Frequently Asked Questions
Live Vision / Cameras & Monitors
What is the difference between standard definition video and HD video?
Standard definition or Composite Video (CVBS) is based on the early video standards and reached the limit of the possible image resolution some time ago and newer video signals which were able to reach higher image resolutions were developed and these are termed HD for High Definition.
Composite Video is limited to an effective Pixel value of 960 x 582 (called 960H) while 720P is 1280 x 720 pixels (called 720P) and 1080P is 1920 x 1080 (called 1080P).
Many items refer to AHD, what is this?
AHD is a video signal developed buy a Korean company and is popular as the chipsets required are low cost and easily integrated into cameras, monitors, and video processing devices.
AHD is Analogue High Definition and can be 720P or 1080P.
Can I use a HD camera with my existing system?
That depends on the equipment but usually not if you have an older system or have the video into a head unit display (in-dash infotainment screen).
AHD requires a compatible display to view the video.
How do I tell if my system is compatible?
This can be difficult unless you have the information on the components, but a lot of older cameras used CCD image sensors and if your camera refers to CCD or a figure with TVL after it (such as 700TVL) then this is standard definition and the system will most likely not be HD compatible.
I was told that my 700TVL camera was the best available, is this correct?
Not any longer. 700TVL was the highest resolution available from cameras with Sony CCD image sensors but these have not been made for many years. A 700TVL camera has approximately 0.56MP image while a 1080P camera has approximately 2.0MP so about 4 times the total pixels.
If I want to upgrade my caravan camera system to HD do I need to replace everything?
No, all of the cabling should be suitable if it is standard 4 pin all the way through.
You can normally just replace the camera and monitor but you should see a professional installer to check.
My ute has a canopy and I want a full-time view, like a mirror. What do I need?
This is a common setup and can be quite simple.
For many commons models we have a mirror/monitor which replaces the factory mirror with a new one which also has an LCD behind the glass. This can be connected with a camera mounted at the top of the canopy for constant vision. We recommend using a camera with a narrower lens angle than standard to make it closer to normal eyesight and these are usually around 50 or 60 degree.
You add a reverse camera mounted down low as well if required as the monitors have 2 camera inputs.
Video Recorder / DVRs
I want to record video from multiple cameras on a truck or other large vehicle. What do I need?
The core device is a Digital Video Recorder or DVR / MDVR which can have multiple cameras connected and these record video files to an on-board hard drive. The most common systems can have up to 4 cameras and the next level is up to 8 so you can have anything from 1 to 8 cameras being recorded.
This means you will need the DVR host (the black box) and as many cameras as you require and the cables to connect these to the host but there are a number of options so we suggest that you contact us with your requirements to get a full quotation for a complete system to suit your needs.
I would like to be able to see live video from the vehicles in our fleet. Is this possible?
Yes, our DVRs can be upgraded with a 4G comms module to allow online connectivity. Using a dedicated cloud server system you can see all your vehicles, their location, and speed and then watch a video preview in near realtime or search and watch/download video files from a previous time which have been saved to the hard drive in the DVR.
Is the DVR system the same as a dashcam in a car?
It is only a little similar but really these are very different devices as dashcams are designed for domestic use while DVRs are deigned for commercial and industrial use. The DVR systems use large capacity hard drives (SSD) to save files for days, weeks or months and a wide range of different cameras to suit most situations are available. Our systems are customised to suit your needs and vehicles rather than just getting a fixed package.
Why are there so many camera options?
How do I know which ones I need?
The first question you need to ask yourself (or your organisation) is “where do we need cameras? What is the important view/s?
If you say a prime mover then 3 cameras is a common starting point with a forward facing camera on the windscreen and 1 on each side, left & right.
The choice of cameras depends on where they will be mounted mostly so once a decision on camera positions is made, choosing the models to suit is much easier but contacting our sales team to help you out is the best way forwards as different models and types of vehicles and their operating environment have quite different requirements which is why there are a lot of options.
