Answer: A 1080p HD 4-in-1 CCTV camera supports four analog video formats (TVI, AHD, CVI, and CVBS) in one device, delivering 2MP resolution for sharp surveillance. It works with existing coaxial cables, offering compatibility with DVRs from brands like Hikvision and Dahua. Ideal for upgrading legacy systems without rewiring, it balances cost, clarity, and flexibility for home or business security.
What Are the Main Types of CCTV Cameras?
How Do 4-in-1 Analog CCTV Cameras Work with Multiple Formats?
These cameras auto-detect the connected DVR’s format (TVI, AHD, CVI, or CVBS) and adjust output signals accordingly. For example, a Hikvision TVI DVR will trigger the camera to transmit in TVI mode at 1080p. This multi-protocol design eliminates compatibility conflicts, allowing seamless integration with 90% of analog systems while maintaining 1920×1080 resolution at 25fps.
The secret lies in the camera’s dual-chip architecture. A primary imaging processor handles sensor data while a secondary encoder chip manages protocol conversion. This setup enables real-time format switching without frame drops. Advanced models even support mixed-mode operation – transmitting different formats through separate channels for multi-DVR redundancy. Installers can manually override auto-detection via dip switches or OSD menus for specialized configurations requiring fixed output modes.
Which DVRs Are Compatible with 4-in-1 Hybrid Cameras?
Top compatible DVRs include Hikvision Turbo HD 4.0, Dahua XVR5108H-S3, and Uniview NVR304-16E. These support up to 8MP resolution and hybrid inputs (analog+IP). Ensure firmware supports TVI v3.0/AHD 3.0 protocols for full 1080p@30fps performance. Check voltage requirements (12V DC/24V AC) and BNC connector types (75Ω impedance) for optimal signal integrity.
| DVR Model | Max Resolution | Protocol Support |
|---|---|---|
| Hikvision DS-7208HTHI-K2 | 8MP | TVI 5.0/AHD 3.0 |
| Dahua XVR5208-4KL-I3 | 4K | CVI 3.0/HD-TVI |
| Uniview NVR304-16E | 12MP | 4-in-1 Hybrid |
Why Does Cable Quality Matter for 4-in-1 Camera Performance?
High-purity copper RG59 cables (95% conductivity) reduce signal loss to 3dB/100m vs 6dB in cheap alternatives. Use double-shielded cables with >60dB noise rejection in high-EMI environments. Poor cabling causes ghosting, color bleeding, or complete signal drop at distances >300m. For 4K analog (8MP), upgrade to RG6 with 18AWG center conductor.
Signal degradation follows the inverse square law – doubling cable distance quadruples signal loss. Premium cables maintain 75Ω impedance critical for HD analog transmission. Field tests show Belden 7731A coaxial maintains 1080p quality at 500m, while generic cables fail beyond 180m. For outdoor runs, consider gel-filled direct burial cables with UV-resistant jackets to prevent weather-induced capacitance changes that distort high-frequency video components.
“The 4-in-1 analog revolution bridges the gap between legacy NTSC systems and modern HD demands,” says John Carter, surveillance engineer at SecureTek. “We’ve deployed 2,500+ units in retail chains, achieving 40% cost savings versus full IP overhauls. The real game-changer is backward compatibility – one camera fleet serving multiple site generations.”
FAQs
- Do 4-in-1 cameras work with old BNC connectors?
- Yes, they use standard BNC interfaces but require HD-compatible DVRs. Legacy DVRs limited to CVBS will only display 960H resolution.
- How long do analog cameras last?
- MTBF is 50,000 hours (5.7 years continuous). IR LEDs typically fail first – choose models with redundant LED arrays.
- Can I get 4K resolution with analog?
- Yes, via AHD 3.0 or TVI 5.0 (8MP), but requires 75-3 coaxial cables and 4K DVRs. Maximum distance drops to 150m for 4K signals.