Newbie: CCTV via USB

[chessman 0]

Hi

Why do CCTV cameras need a video capture card to be used on a PC?

Can I connect a CCTV camera to my USB port on my PC?

Chessman.

[rory 0]

CCTV cameras have BNC video outputs, so you would need a BNC-USB interface.

[Thomas 0]

You need something that converts the camera to something the PC can see. Some companies (mine included) sell devices to do just that.

[baywatch 1]

We have used a device called WalkGuard by Grandtec.

 

These are cheap & cheerful with software that works ok.

[chessman 0]

Thanks.

Please can u give me any web urls with more info on this.

Is framerate an issue if using the USB adapter?

[Thomas 0]

Yes, the USB has some serious bandwith issues. You can put about 120 fps at low resolution through it. At higher resolutions you're looking at 30 fps.

[scottj 0]

Isn't the distance between the camera and USB port going to be an issue as well? My understanding is that after about 15 ft. USB is worthless. Maybe I am not understanding exactly what he wants to do...Sounds like he could just buy a webcam and call it a day.

 

scottj

[Thomas 0]

It depends if the converison is done at the camera (web cam) or if it's done nearer to the PC (converter box).

[scottj 0]

that makes sense, thanks Thomas

[baywatch 1]

Here's the link to the Grandtec product.

 

http://www.grand.com.tw/en/product_form.asp?lwk_series=52&lwk_product=f-020&lwk_page=

 

We have been using them with IR bullets for low budget domestic 1 cam situations & the customers seem satisfied.

 

We have also used them for fast covert installations in some small business situations where people have been messing with the computer.

[chessman 0]

thanks for the advice everyone.

I want CCTV quality and a good 60 fps from a single CCTV camera into a USB 2.0 port., but I'm not sure the USB can handle the data rate. It seems that most PC-base applications of CCTV cams require a video capture card - and I think this may be due to bandwidth issues.

[scottj 0]

30 FPS is the most you can expect per camera channel.

 

scottj

[Thomas 0]

The frame rate it supports is based on resolution. In theory it's 120 at 320 by 240. 30 fps at 640 x 480.

[rory 0]

IS this for a laptop? You could also buy a USB DVR ... thing is if you want to record 24/7 then you will need to keep it dedicated .. otherwise on and off like on a laptop for private investigation, would be okay.

[baywatch 1]

The unit we use is only for budget or covert use, the image quality is acceptable for this and the motion detection software that comes with it is useful.

 

Why do you need 60 fps for cctv?

 

If you require a higher quality image then you will need better equipment.

[msecure 0]

You can try this Taiwanese company http://www.ame-group.com/

Have bought a sample a couple of years back & if i remember correctly I can get decent quality for 4 cameras @100FPS using a notebook.

[rpogge 0]

not sure if this is any good. but its cheap, .. I'm about to order one I think.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-USB-Video-Audio-Capture-Adapter-Card-DVD-VCD-Maker_W0QQitemZ330208355667QQihZ014QQcategoryZ3761QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem