March 21, 2014—Facilities and security managers may soon notice improved interoperability and ease of upgrading due to the ratification of the next generation of the high-definition (HD) security video standard, HDcctv 2.0, by Australia-based surveillance video standards organization the HDcctv Alliance.
The new standard was agreed upon by the HDcctv Alliance Board of Directors in February, and provides variants that reportedly have significant advantages over high-definition serial digital interface (HD-SDI) transmission. It was developed and approved for equipment that can produce HD video without the need for Internet protocol (IP) cameras or Ethernet cabling within the secured premises—meaning a significant cost savings in many surveillance systems, notes the group.
Todd Rockoff, HDcctv Alliance executive director, explained, “There are two primary variants of HDcctv 2.0—NR and AT. HDcctv 2.0 NR DVRs and cameras add plug ‘n’ play up-the-coax remote control to the underlying HD-SDI format. HDcctv 2.0 AT delivers true HDTV signals over any legacy CCTV coaxial cabling, along with plug ‘n’ play up-the-coax remote control. The focus is on offering end users high-fidelity HD video that is reliable and convenient.
“The availability of HDcctv 2.0-compliant equipment will provide flexibility, allowing integrators and installers to choose the right cameras and recorders on a case-by-case basis. We’re encouraging semiconductor manufacturers, as well as camera and DVR manufacturers, to embrace these new standards. Working together, we can provide unparalleled levels of interoperability for installers and end users—and thereby help to drive down costs of installation and operation.”
Yin Jun, Dahua’s director of research and development, added, “We’re very excited about HDcctv 2.0 and the potential for flexibility it offers both end users and installers. HDcctv 2.0 AT, in particular, provides the means to upgrade any analogue system to HD quality video with remote control without disturbing the legacy infrastructure.”
Jon Hwang, CEO of Eyenix, concluded, “Those responsible for designing and specifying surveillance systems are now able to work with HDcctv as easily as they worked with analogue CCTV 10 years ago. Certified HDcctv-compliant products from a variety of manufacturers will always interoperate, without having to test all pair-wise combinations. This means convenience, peace of mind, and freedom of choice for installers and end users.”
