survtech

Translation: 960H cameras only display wide screen when connected to a 960H DVR.

Likely not. PTZ firmware is typically programmed for one camera block only. Changing the camera block to a different model will cause problems.

Voltage on cable only drops when a load is attached. A multimeter is typically almost no load at all due to its very high resistance. Attach a camera to the end and you will likely see the voltage drop considerably.

Passive-passive is good for up to ~1,000 feet. Active-passive (either end) is good for up to ~2,000 to ~3,000 feet. I would use a passive balun at the camera end and an active receiver at the head end. Typical passive baluns are rated down to -10 degrees Celsius (-30 degrees Fahrenheit). If installed in a heated enclosure, you wouldn't have to worry about the temperature.

"Law enforcement and sponsors of the bill said the measure has nothing to do with privacy and is all about saving lives." - That's how it always goes. At least they're being honest in their own perverted way. Obviously, the bill raises privacy issues but if the lawmakers say they didn't consider it that way, it must be so, right? The insidious usurping of citizens' rights in the name of security will continue until it suddenly dawns on the mostly-ignorant public that they have allowed Big Brother complete control over almost every aspect of their lives. By then, it will be too late for any peaceful solution. Thankfully, at my age I will likely not be around when the poo hits the fan...

CCTV cameras are typically not well-suited to astrophotography. You need long shutter times to capture enough light for suitable images and CCTV cameras have faster shutter speeds. OPT Astropix Orion Typically, digital SLR cameras are used since many can be programmed for very long exposure times.

Seriously? HD-TVI is a competing analog HD technology developed by Techpoint, a U.S. semiconductor manufacturer. Its principal proponent is Hikvision. It will compete with HDCVI, AHD and, to a lesser extent, HD-SDI, although the latter technology is digital, not analog.

If the previous camera is faulty, why even leave it hooked up? Just move power and video cables from the faulty camera to the new camera.

The point is, analog is analog, warts and limitations and all. Analog has a TVL limitation of approximately 600TVL. Yes, you can run 960H cameras as if they were true analog cameras but the resolution differences between 500TVL, 550TVL, 600TVL, 700TVL, 960H, etc. are really miniscule. So how do manufacturers get away with their claims? Two words: They cheat! Let's start with "700TVL" cameras. By definition, TV lines are supposed to be measured in a square section of the actual image, where the width is equal to the total height of the screen. It doesn't matter if the screen is 4:3 or 16:9, the area to measure TVL is only the horizontal part of the picture that is the same measurement as the screen height. So a "700TVL" camera is actually a 525TVL camera. Confused? Let's say you test a camera on a 4:3 monitor using proper methodology and it measures 500TVL. This is where the manufacturers' cheating comes in play. Over the entire width of the screen, you would actually be able to see 500/3*4 lines or 666 lines. That is not actual TVL, but many manufacturers don't care and will publish that as their resolution spec. The same applies to the 800TVL spec. Actual TVL on such a camera would be 600TVL but with their "creative math", many manufacturers would take the 600TVL actually measured and divide it by 3 and multiply that by 4 to come up with 800TVL. The effect is even more exaggerated by 16:9 monitors. The same actual 500TVL camera (500/9*16) translates to 888 lines. So a 1000TVL camera is actually 562.5TVL.

Keep in mind that different manufacturers use different interpretations for CBR. On the one hand, many define it as stated: Constant Bit Rate. Under that interpretation, the bit rate stays relatively constant under all conditions. Other manufacturers use another interpretation: Constrained Bit Rate or Capped Bit Rate. With that interpretation, the setting is the maximum the device will provide but the bit rate can float down with the right conditions - low/no motion, darkness (assuming the video is "clean", with little-to-no noise), etc. This interpretation of CBR is basically the same as VBR Variable Bit Rate, but with the addition of the cap. Without the cap, Variable Bit Rate devices could deliver very high bandwidths under certain conditions without actually delivering associated picture improvements. Video noise is one of the worst offenders. It can confuse an encoder into thinking the video has a high amount of motion, even when there is almost none. AGC is one of the biggest sources of video noise. In darker conditions, high amounts of AGC will cause high amounts of video noise with many devices, which can increase bit rates, often enormously. Capping the bit rate while allowing it to go lower than the setting when conditions don't require it can optimize disk space. It does make storage calculations a little "iffy", though. I typically use worst-case needs when calculating storage (all bit rates at the cap) and treat the inevitable lower real average bit rate in production as a retention time benefit (ie. requirement for 30 days but in actual use, retention is maybe 35-40 days).

Sample of recent parts orders we've placed: VK-S454N Hitachi Camera head for Spectra 4 PA05-0085-01A2G Spectra 3 Backbox PCB MF00-7050-003C Base enclosure Spectra 3 DD53Kit Spectra 3 Power Supply PA03-0004-5028-B Spectra 3 Logic Board VK-S454R-B Hitachi Camera Head for Spectra 4 PTZ Test Bench: Note the long cable coming from the back box. We made that up ourselves with wire and a male and female connector. It makes servicing and testing a lot easier.

Charles, We have not had one DD53KIT fail so I'm at a loss. It appears you've replaced nearly everything we can think of. From your list: 1. Camera Ass'y - rarely fail in Spectra III's and IV's. Common failures in Spectra II's, especially the Sony BCBW cameras. 2. Pan and Tilt Motors - Have never seen one of them fail. 3. Receiver/Driver Board - Occasional failures on all Spectra series. 4. Slip Rings - Occasional failures on all Spectra series. 5. Power Supplies - Occasional failures on all Spectra series. High failure rates on Spectra III's but we've never seen a DD53KIT fail. 6. Plastic parts: Pan base, tilt arm, locking tabs - all get brittle from SoCal heat and crack. All models. 7. Belts - Both belts have to be replaced with age. Usually when we replace the Pan Base and/or Tilt Leg. We've found that TLS' recommendations have usually been spot on. You might give them a call. My Tech usually talks to Jim Moore when he gets stumped. Incidentally, Jim's original company was Moore's Electronics in Tiburon, CA but I believe he sold it. That's who we used to send our Spectras to before we started repairing them in-house but after paying Pelco's exorbitant repair charges. Average cost to repair dropped from $400-$500 (Pelco) to $300-$400 (Moore's) to $200-$300 (in-house).

João, I just confirmed with my PTZ Tech that you cannot replace one camera model with another in Spectra III's and IV's. Each camera model requires its own firmware and the firmware chip is soldered to the Receiver/driver PC Board.

Charles, I just talked to my PTZ Tech and he confirmed my thoughts. You say you've replaced the camera head, motors, slip ring and receiver/driver board. Did you replace the power supply (DD53KIT)? Did you replace the original camera with the same model? 99% of the problems with Spectra III's are with the original power supply board. While it can be repaired, it is usually better in the long run to just replace the entire board with a DD53KIT. Also be aware, if you replace the camera (rarely needed in our experience with Spectra III's - much more common with Spectra II's) you must replace the original camera with the same model. If you substitute a different camera model it would require a different firmware. Only the Spectra II's allowed that due to their socketed firmware chips. Spectra III's and IV's have soldered firmware chips that are not easily replaced.

Symphony, While HD-SDI can be run over existing coax, it is a coin toss whether it will work in any particular situation. The cable must be in excellent condition with substantially no deterioration, tight bends, poor connectors and/or connections, etc. When it does work, it works well but when it doesn't, troubleshooting can be a royal pain. Since the signal is digital, it is also go/no-go. The visible differences between HD-SDI and other technologies can range from the subtle to the gross. An IP camera, for instance, can be set to very low frame rates, very high compression (low quality) and/or lower-than-HD resolutions. If either is the case, the HD-SDI camera would shine in comparison. On the other hand, if the IP camera is set at low compression / highest resolution / 30fps, etc. the quality difference will be subtle. Often ignored is the fact that this also applies to recordings in a DVR or NVR. While HD-SDI has the ability to display better "Live" picture quality than any other comparable technology, HD-SDI DVRs/NVRs follow the same compression rules as any others. After compression for recording, the playback video will be nearly identical from any technology given the same record settings. So in essence, unless you want to monitor all of your cameras "Live", HD-SDI will give you little benefit. By the way, there are or will be DVRs with the capability to record both analog and HD for any technology, including HD-SDI, HDCVI, HD-TVI, AHD and IP. The capability has been available to IP via encoders for many years and to HD-SDI for at least a couple of years. The rest of the technologies either have already, or will likely soon, follow suit.

Charles, Spectra III's are excellent PTZs. We have ~120 Spectra II's, III's and IV's (in process of replacing all Spectra II's with either IP or Spectra IV's) and, other than the power supplies, feel that the III's are/were the best of the group. We also do our own repairs(a major reason for "retiring" Spectra II's is parts discontinuance). It is possible the Spectra IV's pan bases will hold up better in our hot climate but otherwise the Spectra III's and IV's develop similar problems. One major negative about Spectra IV's - firmware. Pelco's early firmware had bugs and their update tool doesn't work most of the time. We tried updating firmware on a couple and gave up because the results were disappointing. Spectra III's never had real firmware issues.

nesperas, Yes, camera and firmware are closely linked. Typically, you must replace the firmware if you replace one camera model with another.

Is that all the WCS1-4 is powering? Is the Spectra III in an environmental dome? The reason I ask is that the WCS1-4 is rated to supply 4 amps. A Spectra III in an Environmental back box with heater "on" draws ~70VA (approximately 3A @ 24VAC) while with heater off it only draws ~25VA (approximately 1A). At 3A draw, the nominal voltage of the WCS1-4 will probably drop to closer to 24V. In addition, while 18 gauge wire should be sufficient for 20 ft., there might be a problem like broken strands, etc. Are you sure it's 18 gauge? All Spectra Series domes will stop working if the power drops below ~18V. But you don't want to feed too high a voltage to the dome drive. Even moderately high voltages will cause excessive heat. Really high voltages (greater than 30VAC) would likely fry the dome's power supply. That's an issue you need to take into account with environmental housings. It is possible that voltage would be in range with the heater "on" but become excessive with heater "off" due to power supply and wiring voltage drops under the higher loads. I've also seen the reverse. One client complained that his outdoor Spectra worked fine during the day but shut off at night. On further investigation, he was in a cold climate and was powering an environmental Spectra with approximately 150 feet of 18 gauge wire. During the day, the wire's voltage drop was within range but at night when the heater came on, voltage dropped way down. The solution was to re-run power using 12 gauge wire. The other possibility is the dome drive itself. Spectra III's had power supply problems so Pelco released a modified power supply as a "DD53KIT". It can be obtained from TLS Electronics (aka Time Lapse Supply) for approximately $170.00 (http://www.timelapsesupply.com/pelcospectraiii.html).

I believe AHD is actually Korean. HDCVI was developed by Dahua and is being licensed to other manufacturers both directly and via the HDcctv Alliance as HDcctv 2.0 AT. HD-TVI was developed by Techpoint, a U.S. semiconductor manufacturer. It has been licensed to Dahua's largest competitor, Hikvision, among others. HDCVI product has been out since last year, though it is still being developed and enhanced by both Dahua and the HDcctv Alliance. HD-TVI product is just starting to be released and supply of all of the pieces necessary to build a complete system is still a few months away. Supposedly, HD-TVI was actually developed before HDCVI but was put on the back burner by Techpoint, who also manufactures semis for HD-SDI, until HDCVI's release made them reconsider releasing HD-TVI. Also, according to pundits, HD-TVI has more/better capabilities built in than HDCVI, including longer transport distances and better-quality 1080p.

A PC connected to the TV via HDMI is an option, but it can be expensive. Although I don't use my HTPC for that purpose, I could if I wanted to.

Doesn't your NVR have remote capability? If it does, you can install the client software on a PC and control it by logging in through the client software.

One option for an analog camera would be to use UTP (Cat5/6) cable with an active transmitter at the camera and an active receiver at the other end. Typical distance limitations for analog UTP are: Passive-passive (baluns at each end): 800-1,000 feet. Active-passive/passive-active (balun at one end and active device at the other end): 1,500-2000 feet. Active-active (active transmitter and receiver): 3,000-4000 feet. For other camera types there are other options. For instance, EoC (Ethernet-over-coax) devices claim to be able to transmit 10/100 over RG59 for up to 8000 feet but I would take that with a grain of salt. NVT's NV-EC1701 claims to be able to send 10/100 Ethernet and supply up to 10 watts of PoE power approximately 2,500 feet on RG59. Although NVT doesn't state it in their brochure, distances for both Ethernet and Power and/or wattage could be increased by running copper/copper RG6 or RG11. The biggest problem you would have is the power. For that distance, you would either have to supply camera power locally or use some very heavy gauge power cable for higher power applications, like heater/blowers or PTZ motors. Even 10W at 24VAC would require 10 gauge wire to supply enough power over 1/2 mile and if the camera drew the same 10W at 12VDC, you would probably need 8 gauge or larger wire. Whatever method you choose, make sure you allow for the worst-case scenario when determining what will work. Add all power needs together and allow for a "cushion". Don't assume quoted maximum distances for a given device will work - manufacturers tend to "fudge" their specs and use best-case scenarios when giving specs.

In my experience, Catx cable is quite strong. It usually becomes weak when the insulation is stripped off - a metal wire stripper will often score the cable and that is its weakest point. I've usually had better luck using my fingernails to strip individual conductors since they don't score the cable. YMMV

Not necessarily. Many Axis cameras, in particular, have done away with separate power connections - PoE only. Power Power over Ethernet IEEE 802.3af/802.3at Type 1 AXIS P3354/P3364-V/P3384-V: Class 2; max 5.9 W AXIS P3364-LV: IR illumination on: Class 3; max 12.1 W IR illumination off: Class 2; max 5.9 W AXIS P3365-V: Class 2; max 4.2 W AXIS P3346/P3346-V: Class 2; max 6.4 W AXIS P3367-V: Class 2; max 6.2 W

Yes, they will crop the image. Start with a 3MP sensor, which is typically 2048 x 1536 pixels. Camera manufacturers typically don't interpolate pixels when down-resing from 4:3 to 16:9 so the 1080p output of the camera would only use 1920 of the available 2048 horizontal pixels and 1080 of the available 1536 pixels. Whether you get any cropping at other resolutions may depend on the camera mfg. 1.3MP is typically 1280x960 or 1280x1024 (depending in the mfg.). I doubt most camera mfg.'s use tricks that can minimally sample odd multiples of pixels so down-resing from 3MP to 1.3MP would probably use a combination of dropping pixels and cropping.