chessman 0 Posted September 27, 2005 Hi Why do CCTV cameras need a video capture card to be used on a PC? Can I connect a CCTV camera to my USB port on my PC? Chessman. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rory 0 Posted September 27, 2005 CCTV cameras have BNC video outputs, so you would need a BNC-USB interface. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thomas 0 Posted September 27, 2005 You need something that converts the camera to something the PC can see. Some companies (mine included) sell devices to do just that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baywatch 1 Posted September 28, 2005 We have used a device called WalkGuard by Grandtec. These are cheap & cheerful with software that works ok. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chessman 0 Posted September 28, 2005 Thanks. Please can u give me any web urls with more info on this. Is framerate an issue if using the USB adapter? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thomas 0 Posted September 28, 2005 Yes, the USB has some serious bandwith issues. You can put about 120 fps at low resolution through it. At higher resolutions you're looking at 30 fps. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scottj 0 Posted September 28, 2005 Isn't the distance between the camera and USB port going to be an issue as well? My understanding is that after about 15 ft. USB is worthless. Maybe I am not understanding exactly what he wants to do...Sounds like he could just buy a webcam and call it a day. scottj Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thomas 0 Posted September 28, 2005 It depends if the converison is done at the camera (web cam) or if it's done nearer to the PC (converter box). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scottj 0 Posted September 28, 2005 that makes sense, thanks Thomas Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baywatch 1 Posted September 28, 2005 Here's the link to the Grandtec product. http://www.grand.com.tw/en/product_form.asp?lwk_series=52&lwk_product=f-020&lwk_page= We have been using them with IR bullets for low budget domestic 1 cam situations & the customers seem satisfied. We have also used them for fast covert installations in some small business situations where people have been messing with the computer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chessman 0 Posted September 28, 2005 thanks for the advice everyone. I want CCTV quality and a good 60 fps from a single CCTV camera into a USB 2.0 port., but I'm not sure the USB can handle the data rate. It seems that most PC-base applications of CCTV cams require a video capture card - and I think this may be due to bandwidth issues. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scottj 0 Posted September 28, 2005 30 FPS is the most you can expect per camera channel. scottj Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thomas 0 Posted September 28, 2005 The frame rate it supports is based on resolution. In theory it's 120 at 320 by 240. 30 fps at 640 x 480. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rory 0 Posted September 28, 2005 IS this for a laptop? You could also buy a USB DVR ... thing is if you want to record 24/7 then you will need to keep it dedicated .. otherwise on and off like on a laptop for private investigation, would be okay. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baywatch 1 Posted September 29, 2005 The unit we use is only for budget or covert use, the image quality is acceptable for this and the motion detection software that comes with it is useful. Why do you need 60 fps for cctv? If you require a higher quality image then you will need better equipment. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
msecure 0 Posted September 29, 2005 You can try this Taiwanese company http://www.ame-group.com/ Have bought a sample a couple of years back & if i remember correctly I can get decent quality for 4 cameras @100FPS using a notebook. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rpogge 0 Posted February 1, 2008 not sure if this is any good. but its cheap, .. I'm about to order one I think. http://cgi.ebay.com/New-USB-Video-Audio-Capture-Adapter-Card-DVD-VCD-Maker_W0QQitemZ330208355667QQihZ014QQcategoryZ3761QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem Share this post Link to post Share on other sites