For much of the history of surveillance, analog video has been an important component of nearly every security system. Analog systems, with plug-and-play, low cost and ease of operation, still continue to provide an ideal solution for many businesses looking to upgrade their existing standard definition systems, even in a digital world. According to the Video Surveillance & Analytics Database Report – 2021 Analysis from Omdia, the global market revenues (excluding China) of Analog and HD CCTV cameras in 2020 amounted to approximately US$750 million.

Leading the evolution of Over-Coax Industry

Despite the advantages of digitalization and AI, many businesses are still reluctant to transform their entire systems from analog to IP. The prevailing challenges include high cost, huge hassle in replacing cables, and users’ constant need for a latency-free transmission performance even with poor network connectivity, which is paramount to complex and widely dispersed facilities like banks and casinos. Modern analog technology allows customers to easily upgrade their systems from standard definition to high definition by reusing existing cables rather than replacing the entire system, while providing the intelligent features they are looking for on digital systems, thus greatly reducing customer costs. This is possible thanks to HDCVI technology.

HDCVI, or High Definition Composite Video Interface, is an over-coaxial-cable video standard that enables long-distance HD transmission (up to 1,200m) of 4 signals (audio, video, data, and power). With just one coaxial cable connecting the front-end and back-end devices, HDCVI allows installers and users to achieve one-step high-definition monitoring without additional configuration.

First introduced by Dahua in 2012, HDCVI has been leading the innovation in the Over-Coax field over the past decade, achieving a number of industry-leading milestones, including: HD-Over-Coax Technology, Audio-Over-Coax Technology, 4K Real-Time Technology, Super Adapt Technology, etc.

When HDCVI meets AI

In the wave of the digital intelligence revolution, the HDCVI line of cameras and recorders has expanded in recent years to include an array of cutting-edge AI capabilities. For example, Dahua introduced SMD Plus technology in 2019 to enable precise recognition of humans and vehicles, making it easier for users to focus on real threats without spending time and labor costs checking unnecessary alarms caused by interfering objects.

In order to provide users with more intelligent and efficient video analysis through economically viable AI technology and products, Dahua introduced the brand new HDCVI TEN. It includes four core technological highlights: AI-for-all, Scheduled AI, Smart Dual Illuminators and Real 5MP 16:9.

1. AI-for-all

As digital surveillance solutions continue to evolve, they present many advantages and powerful AI capabilities that enable businesses to run massively scalable and efficient security systems. However, their high-end pricing and complicated operation discourage some entry-level users.

Adhering to the concept of “AI-for-all”, Dahua launched the industry’s first entry-level AI XVR – the Cooper-I series – in 2021, bringing inclusive AI experience to all users. Adopting AI chipset and deep-learning algorithm, all Dahua XVR series today are equipped with cost-effective AI capabilities, such as SMD Plus, Perimeter Protection, AI Coding, etc. While offering accurate alarm and quick target search, it allows users to configure AI functions more easily through its user-friendly design. In addition, AI Coding maintains the target image quality while saving 50% bandwidth and storage costs compared with standard H.265.

2. Scheduled AI

One of the outstanding features of HDCVI TEN is the Scheduled AI function of XVR5000-4KL-I3 series. In the past, users need to manually configure the system to turn on and off each AI function because only one AI function can be enabled per channel. The Scheduled AI feature allows users to set different AI functions according to different time periods (up to 6 time periods a day), and the system will automatically switch to execute each AI task at the corresponding time. This not only simplifies the operation, but also provides more flexible choices for multiple application scenarios, such as villa, retail store, public swimming pool, etc.

Taking villa scenario as an example: during daytime, users can set Perimeter Protection with voice prompt "No Parking!" to prevent people from parking in front of their garage door while they are away from home; during late hours, the SMD Plus function will be activated automatically to warn off intruders via audio voice prompt “Private Property. Keep Out!” which can significantly help protect home owners and their properties.

3. Smart Dual Illuminators

Equipped with Smart Dual Illuminators technology, the HDCVI TEN cameras support two kinds of supplementary lights: IR and white light. In Smart Illumination Mode (default mode), the supplementary white light will only turn on when the target is detected by the SMD Plus/Perimeter Protection function of an AI-enabled XVR. When the target leaves the rule area, the white light will turn off and the infrared light will turn back on. It can be used in parks, shops, courtyards, warehouses and other application scenarios where there are usually very few people or vehicles late at night, and can help reduce light pollution during nighttime. With Full-color features, the camera can collect more useful information for further analysis. Together with other modes including IR Mode and White Light Mode, the Smart Dual Illuminators technology can meet various scene requirements of customers.

4. Real 5MP 16:9

Real 5MP 16:9 is a leading technology in the HD-Over-Coax market that solves the image distortion problem caused by previous 5MP 4:3 cameras. It can better fit standard HD displays and achieve undistorted image performance. Compared to the previous 5MP@20fps output, the Real 5MP camera is the first camera with 5MP real-time video output. It effectively restores the monitored scene with clear and vivid details, offering a more fluent visual experience for places like casinos where image clarity and accurate target identification are of paramount importance. The camera also supports industry-leading Super Adapt technology, which can recognize and adjust to various monitoring environments such as indoor, outdoor, or areas with intense lighting, providing an excellent image performance.

2022 marks the 10^th anniversary of HDCVI. Over the past ten years, the HDCVI technology has been leading the analog technology into the high-definition era, and now it is leading the Over-Coax technology into the era of AI. In the future, Dahua will continue to strengthen its front-end sensing capabilities and back-end intelligent application capabilities to enable more coaxial smart IoT solutions and create value for global customers.

Let's look forward to the next decade of HDCVI!