High Definition Coax CCTV (HD-CCTV) is a progression from analogue standard definition CCTV (SD-CCTV). The technology utilises the same technology as is used in broadcast HD television which gives a much enhanced image over standard resolution.

It should not be confused with HD-IP-CCTV which is a Internet Protocol (commonly known as "network") CCTV system. This is the pinnacle of modern CCTV and is discussed elsewhere on this site.

Coax HD-CCTV is positioned between standard definition and mega pixel IP-CCTV. The primary advantage of Coax HD is one of cost. One can reap the advantages of high definition for only a small increase in equipment cost.

Another major advantage is that the HD signal (HD-SDI / TVI) can be carried over conventional video coaxial cable (RG 59) meaning that a full re-cabling of existing systems can be avoided. (With IP-CCTV all cabling must be replaced with CAT5e or above Network cable) HD-SDI / TVI is a standard developed for the TV industry and therefore has been tested and products (such as cameras, Digital Video Recorders (DVR’s) and distribution hardware) are being developed to be interchangeable.

As this is the zenith of non-IP (Internet Protocol) technology the products that are offered are generally feature rich and lower cost than an equivalent entry level IP system. The HD-CCTV DVR’s tend to be network friendly with features such as dual encoding for fast transmission of images over the web.

In common with network CCTV, Coax HD-CCTV is viewable over the internet and some features such a image zoom-in work in the same way as IP-CCTV. It is, in fact, the DVR that is the network device and the attached cameras are network passive or “dumb”; that is they can not be addressed directly over the network. In an IP system each camera is a network device in its own right and can be controlled and configured remotely.

HD-CCTV will be the right solution for some clients who know exactly what they wish to achieve with a limited budget. They will achieve a significant upgrade from SD-CCTV for only a small increase in costs.

HD-CCTV offers the following advantages:

• Up to 5 mega pixel cameras

• Transmission over existing RG59 (coaxial) cable

• Many features of entry level IP-CCTV (approx. 80%) without the equivalent cost

• Use of ‘off the shelf’ HD Televisions as monitors and distribution systems

• Proven broadcast standard of HD-SDI / TVI – easy to configure