Analog camera to Video Server - Installation Guide

Box/Enclosure

The box camera is usually comprised of at least two components which are the camera itself and a lens (often sold separately). Different lenses can be used with the camera giving the user more control over what the camera views.

While mostly used indoors, box cameras can be used outdoors with appropriate weather-proof enclosures. The One Channel Video Server is compact enough that it can fit inside some enclosures with the box camera.

Bullet

The bullet camera is typically a compact all-inclusive camera which, unlike box cameras, does not require the purchase of a separate lens. This type of camera is usually the easiest to install but provides minimal flexibility of settings.

Some bullet cameras are rated for outside use without the need for an additional weather-proof enclosure.

They may contain optional LED illuminators to assist with seeing objects in low-light situations.

Dome

Dome cameras can come in models that do not move once mounted (e.g., the Static Mini Dome camera in the preceding picture), and PTZ (Pan/Tilt/Zoom) models (e.g., the Dome camera in the preceding picture) that allow the camera to move around and zoom at any time.

As with the bullet camera, certain dome models are built for outdoor use without the need for an additional weather-proof enclosure. Domes are also available in ruggedized enclosures to protect the camera against would-be vandals.  

Analog video display

Analog cameras produce images in different ways than IP/digital cameras do.

• Analog cameras can be viewed by plugging them directly into a TV Video Input port (but not the tuner/antenna input).
  
  
• Interlaced scanning versus progressive scan:
  • Analog cameras use interlaced scanning (picture is composed of two separate “fields” that are scanned 1/16th of a second apart) instead of progressive scan (used in IP cameras), where the entire picture is scanned at once.
    
    
• Vertical lines:
  • Analog cameras vary in their ability to capture fine detail in the horizontal plane, so they are rated by the number of distinct vertical lines they can display in a scene (usually determined by test charts). Typical values vary and include 250 (low-end cameras), 280, 350, 420, 480 and 520 vertical lines.

Camera hardware features

• Lenses:
  • Bullet cameras and most dome cameras come with integrated lenses, but box cameras use separate lenses that can be changed by the installer.
  • Lenses vary in their focal length. A 3-millimeter lens provides a panoramic view while a 15-millimeter lens zooms in on the center of the scene.
  • Vari-focal lenses can be adjusted in the field to achieve the desired focal length.
  • Lenses vary in their ability to pass light, as measured by their F-stop, which indicates their effectiveness in low-light situations.
  • Many lenses allow adjustment of the iris opening to make sure the optimum amount of light reaches the camera’s image sensor.
     
    Note: If lighting conditions change over time it is most effective to use an auto-iris lens with a compatible camera.
     
  • There are several parameters that are important when selecting the right video camera for each installation. Among the most important are:
• Lux rating:
  • This parameter is used to measure the effectiveness of the camera in low light conditions, with lower lux ratings indicating better performance in the dark. Some cameras come with built-in Infra-Red (IR) illuminators that allow them to see in total darkness.

Types of cable connections include:

• Crimp connectors (common):
  • This BNC connector is composed of a few pieces that must be assembled and crimped onto the cable using a special crimping tool.
• Twist-on connectors (common):
  • This BNC connector is one piece and simply screws on to the end of the cable. No special crimp tool is needed.
    
    
     
• Siamese cable (uncommon):
  • The camera can be powered from an AC source near the camera or a source near the video server. Siamese cable combines both the coax and power into a single hybrid cable for convenience.
    
    
     
• Video baluns (uncommon):
  • Video baluns allow analog video transmission using CAT5 or similar Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cable, which is often easier to install than coaxial cable.
  • Most baluns allow transmission of both video and power over the CAT5 cable.
    
    

Cable management tips

• Specific limits vary by manufacturer and model, but in general, there are strict limits on the amount of bend that is allowed in coaxial cables.
   
  Caution: Take care to avoid sharp bends that can damage the cable when pulling it around corners and other sharp turns.
   
• Avoid running coaxial cable parallel to AC power cables to make sure the 60Hz signal does not interfere with the video signal.
• The maximum cable length between the camera and the video server is ~600 feet for RG-59 cable and ~900 ft for RG-6 cable.
• It is usually possible to run longer power cables for cameras that are using 24V AC power than 12V DC power.

Using Looping Inputs:

DVRs will usually have two BNC connectors per video input. This allows the installer to connect the camera directly to either of the ports and use the remaining port to extend the video to another device.

Using a Video Distribution Amplifier or BNC splitter:

If the DVR or other video device being used does not have looping video inputs, use either of these devices to duplicate the video signal.