HD refers to cameras with a standardized resolution of 720p or 1080p. The numbers 720 and 1080 refer to the horizontal resolution.. The HD video format also uses an aspect ratio of 16:9 (rather than 5:4 or 4:3), and the frame rate is standardized at 60, 50, 30 or 25 frames per second. It contains more pixels, and a larger image size, than traditional cameras to ensure you get clear and detailed video. HD cameras are available from many manufacturers and in every camera style (dome, PTZ, fixed, ect) so it’s easy to add high definition to your surveillance system.
HD Camera's in Security Industry
HD and megapixel video surveillance has been a hot topic for the security industry, and the trend for IP video installations has been toward the installation of HD and megapixel cameras instead of standard-resolution IP cameras. In this guest column, Raul Calderon of Arecont Vision (a manufacturer of megapixel and HD security cameras) puts forth the argument for using megapixel video and explains the differences and similarities between HD and megapixel security cameras.]
As IP-based video systems continue to gain widespread popularity in the video surveillance market, one of the benefits is the ability to capture high-resolution images through megapixel video. Also emerging is use of the HDTV standards that are prevalent in the consumer video market. The images produced by this new generation of cameras are often collectively referred to as high definition (HD) or as megapixel images. Because the terms HD and megapixel both indicate an improved level of imaging performance compared to traditional analog images, they are often thought to be the same, but there is a difference.
In fact, the broadcast (or consumer) HD resolution should not be seen as the goal in video surveillance. Megapixel cameras can offer image resolutions higher than broadcast HD resolution, and I think an explanation is in order.
The benefits of software-driven functionality and the control, scalability and broad availability of video are often listed as factors contributing to this growth. However, among the biggest performance features of IP surveillance is the ability to provide a broad range of video resolutions. With H.264 compression and programmable resolutions and streaming, the new standard for video resolution can be defined simply as “whatever the application calls for.” With IP/megapixel video, cameras assigned to cover critical areas can now capture any level of resolution up to 10 or more megapixel images (3,648 x 2,752 pixels – nearly five times the resolution of a 1080p camera).
Facial recognition is important—HD cameras placed in a location to capture faces and clothing, such as behind checkout counters and in doorways can make it easier for identificationYou need to record license plate numbers—with their larger image format, HD cameras can be used to monitor parking lots or high-traffic roadways to provide important information for crashes or other incidentsYou need to review video footage for evidence—high-crime or violence areas monitored with HD surveillance cameras can provide clear video of conflicts, and their high resolution makes it more likely the people, cars, and actions in the video will be identifiable
