Video Security Terminology

AC Powered: - AC stands for alternating current, it means that the directionality of the current can and is reversed as it travels in cycles to power your device. It's the most common way to power basic household objects.
AHD (Analog HD): - AHD CCTV is an analog high definition closed-circuit television video surveillance standard that uses coax cable to transmit HD video from security cameras to DVRs. AHD supports 720p up to 4K HD video resolutions.
Wire Free (Battery): - A security camera powered by a rechargeable battery, requiring no wired connection for power or data. It offers flexible installation, motion-activated recording, and remote access for convenient surveillance.
Solar Battery Cameras: - A wire-free security camera powered by a rechargeable battery and supplemented by a solar panel for continuous charging, ensuring extended operation with minimal maintenance.
BNC Cable: - The BNC (Bayonet Neill–Concelman) connector is a miniature quick connect/disconnect radio frequency connector used for coaxial cable. It features two bayonet lugs on the female connector; mating is fully achieved with a quarter turn of the coupling nut.
CCTV: - Closed-circuit television, or the use of video cameras to transmit images to a DVR on the same network or circuit. Internet is not required.
Cloud: - Storing and accessing data and programs over the Internet instead of your computer's hard drive.
Coaxial Cable: - Used as a transmission line for radio frequency signals. Its applications include connecting radio transmitters and receivers to their antennas, computer network (e.g., Ethernet) connections, digital audio, and distribution of cable television signals.
DVR (Digital Video Recorder): - A CCTV digital video recorder is essentially a computer that saves security video images to a hard drive. Most security cameras in use today capture an analog picture. The DVR converts the analog signal to digital and then compresses it. Think of the DVR as the “brains” of the operation.
Dual Sensor: - Also known as PIR (Passive Infrared), 2 sensors are used to determine the validity of a motion event seen by a camera. One sensor detects heat and the other distinguishes pixel change in the image. The sensors work together to determine if the threat is coming from an animal, person, or automobile. This patent-pending technology is developed by Night Owl® and can reduce false alerts up to 90%.
Ethernet Cable: - One of the most common types of network cables used for wired networks. Ethernet is a way of connecting networked devices together in a local area network (LAN).
Frames Per Second (FPS): - A measurement for how many unique consecutive images a camera can handle each second.
HDMI: - Stands for high-definition multimedia interface and supports the connection between a device such as a DVR / NVR and an HDTV or Monitor. HDMI combines video and audio interfaces into one connection, which simplifies the installation process of a security system.
Human Detection Technology: - The first step of the detection process is to detect an object which is in motion (pixel change in the camera’s field of view). Once detected, a moving object could be classified as a human being by using shape-based, texture based or motion-based features.
Vehicle Detection: - A smart feature that identifies and tracks vehicles using advanced motion sensors and AI. It reduces false alerts by distinguishing vehicles from other movement and can trigger recording, alerts, or automation. This enhances security by improving monitoring and aiding investigations.
Hybrid DVR: - The combination of Wired and Wireless Technology in one device (DVR). Provides the ability to add Wireless devices to an imbedded private network in the DVR, while maintaining true CCTV Wired security. The Internet is only required for remote viewing.
IP Cameras: - An Internet Protocol camera, or IP camera, is a type of digital video camera that receives control data and sends image data via a local network or the Internet. Unlike analog closed-circuit television cameras, they require no local recording device, but only a local area network.
NVR (Network Video Recorder): - A video recorder that includes a software program that records video in a digital format to a disk drive, USB flash drive, SD memory card or other mass storage device. NVR’s are distinct from DVR’s as their input is from a network rather than a direct connection to a video capture card or tuner. Unlike a DVR, video on an NVR is encoded and processed at the camera level, then streamed to the NVR for storage or remote viewing. NVR systems tend to be easier to set up and can be accessed through a web browser.
VGA: - A Video Graphics Array (VGA) connector is a three-row 15-pin connector. The connector was provided on many video cards, computer monitors, laptop computers, projectors, and high definition television sets. The VGA analog interface is used for high-definition video, including resolutions of 1080p and higher. While the transmission bandwidth of VGA is high enough to support even higher resolution playback, there can be picture quality degradation depending on cable quality and length. VGA is an analog standard while HDMI is a digital standard.
Video Resolution: - Video resolution refers to the number of distinct pixels that could be displayed in each dimension. It is usually quoted as width× height; for an example: “1920 × 1080″. In this example 1920 indicates the width and 1080 indicates the height that the display could be resolved in pixels.
PoE: - A technology for wired Ethernet local area networks (LANs) that allows the electrical current necessary for the operation of each device to be carried by the data cables rather than by power cords. Doing so minimizes the number of wires that must be strung in order to install the network.