CCTV Cameras, Analog Security Camera (CVBS)
CCTV cameras are a type of security camera that uses an analog video signal (CVBS / Composite Video Baseband Signal) to capture video surveillance footage. Analog CCTV cameras are hard wired to surveillance DVRs and monitors using coax cable such as RG59. In addition to analog cameras, we also supply
4-in-1 HD-over-Coax security cameras which use the same coax cable, but support 1080p video resolution (in addition to analog resolution). This allows you to use an analog DVR now, then upgrade later to an HD surveillance DVR later, without changing cameras or cable.
Learn more
about CCTV cameras by reading our FAQ below on this page. You can also watch demo videos here.
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Here are some frequently asked questions that we receive about analog CCTV cameras.
What is a CCTV camera?
CCTV cameras are a type of security camera that uses an analog video signal (CVBS / Composite Video Baseband Signal)
. CCTV Cameras are hard wired to surveillance DVRs via coax cable to record video surveillance footage. CVBS video is standard definition, typically at 480i or 576i resolution. Analog CCTV video information is encoded on one channel and does not include audio.
What type of cable is used to wire CCTV cameras?
75 ohm coax cable is used to wire CCTV cameras to DVRs and monitors. Typically a "Siamese type" cable is used which consists of the coaxial cable for video and a pair of stranded cable for power. This makes it convenient for installers to run both power and video using a single cable.
Pre-made Siamese coax cable and spools of RG59 coax cable are available for CCTV camera installations. These same cables can also be used for HD-over-Coax cameras such as AHD or HD-TVI cameras.
You can learn more about how to wire security cameras by accessing these guides.
What video resolution does CCTV support?
The highest resolution that analog cameras and DVRs support is 960H video resolution, which is 960 x 480 pixels. This is a wide format 16:9 aspect ratio. Prior to the advent of 960H resolution, D1 was the highest resolution. D1 resolution is 720 x 480 pixels.
This is a 960H resolution image captured with this
dome CCTV camera. You can also watch this video demo to see 960H video captured by a CCTV camera.
How does analog camera resolution compare to HD-over-Coax?
The difference in video resolution between analog and 1080p resolution is significant. Please check out this article and video to
compare analog CCTV vs 1080p HD-over-Coax camera resolution.
What size lens do I need?
There are a variety of lens sizes available for CCTV cameras. Generally, the smaller the size of the lens in millimeters(mm), the wider angle of view it provides. For example, a 2.8mm lens provides an angle of view slightly wider than 90 degrees. a 3.6mm lens is slightly less than 90 degrees. You can access a
more detailed article to compare security camera lens sizes here.
What difference does the shape of a CCTV camera make?
CCTV cameras are available in different body styles / housing types including bullet, dome, and hidden camera housings. These body styles do not impact the resolution of video that they are able to capture. They are just body style options that are available to fit into different types of installations. For example, a retail store may prefer a white dome to match their ceiling tiles. A night club with dark walls may prefer a black bullet style camera. If both camera types have the same image sensor and 3.6mm lens, they will capture the same resolution and angle of video.
I do not want to record video to a DVR. Can I connect a CCTV camera direct to a TV or monitor?
Yes, analog cameras are especially easy to connect directly to a TV because most TVs have an analog RCA video input. If your TV has an analog RCA input, you can use 75 ohm pre-made camera cable or 75 ohm RG59 coax cable and connect your camera directly to the RCA input of the TV. You can find a
more detailed article about connecting security cameras to TVs here. You may also be interested in reading this blog post: 5 Great BNC to HDMI Converter Solutions for Security Cameras.
Watch the above video demo to see surveillance footage captured using a
BIPRO-S600VF12 CCTV camera. This video was captured with the camera in analog CVBS mode. This is an example of what 960H resolution analog video looks like. The demo shows the camera in regular light and zero light infrared mode.
HD CCTV Demo Video
This video demo was also captured with the BIPRO-S600VF12, however the camera is running in 1080p AHD video mode. You can find more
selectable video mode HD security cameras here. They are incredibly convenient because they work with analog CCTV and HD-over-Coax DVRs.
Related Articles & How-to Installation Guides
Here are some of our best articles and installation guides related to analog CCTV cameras and video surveillance systems.
Page Author
This page, including all product information, images, videos, and FAQs, was created by and maintained by
Mike Haldas. Mike is the co-founder and managing partner of CCTV Camera Pros. If you have any questions related to this page or anything related to security cameras or video surveillance systems, please email Mike at cctvcamerapros@gmail.com.
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