LED brand that is able to give a really high resolution image for CCTV?

Note that I tried changing the output resolution for the DVR and didn't get any real difference.

 

This is the DVR that I'm using:

http://www.icatchinc.com/eng/pt_spec.php?id=20120928003

 

What size screens (CRT vs LCD) are you comparing? What is the output of the camera - is it standard NTSC (480i) using composite?

I installed these bullets yesterday and thought I'd try this out for vinyl siding. I hope this idea of mine helps others if they like it.

Looks like a really clean professional job. Well done! Thanks for sharing

Thanks Mindtwist for the comment about the warranty, I wasn't thinking that.

I wouldn't worry about that. I've sent items in for warranty work in the past and they always specify they don't want you to send any of the included accessories, including cables. They just want the main item. It is odd though that they would send you a cable with such a unique connector and expect you to find the mate. All the cameras I've had either just provide a single connector that plugs into the camera and expect you to add your own wires, or provide connector to camera with wires that are open ended so you can add your own connector/block.

StanLee - Thanks so much for the pictures and info. I appreciate the effort. That's a nice looking install - and a great looking place you have there. You are inspiring me to do some tweaking of my cams. Mine are a bit bleached out. Your colors are much more rich.

Thanks for the compliment Hitch. I spent all lf last summer installing those pavers. Wish the camera was installed at the time - would have made for some great time lapse video! I also thought about ACTi, but already had an Axis and didn't want to complicate things. They seem to be very good value for the money.

So you don't need an amplified mic with the AXIS p33? That's great, very nice setup. I'm amazed how much light the 8w LED bulbs put out, makes a huge difference at my house and I leave 2 of them from dusk to dawn with WattStopper Timer switch. You can also get the P3364-LVE that has the illuminators. IR illuminators are more discrete at night when you can't have lights on because it disturbs you or the neighbors. Comes down to budget and if you want higher resolution.

You have a choice of using amplified or not. There is actually one already provided with the camera, but just can't see it working that well inside the dome. I've got my outdoor lights on one of those switches with astronomical clocks. Works like a charm! Mine is set to turn off at midnight. I might just get IR to turn on with motion after that time ... or just use a 3-5W LED. This should be just enough for me to see myself in when coming in late and should also provide just enough light to recognize someone approaching the door. This shouldn't bother the neighbors.

Not quit clear how you have it all connected, but 40 meter HDMI cable run is pushing the limits. Try a 1 or 2 meter run as an experiment to see what happens.

Here are some pics from my front door camera installation with microphone. I'm using the ME52W microphone from Olympus. Got it directly from them for about $20. I chose this because of the 'stuby' design and can be easily removed, its directional which helps avoid background noise, can be rotated/angled and even comes with a cute foam cover to help with wind noise! It works really well, however I tried other microphones I had lying around and also got good performance.

Here is the package ...

The mic ...

The audio plug mounted under the soffit (purchased separately) ...

The mic plugged in ...

you can see the mic just above the left side of door ...

And just for fun, the view from the Axis p3364 max resolution about half hour before sunset ... during the day when the light is really bright, the day picture looks even sharper. I'll try posting one too.

and at night ... This is with a single 8W LED bulb in a lamp over the door out of view. you can see some light reflection from it. This is also at a gain of 12db - it can go much higher even lighting up the scene more. But I prefer this more natural look.

Thanks for backing me up survtech. The original poster never mentioned how long the cable runs needed to be, and I figure for future proofing in applications such as HD-SDI it couldn't hurt due to the much higher frequencies. Mr. the toss is entitled to his opinion, but there is no need to be such an AHole about it.

I've got some Axis p33 series and record directly to NAS - but have tried the SSD too. Works perfectly. I use the ACC computer program that Axis provides for free to monitor multiple cameras and recordings. Also very simple to use and works great. All my front door recordings are event based. I record at max resolution and 30fps and get about 20g per week. Set to auto delete after a week but can obviously go longer.

Certainly reliable and hardy ... no problems yet.

I've also setup a microphone at the front door and am really surprised how well it works. I wouldn't setup without it now. I can post a couple of pics of mic installation if you like.

the coax is actually labeled rg6...wish it was that simple too. i ordered the wire from Sewell, Bulk Outdoor RG6 + Power Siamese Cable, 1000 ft Spool.

 

any other ideas?

 

If it's for CCTV then start by using the correct cable which is RG59

RG6 and RG59 both have 75 ohm impedance and so can be used interchangeably. The RG6 also has better shielding and lower loss. The only disadvantage is that it's slightly thicker/more expensive. If those aren't concerns, the RG6 is the way to go.

I'm looking for a little advice in setting up security cameras.

 

I've decided on Axis for the cameras. I'm not sure what to use for an NVR, any suggestions would be helpful.

 

The cameras will be on their own network, so all new cabling. Am I right in keeping video traffic off our internal network?

6 cameras at the front of the building and 4 in the back.

1 POE switch in the front of the building for the front cameras and one at the back for those cameras. I'd like to put the NVR in the server room so it's locked up and climate controlled.

I'd also like to setup a 50" TV about 250 feet away from the NVR/server room so the factory can see what's on the cameras. How would I do that? HDMI?

 

Would it be possible to have the NVR connected to our internal network so the video can be viewed anywhere?

I'd post this in the "IP/Megapixel Cameras and Software Solutions" since your question is more specific to IP camera setup info and these types of questions are often discussed there.

There is no harm in running the cameras on their own network, and there are certainly major advantages. Only you can say how busy your main network is and if it's really needed. If you plan on continuously streaming 10 cameras however it certainly seems like a wise move. Kudos to you for great planning.

You should mention which cameras you have. I've got a few p33 series cameras in my home. They record directly to NAS - the onboard SD works great too, the only NVR software I use is Axis's own ACC which I find works great for viewing recordings and monitoring multiple live streams. it's free and works for up to 16 cameras. There are many other 3rd party choices though. Perhaps others can chime in.

I've often thought of trying out hardware NVR myself, but for my uses would only consider it if they provided direct video out to a monitor from all my cameras. Unfortunately I haven't come across such a device.

Also, a 250' HDMI run is to long, but could work with repeaters.

Hi guys, I have no idea what to connect this with, the vendor did not include a cable with this. I think I just cut and strip the audio cable then connect to a cable to RCA plug to use with a mic?

 

Thanks for any ideas!

I'm not sure I understand. Isn't the cable pictured the one that came with the camera? If so, there should be a location to plug it into the camera itself. And yes, you could simply cut and strip the other end directly to an audio plug. However I would terminate all the connections to some type of terminal block first.

Cool and how may cameras did you buy?

Thanks for proving my point. You're just a salesman.

 

This is no disrespect to buellwinkle but look at his target reader and current products that he reviews. They are geared more towards residential customers with a small budgets and this is not Avigilon's target customers. There is no reason for them to have him review their product. If most of his readers had 20+ cameras then it would make sense.

That's total crap. I paid between $900 to $1400 Axis cameras that buellwinkle has reviewed on his site. I would hardly call that 'budget', and their cameras are also used quit extensively for commercial installations.

Avigilon is appearing to me to me much like Apple - it's all about marketing.

And so I agree, there is no reason to have their products reviewed. It would dangerously expose then to the fact that there are better products out there for the same or lower price!

not sure if this is the right category but if i can attach a image to this post i could show what tools im using to terminate the connections with and could get recommendations. basically the compression fitting does not hold the wires after the crinp is done.... not sure whats wrong.

 

thank you.

Are you crimping theRG6 connector to RG58/59 cable by any chance?

I just took a video of the extent of the view, do you think there's enough there to look at?

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIxNWCnEdeE

In my opinion no. To me, it's a typical view most people have from there balcony. It's mostly trees too. People like to look at people, traffic and general activity. There's just not enough of that in your view. If your camera was smack downtown on a high tower with min 180deg view you possibly might have a chance, but even then I'd still be doubtful ... once again, just my opinion. Nice looking neighborhood though.

It has a mechanical IR cut filter which engages at night. This gives it potential for viewing in complete darkness when used together with proper IR. Not all cameras have this. They've essentially provided the technology in the camera so the IR can be installed as an 'add-on' by the user. I do agree however that the term 'day and night' camera does leave the impression to a buyer that the 'night' part works right out of the box.

Are there any cctv cameras that have an HDMI output?

This device would do the trick.

http://www.geovision.com.tw/english/Prod_GVIPDecoderBox.asp

Axis has three main dome series PTZ - AXIS M50 Series, AXIS P55 Series and

AXIS Q60 Series (all megapixel). If I recall, one of them has a smoked dome as an included accessory (like my non-PTZ dome), and the other two provide a smoked dome as an optional accessory. Go to the Axis website and check the datasheet of a particular series. You will see this info in there.

Axis has decent support. I would ask their opinion on how/if using a smoked dome would affect the quality/performance of the camera.

That's weird. My megapixel Axis camera arrived with a clear and smoked dome. I tried both and didn't really notice a difference at all in picture quality. Perhaps the it's not that 'smoked'? From close range I can still see the lens a bit.

Have you considered a NAS? I've been using the DLINK DNS-323/325 for years and have been extremely happy. Works perfectly and well priced. You can get an add-on application for them (free I believe) called 'Surveillance Center'. It's an Embedded NVR (network video recorder) that supports real-time monitoring, recording and playback of surveillance video using select D-Link Network Cameras. Supports up to 4 D-Link network cameras..

Is this the kind of thing you're looking for? Since you already have some dlink cameras and are reasonably happy with them. I can see how they would be fine for looking at pets.

Just an idea.

Are you hoping to make the Axis work well in complete darkness like your Foscam? You're asking for the impossible. No camera is capable of that - they all need some form of light. If adding IR is not something you are prepared to deal with at the moment, you can always provide regular lighting. A very popular option that should get you going is to get one of those external flood lights that are motion activated and only turn on at night.

What about this: Wide viewing angle of 134° (they also have 187° model). Both are good in low light. It's about $500, so quite affordable for the quality.

http://www.axis.com/products/cam_m3006v/index.htm

I use 4:3 at my front door and 16:9 to cover my double-car garage entrance. You should choose whatever fits the scene best. For viewing, it's typically set to 5 or 10fps. This eases the burden on my system when viewing multiple cameras in split windows. I'm just looking at grass and rocks most of the time anyways! As for recording, it's always set at the maximum my cameras can do which is 720p @ 30fps for 16:9. I paid for it, so why not use it? The cameras are set to record on motion and I only collect about 30g of recordings a week. This is not big deal these days, and certainly no burden on my gigabit LAN.