Hi all, a little problem here I hope someone can help with.
Questions regarding the upgrade of an old analogue CCTV system.
Today we have a system with 16 analogue cameras, a video matrix with various interface cards and 3 video monitors with an associated small keyboard for selecting cameras and sequences.
No communication with outside world, no wireless communication, but need interface to fire alarm system, that automatic will change to nearby camera if alarm input is triggered (Normally open inputs, short to ground if alarm)
The question is how this can be upgraded in a simple and affordable way, as there are no longer any spare parts for the old system.
The easiest thing I can see is a switch to analogue HD cameras, there are probably 2-3 different standards. Then connect these to a hybrid DVR. The problem then is how this can be displayed on 3 different monitors, where each monitor must be able to select the camera and sequences independently of the others. If you use a single hybrid DVR or an NVR, you can find someone who can show different images on different video outputs, but i don't think it is possible to have 3 independent monitor outputs? And how should one be able to choose different cameras and the like from the 3 positions?
If you switch to a completely IP-based system, you will probably be able to use standard Windows clients at each position, so that you can select cameras and stuff independently of each other.
The challenge then becomes that you have to use Ethernet over coax devices on both sides, as existing cabling must be used. And there is limited space in the existing camera housing, which should preferably also be reused due to the enclosure (IP 68 stainless steel)
There is also limited space at each monitor position, where there is currently only a 15" monitor and a small keyboard mounted. Placing a Windows client, Ethernet over coax converter, monitor and power supply can be a challenge. A possible solution can then be to place the client in a central rack, and use a KVM-extender for a monitor. Again only coaxial cable out to the monitors is available....
By the way, is there any simple video management software that is well suited for use on a touch monitor? If you can use only one touch monitor out at each position, then it is a big advantage, as there is no suitable place to use e.g. a PC mouse or a normal PC keyboard.
So I would be grateful if anyone has good suggestions for solutions to this. The requirement is that costs must be kept moderate, existing cabling (coax+power) must be reused, and it must be possible to select cameras, sequences and the like independently on 3 different positions/monitors. Also alarm input from fire alarm that changes to correct camera if triggered is a demand. Continued use of existing camera housings is a great advantage, but they can be replaced if the new cameras are waterproof and corrosion-protected due to nearby salt water.
Regards, Jan
Questions regarding the upgrade of an old analogue CCTV system.
Today we have a system with 16 analogue cameras, a video matrix with various interface cards and 3 video monitors with an associated small keyboard for selecting cameras and sequences.
No communication with outside world, no wireless communication, but need interface to fire alarm system, that automatic will change to nearby camera if alarm input is triggered (Normally open inputs, short to ground if alarm)
The question is how this can be upgraded in a simple and affordable way, as there are no longer any spare parts for the old system.
The easiest thing I can see is a switch to analogue HD cameras, there are probably 2-3 different standards. Then connect these to a hybrid DVR. The problem then is how this can be displayed on 3 different monitors, where each monitor must be able to select the camera and sequences independently of the others. If you use a single hybrid DVR or an NVR, you can find someone who can show different images on different video outputs, but i don't think it is possible to have 3 independent monitor outputs? And how should one be able to choose different cameras and the like from the 3 positions?
If you switch to a completely IP-based system, you will probably be able to use standard Windows clients at each position, so that you can select cameras and stuff independently of each other.
The challenge then becomes that you have to use Ethernet over coax devices on both sides, as existing cabling must be used. And there is limited space in the existing camera housing, which should preferably also be reused due to the enclosure (IP 68 stainless steel)
There is also limited space at each monitor position, where there is currently only a 15" monitor and a small keyboard mounted. Placing a Windows client, Ethernet over coax converter, monitor and power supply can be a challenge. A possible solution can then be to place the client in a central rack, and use a KVM-extender for a monitor. Again only coaxial cable out to the monitors is available....
By the way, is there any simple video management software that is well suited for use on a touch monitor? If you can use only one touch monitor out at each position, then it is a big advantage, as there is no suitable place to use e.g. a PC mouse or a normal PC keyboard.
So I would be grateful if anyone has good suggestions for solutions to this. The requirement is that costs must be kept moderate, existing cabling (coax+power) must be reused, and it must be possible to select cameras, sequences and the like independently on 3 different positions/monitors. Also alarm input from fire alarm that changes to correct camera if triggered is a demand. Continued use of existing camera housings is a great advantage, but they can be replaced if the new cameras are waterproof and corrosion-protected due to nearby salt water.
Regards, Jan
