PSISeptember2017a

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
High Quality Analogue – a Viable
Alternative to IP Technology
In the video world,
image truly is everything.
When IP video
technology burst onto
the surveillance scene
almost 20 years ago,
numerous experts
began to conclude that
the days of analogue
technology were
numbered. It was seen
to be outdated, owing in
part to the grainier,
lower-resolution picture.
However, contrary to what many experts may
have expected, the rise of HD IP video has
not yet spelled the end of the legacy
technology. In some cases, in fact, the rise of IP
has not rendered analogue video obsolete but
instead spurred the development of alternative,
competing analogue technologies that also offer
sharp, high-resolution images.
Analogue is still a viable technology, even in
2017. Honeywell has expanded its Performance
Series of video solutions to include a High
Quality Analogue (HQA) range of cameras and
DVRs that use high-definition-over-coax (HDoC)
technology to provide HD-quality images on
analogue infrastructures.
High-definition over Coax (HDoC) technology
uses existing analogue coaxial cabling to deliver
high-definition images and video through
analogue infrastructure. Presently, many video
surveillance systems are based on analogue.
This provides a significant opportunity to retrofit
existing low-resolution analogue systems
without substantial structural impacts. HDoC
allows customers to incorporate 4MP highdefinition
analogue cameras, for example from
Honeywell’s expanded Performance Series, to
their existing analogue systems.
The advantages for installers
and end users
There are several additional reasons why
Honeywell’s HQA technology may make sense
for certain integrators as opposed to IP video.
One of the main challenges installers and
integrators have voiced concerns about in the
transition to IP is the ease of implementation in
replacing large, older systems, and installation
in general. But as HQA cameras and DVRs
function via coaxial cabling, there is no need to
rip and replace existing analogue infrastructure
in order to upgrade cameras.
Installers also benefit from a reduction in the
amount of cameras required. The new HDoC
Performance HQA cameras capture a greater
quality of image over a large area, meaning that
fewer cameras are needed in comparison to
traditional analogue applications.
What’s more, Honeywell HQA Cameras and
DVRs support up to 305m over RG59/U 20 AWG
Conductor 95% Braid Coaxial
Cable with 4MP video, or
up to 500m over RG59/U
20 AWG Conductor 95%
Braid Coaxial Cable with
4MP video. The HDoC is able to go longer
distances on a single piece of cable than IP,
which makes cabling easier for long distance
applications and saves money on devices like
repeaters or mid-position switches. Additionally,
the versatility of the Honeywell DVRs should not
go unnoticed. They are capable of supporting
both IP and analogue technology, providing end
users with a greater range of choice.
HQA is also an attractive option for installers.
Despite IP’s popularity, there is still the “fear
factor” of it in the entry level space for many
installers. This is because many installers are
comfortable terminating a coaxial cable, but may
be less familiar with terminating RJ45 IP cables.
In order to install IP, they would have to learn
new methods. But with HDoC they can leverage
their existing skill sets. Installing Honeywell HQA
cameras and DVRs is no different from installing
a standard analogue system. The only real
difference is the advanced, high-resolution
technology provided to the customer.
Furthermore, surveillance upgrades using
analogue infrastructure provide benefits to the
end user that may not be present when
upgrading to IP cameras. System upgrades often
require coordination between IT representatives
and integrators as the entire system may need to
be taken offline to complete upgrades. HQA
cameras can be added in tandem to existing non-
HD analogue cameras without interfering with
the network. All cameras slated to remain on the
network remain online during the upgrade,
providing peace of mind even during installation.
Finally, the reasonable price of HQA should
not be overlooked. Previously, customers who
wanted high definition in the entry space had to
choose more-expensive IP cameras. Some end
users may have opted for hybrid analogue/IP
devices in an attempt to mitigate the hefty costs
associated with entry level IP systems. However,
these hybrid systems can be quite restrictive, as
hybrid NVRs require more power than those
boxes are capable of, restricting the number of
cameras operative.
A 16-channel system that is only able to
accommodate two to four cameras is far from
beneficial for end users. HDoC technology
provides an incredibly cost-effective alternative
that functions at optimal output levels. It can
support 16 cameras across 16 channels –
accommodating both existing and upgraded
cameras – providing a far more compelling value
proposition to consumers.
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