AHD CCTV cameras are a relatively new technology. Today there is no alternative to IP if particularly advanced “smart” equipment is required. But in terms of basic capabilities, advanced analog devices, and this is the majority of video surveillance systems, are full-fledged competitors, allowing them to be considered on an equal basis with “digital”. The picture quality of AHD is comparable to IP equipment to a certain level. It is impossible to say unequivocally which is better - IP, AHD; it is necessary to compare the user’s conditions and requests.
General characteristics of AHD and IP cameras
AHD video surveillance uses analog cameras, but improved ones, they are replacing outdated models. The user still has to choose whether to buy them or digital IP systems, but in the first case the devices will be more advanced.
In fact, advancement will only concern video quality, which will be comparable to digital. The connection and technical characteristics of the system will be basically the same as the old analog systems. But in most cases, it was the quality of the picture that was decisive in the choice. So now the consumer can get the same characteristics as IP in this parameter at a lower price. There are other advantages, for example, coaxial cable can be pulled over much longer distances without signal amplifiers.
We recommend that you learn more about how an IP camera works, what it is, setup and connection.
Quality and comparison of video from AHD and IP video cameras
What is the difference between an IP camera and an AHD camera? So, the latest format is essentially the same old analog video surveillance, but with improved image quality. Now it has become possible to measure the format not in TVL as before, but in megapixels; FullHD, HD 1080, 2K, as well as 2, 4, 5 megapixels have become available. The cost is not much different from previous analog devices, that is, much lower than IP. Not so long ago, “digital” was undeniably the best in terms of the described parameter: it definitely differed in the direction of high quality, but now the characteristics are largely comparable.
If we compare what AHD and analog predecessor cameras are, then their image in old devices is familiar to many: noticeable pixels, squares that create blurriness, indistinctness, especially when zooming in, small details were impossible to see. When enlarged, the image turned into a set of cubes, a smeared mass. IP cameras did not have this - the picture was clear with great zoom capabilities, but now AHD provides the same quality.
Still, there is a slight difference and it concerns primarily color rendering, but it is so insignificant that if an ordinary user is shown two videos, he will not notice the differences. Also, for AHD, the limit for the best picture quality may be lower, for example, FullHD, 2K it will provide, but above that, problems may arise, it all depends on the capabilities of the model. Typically, these formats are sufficient for video surveillance.
Below is the connection diagram for AHD and IP, in the latter case there is a router (switch).
Video quality
What is AHD format? On the one hand, this is the same analog video surveillance, but with much higher quality.
Here, the picture format is measured not in TVL, but in megapixels with FullHD and even 2K resolution.
At the same time, the price of such a camera is not much different from an analog one. Impressive, right?
A few years ago, when the AHD format did not exist at all, the difference between analog and IP video surveillance was huge. The figure won in all respects, which is called one-sided.
Better clarity, excellent quality, excellent color rendition. The one who wanted to get all this didn’t even really think about what to buy.
However, with the advent of AHD, everything changed. At the same price, you got almost the same picture for much less money.
As of today, the only significant difference is color rendering. If you make one recording from two identical cameras (IP and AHD) and show it to the average user, he will not even understand the difference.
Therefore, today it is no longer true to say that IP video surveillance in this regard is much superior to its analogue.
PTZ
The AHD format supports the so-called ACP - AHD Coax Protocol or a protocol for transmitting control commands for PTZ video cameras via coax. And also the old Pelco-C (Coaxitron) protocol, which is used by some older analog video cameras.
- PTZ PTZ video cameras in AHD format - price from 72,844 rubles
To support PTZ control protocols from other manufacturers (Samsung-E / Samsung-T / Pelco-D / Pelco-P / Panasonic / Phillips / AD / DIAMOND / ERNA / KALATEL / VCL TP / VICON / ELMO / GE) the DVRs must have An RS-485 port is provided.
Connection cable
Two different video surveillance formats are connected with different cables. The IP number is connected using a regular twisted pair cable.
This is the standard wire that we use in Internet modems with RJ45 connectors.
But for AHD video surveillance, a combined cable is required. For example, KVK brands.
It has a coaxial (antenna) wire inside, plus two copper conductors for power.
It is also sold in ready-to-connect bays. The power is removed from the female-male connectors, and the coaxial cable has a BNC connector.
Someone may be wondering, is it possible to use twisted pair cable to connect an AHD? Yes, there are special adapters for this.
DVR
Based on the difference in connectors, there is also a difference in connecting to the DVR. For example, this is what the back panel of a DVR looks like for AHD format.
But this is a classic cable connection from IP systems.
As you can see, there are no camera connectors here. Therefore, in this case, you need an additional device - a switch, hub, router or switch.
It is to this that all video cameras will be connected, and it will already be connected to the DVR.
Therefore, if you see that in some store an IP recorder is cheaper than an AHD, don’t be too happy. This does not mean that you managed to find an inexpensive IP system.
They just didn’t show you another important component, without which full-fledged work is impossible.
Comparison of AHD with HD-CVI, HD-TVI, IP
What is good about analogue high-definition video formats is that it is a good opportunity to update an old analog system without replacing the cable network and design costs.
The devices, as they say, work out of the box, i.e. you take out the video camera and connect it to exactly the same place and to the same cables as the previous CVBS video camera. On the other hand, you change the DVR and that's it. The camcorder is ready to use right out of the box, no network setup or any configuration required. If we consider all video transmission formats in a logical sequence of improving quality characteristics, it will turn out something like this:
- CVBS - analog systems
- HD SDI
- HD-TVI, HD-CVI, AHD
Where CVBS is “old school” that has gone out of fashion, and this is a stomper.
At first glance, compared to its classmates, AHD looks somewhat pale. They clearly lag behind in terms of maximum image transmission range and the lack of implementation of power transmission over a coaxial line.
But there are also important nuances that can leave the AHD format without competitors in principle. And at the very least they should make you think before choosing. HD-TVI is HikVision, HD-CVI is Dahua, both companies have a lot of sins, and a black mark for human rights violations in Xinjiang. It is clear that the story of these companies in the American market is over. Europe is also excited, and parliamentarians in some European countries are bringing up the issue of sanctions for discussion. Plus, HikVision belongs to the Chinese Communist Party, which pumps them with money, which also makes many people nervous.
Therefore, the prospects for HikVision and Dahua seem to exist only in China and in countries dependent on China, which, if anything happens, can be forced to apologize. The question of prospects in Russia is a question of dependence on China, and it is still open. In a word, if you decide to seriously invest in video surveillance, then you should seriously weigh everything.
Scaling and number of cameras
It would seem that there are two devices instead of one - the analogue has a clear advantage in this case. However, do not forget about another unpleasant moment.
In AHD cameras, the cable must be pulled directly from each video surveillance point to this recorder. And then, if you have 8 or 16 cameras, you will have a thick bundle of wires converge in this place.
In digital systems, only one twisted pair cable connects to the recorder. Everything else goes to the switch, router, etc. And you can hide it somewhere out of sight.
In addition, when adding a new video camera, it is not necessary to run another wire directly to the recorder. All you need to do is connect the camera to a common network via a splitter, or even do it via a Wi-Fi signal.
Another disadvantage of AHD is its low scalability. DVRs for such an analogue usually have a maximum of 32 channels.
And with IP numbers you can easily scale to more than 200 cameras.
Another question is, do you need this at the dacha or in a cottage house?
Current models
High resolution CCTV camera ORIENT AHD-33-ON10B
A good offer on the AHD surveillance camera market are devices from the ORIENT brand. As an example, let's take one of the budget outdoor cameras ORIENT AHD-33-ON10B, with a resolution of AHD-M (1280x720, 1000 TVL). The lens of the device is fixed, with a focal length of 3.6 mm. There is a function for automatically switching day/night modes, as well as IR illumination, thanks to which the camera can shoot in complete darkness. The body material is aluminum. The cost of the device is affordable for everyone, and is about 2600 rubles.
AHD camera Falcon Eye FE-IB1080AHD25M
Another interesting offer is the outdoor AHD camera Falcon Eye FE-IB1080AHD/25M, with Full HD recording resolution (1920×1080, 2 MP). The focal length of the lens is also 3.6 mm. There is a built-in IR illuminator with a stated range of up to 25 m. This device also uses 2D/3D noise reduction technology, thanks to which the camera shoots equally well both during the day and at night. The camera's weather protection class is the same as the previous version IP66 (dust- and water-proof housing). The price is also not bad, and is ~ 3500 rubles.
Indoor AHD cameras are completely similar in basic characteristics to outdoor ones, with the exception of differences in the design of the housing.
Setup and connection
Setting up and connecting an IP video system yourself is quite difficult and problematic. If you are not a technical specialist and have little understanding of registering and assigning IP addresses, you are unlikely to be able to do everything correctly the first time.
Therefore, if you want to connect video surveillance yourself, without inviting third-party specialists into your home, then choose the AHD format. To do this, use ready-made kits with a charged cable that already has the necessary connectors.
Just plug the connectors into the cameras and the DVR in series and use it. Even pensioners can cope with this without much difficulty.
IP format means cutting and crimping twisted pair cables, setting up IP addresses, connecting switches and much more. This will require certain skills and knowledge.
Cable length and distance to video cameras
In conditions where video cameras are located at long distances (more than 80 meters), the AHD format does not have any big problems with this. Here you can extend the cable up to 500 meters without much loss of the video signal.
The only thing you need to be careful with is the power settings. Still, it is not always possible to transmit 12V through thin wires up to half a kilometer. You need to either increase the voltage or the cross-section of the wires.
But with IP video surveillance everything is much more complicated. If the cable length increases beyond 80m, special signal amplifiers will have to be installed.
In the building, these blocks can still be hidden somewhere, but in open spaces you will have to resort to some kind of additional protection, sealed cabinets, power supply, etc.
If you still have the task of installing an IP system and the cameras will be located at very large distances, then you can try to do everything using fiber optics.
However, the price of installation and components here will be completely different. Therefore, in this case, as you understand, AHD is a plus.
What to choose
Each option is no worse or better. The question of what to choose, AHD or IP video surveillance, the differences, which should be better considered in the light of assessing the conditions of use and user needs. For example, there is no point in installing an expensive digital system where basic functions are sufficient - its potential will simply be unclaimed.
In what cases is it advisable to choose AHD:
- no wireless system required;
- A relatively small number of cameras is sufficient;
- there are long cable distances;
- if “freezing” of the picture even for a second is unacceptable;
- preference is given to simpler connection and configuration. The latter is not required at all. Roughly speaking, you just need to plug in the cables and turn on the equipment;
- when upgrading an existing analog video surveillance system. IP cannot be connected via coaxial cable, and if you already have this cable from an old system, for example, in video surveillance for an office, you can leave it by updating the cameras and recorder.
When IP video surveillance is required:
- It was decided to install a wireless system. An IP system for connecting cameras with a router, recorder can simultaneously use wire and Wi-Fi or one thing;
- many security zones and cameras;
- there is a need for intellectual functions: to distinguish faces, objects;
- More flexible functionality is required, recording on SD cards.
When determining the position, IP or AHD, which systems are good based on basic functions, not taking into account wireless capabilities, then, to generalize a little, the two options are the same in terms of the quality of the tasks performed. But AHD is cheaper, easier to install and configure. This is an excellent option for a private home or adjacent territory; in terms of efficiency it will not differ in any way from the “digital” one, and in terms of speed of installation and settings it will surpass it. For wireless connectivity, advanced smart functions, an increased number of cameras, and special image formats, IP is chosen.
It should be said that it is possible to create a hybrid system with digital and analog devices at the same time, for example, at long distances you can put the latter and at short distances the former.
Remote access
For some reason, the myth initially took root that remote video viewing is only possible on an IP digital device. But for many, this is the determining factor when purchasing and choosing a particular system.
Remember that remote viewing can be configured on all video surveillance systems.
The difference between IP and AHD in this matter is that IP cameras can directly connect to the Internet without a recorder. Thanks to this, simply from your phone by logging into the network, you can view the picture remotely.
For AHD, you definitely need a DVR. It is this that you connect to the worldwide network and then monitor the object from any point.
It would seem that the absence of a DVR is a significant advantage. However, such systems, where recordings are stored on built-in SD cards, cannot be considered full-fledged and professional. This is rather an amateur or forced option in certain cases.
Cameras with SD cards are, first of all, a very small archive. And in most cases, we need video surveillance not for online viewing, but to record an event that occurred and be able to view it in a few days.
Well, don’t forget that the camera can easily be stolen, along with all the information on the card inside it. And you won’t even know who did it.
There is, of course, the possibility of recording in the cloud space. But for large data, the payment for such services is comparable to the price of a physical recorder.
Recording directly to your home computer is also not an option. In this case, you will have to assemble it from components that will work without problems for years, 24 hours a day.
This is comparable to assembling a full-fledged server at home - the issue price is 100 thousand and above. Therefore, the best and most economical option is still a DVR.
Don't buy into the talk about internal memory and device autonomy.
Manufacturers of AHD format chipsets
Nextchip
Naturally, the first manufacturer is the developer of the standard himself. In 2014, the AHD 1.0 format appeared, with rather modest characteristics; the first version supported resolutions up to HD (1280x720p) at speeds up to 30fps. Six months after the release of the AHD 1.0 format, Nextchip released its second version - AHD 2.0. And although more than 5 years have passed since its release, AHD 2.0 is still relevant. Some chips currently available for sale use AHD 2.0. Later AHD 3.0 and AHD 4.0 appear. Version AHD 3.0 supports higher image resolutions, up to 5 megapixels, and version AHD 4.0 supports up to 8 megapixels.
For video cameras
Nextchip's line of ISP (Image Signal Processing) products now has several models with AHD support, these are NVP 2482, NVP 2481, NVP 2475, NVP 2477, Eaglet4.
and - these processors support processing video streams from a CMOS matrix with a resolution of up to 8 megapixels. at speeds up to 30 fps, AHD 4.0 format.
and are 3rd generation AHD format processors that support resolutions of up to 5 megapixels, in particular the NVP 2475 processor supports up to 4 megapixels at a speed of 30 fps, the NVP 2477 processor supports 5 megapixels at a speed of 20 fps.
supports video streams with a resolution of up to 2MP at a speed of 60 fps. Image processing has been improved and audio transmission via coaxial is supported.
and - these processors are often used by the Chinese in cheap AHD video cameras. NVP 2431 uses the AHD 1.0 version of the format and supports resolutions up to 1 MP. NVP 2441 is the second generation of AHD 2.0 and supports resolutions up to 2 MP.
For DVRs
For DVRs, the choice is not so extensive.
and For devices like DVRs, Nextchip offers NVP 6324 and NVP 6321 processors. The difference in them is only in the number of connected channels, for NVP 6324 it is 4 channels, for NVP 6321 it is only 1 channel. These processors have rather modest characteristics. AHD 2.0, support for video streams with a resolution of up to 2MP at a speed of 30 fps, transmission of uncompressed video over a distance of up to 500m, the ability to use cheap cables. and its comrade NVP 6134C), which supports multi-format and “any” resolution (up to 3 MP at 30 fps, other “any resolution” with reduced speed). This processor is complementary to any AHD formats and supports video stream transmission over 500 meters (how much more is not specified, maybe 501). The audio decoder is placed in a separate unit, bypassing the AHD. In addition to standard image processing algorithms and signal filters, the processor supports a motion detector on each channel.
- supports video stream with a resolution of 8 MP at a speed of 15 fps, 5 MP - 20 fps, 4 MP - 30 fps, everything up to 4 MP - 30 fps, 4 video channels, setting your own format for each channel. Setting up a motion detector for each channel, improved signal filtering, support for audio over coax. AHD 4.0 format version.
Who else makes AHD chipsets?
Unlike HD-CVI and HD-TVI, where there are only a few chipset manufacturers, AHD chipsets are not produced only by the lazy.
Hanwha Techwin
If we talk about manufacturers, it is worth mentioning that without some significant support from a really powerful market player, a new idea, even if it is a good one, will remain just a good idea. Techpoint's HD-TVI analog video transmission format has received support from Hikvision. Just like Dahua is lobbying for its HD-CVI format. AHD received such support from Samsung in 2014, they sold a stake to a South Korean conglomerate and since 2015 the company has been called .
- CCTV cameras Hanwha Techwin - price from 4781 rubles
- Hanwha Techwin DVRs - price from 41,000 rubles
Hanwha is pushing hardware, including AHD hardware, with its SoCs that pack all the Korean muscle, power and fury into image processing. Below we will talk more about their equipment.
Chinese AHD chipset manufacturers
HiSilicon
A quick analysis of the Chinese market, using the Alibaba trading platform as an example, showed that Chinese craftsmen most often choose HiSilicon 35xx series processors for DVRs. This is another well-known manufacturer of semiconductor products, Kirin processors and other innovations in optoelectronics. their products for HD DVR, very popular processors Hi3531, Hi3521, Hi3520.
Fullhan
Another Chinese manufacturer of SoC processors. Their processors are found in inexpensive Chinese “no-name” cameras. supporting only AHD, but there are multi-format ones for HD-CVI and HD-TVI. In particular, Fullhan FH8550M and FH8550D chips are used by the Chinese in AHD video cameras.
XiongMai
It is one of the largest OEM suppliers. It is even believed that they are the third largest video surveillance supplier in China, after HikVision and Dahua. They also produce SoC processors. They have in their line on these processors both AHD video cameras with a resolution of up to 2 MP, as well as multi-format ones with support for AHD, CVI and TVI formats.
Sound recording
IP cameras, in addition to built-in SD cards, can come with built-in microphones.
AHD does not have them and they must be connected directly to the recorder, after which they are output to a given point. It is impossible to draw an unambiguous conclusion about whether this is a plus or a minus.
Why is that? When you connect a camera with a built-in microphone, you no longer have the option to select the microphone itself. But they can be very different and are most often selected individually for a specific room or area.
If you require high quality sound recording, then the microphone must be mounted in close proximity to the source of this sound. For example, near the front door, near the cash register, etc.
When installing cameras with built-in microphones at a height of 2, 3 meters in a room of 40-50 m2, you will never get the same sound as from AHD options with separate sound recording sources.
Conclusion
At first glance, AHD cannot be a serious competitor not only to IP systems, but even compared to their classmates, HD-CVI and HD-TVI look dull.
There is no support for functions that other Asian companies (Dahua and Hikvision in particular) are trying to develop in analog HD systems - video signal transmission range, video analytics, power and audio transmission via coaxial. Most AHD equipment manufacturers are homemade in China. Those. The AHD device market is filled with cheap products whose quality is nothing but a pain. However, there are some trends that put the leadership of HD-CVI and HD-TVI at risk. This is, of course, for participation in the deployment of concentration camps in Xinjiang. This is a fact that calls into question the international expansion of both companies. And if these two Chinese monsters collapse, then only one AHD will remain. But these are just mental exercises; no one knows how it will turn out.
But even these trends are not enough to turn AHD into candy; for this we need a video surveillance market leader who begins to develop them and fully boost them through all marketing channels. It is difficult to say whether this will become the leader of Hanwa, it is obvious that they are making movements in this direction, but where this will lead them, like any future, is hidden in the fog. But in any case, we are watching them, and you watch us. I mean, subscribe to our social networks, and then you won’t miss our new publications.
Video data analysis
IP systems, unlike analog AHDs, have the capabilities of deep analytics of the received data. The most common are reading the number of people and recognizing their faces, identifying car license plates.
Of course, these functions are practically not needed in everyday life, but for professional use you will have a very wide corridor for upgrading the entire system and adding all sorts of goodies.
All this is implemented on the basis of a server and separate software. That's why it's worth the money.
Video analytics
Of all the video analytics on Hanwha AHD DVRs of the SRD and HRD series, the very basics are available: setting up a motion detector and frame mask. For each channel, you can configure the sensitivity of the motion detector and the recording area (frame mask) differently. There is a scheduled recording function, a signal loss sensor on each channel or image blurring (for example, from fogging of a video camera), and a tamper sensor for the camera body. You can set up recording based on alarm events, for example from alarm inputs (if connected).
