PLAN TO USE MORE THAN ONE CAMERA?

1. How many cameras can be viewed or recorded at the same time?

2. What is a "quad" and are there more than one kind?

3. Can I use different types of cameras with a single quad?

4. What does "FPS" mean and why is it important to me?

5. Why is a processor's resolution so important?

6. What is an alarm quad?

7. If I use an alarming quad, do I need an alarm vcr as well?

8. What is video motion detection and what are its advantages & disadvantages?

9. What is simplex, duplex and triplex ability?

Q1: How many cameras can be viewed or recorded at the same time?

A1: Theoretically, as many as you can afford! Generally speaking, however, you can choose to view and/or record 1, 4, 8 or even 16 cameras at once- depending on the type of video processor and/ or recorder or server used. Back to top-->

Q2: What are "quads" and are there more than one kind?

A2: A video "quad" is a general term for a wide array of video processors which are capable of connecting multiple video cameras to be shown on the same screen at the same time. A "dual page" quad has eight video inputs and allows viewing of 4 cameras at a time on two "pages" or alternating screens. Anything beyond 8 cameras is generally referred to as a "multiprocessor" or multiplexer even though all are considered video processors. Our QB-4/8 and QC-4 are excellent, high resolution processors capable of viewing multiple cameras simultaneously in near real time. Read more below about frame speed and why it is so important to your selection. Back to top-->

Q3: Can I use different types of cameras with a single quad?

A3: Yes, but you may have to use adapters to connect different types of plugs into the input ports. Also, black & white quads and processors will not process color cameras- though most color processors will image black & white cameras. Generally, you can use a color camera with a monochrome-only processor. However, it will appear as black and white in quad mode and only appear onscreen as color when selected in "full frame" mode. Back to top-->

Q4: What does "FPS" mean and why is it important to me?

A4: FPS refers to the number of "frames per second" that can be viewed and or recorded for a given camera.
This can be a very misleading specification when it comes to processors. Virtually EVERY processor ever made has a 30 FPS viewing speed when in full frame mode- so this is NOT IMPORTANT! The main spec that really matters is how many SHARED frames per second the device is capable of processing.
FPS speed is generally figured for a 'full screen' view of only ONE of the 4 channels. Slower processors will show a definite visual 'drag' as they may only be processing 7.5 fps per camera in quad mode (or 30 fps shared divided by 4 channels). FPS goes down as the number of cameras being viewed simultaneously goes up. So, for 9-16 camera processors, you may have only a couple frames per second- giving each camera a jittery time lapse appearance. Obviously, the more frames recorded or imaged per second- the better quality and more fluid video you'll attain. When it comes to evidence- EVERY FRAME MAY COUNT! Back to top-->

Q5: What is a processor's resolution and why is it so important?

A5: Besides frame speed, the quality of any processor must also be judged by its overall resolution capability.
Why? Because just as the speed of each camera (or video input channel) is compressed when multiple cameras are being viewed at once- so is the video resolution! A lower resolution quad or processor may look sharp and fine when viewing a single channel or camera, but can lose a LOT of quality when divided by 4 (or especially for 8-16!). Back to top-->

Q6: What is an alarm quad?

A6: An alarm quad or processor is just like a regular quad or processor with one key difference. Alarm ports connected to trigger switches allow for external devices (like pir motion sensors) to activate desired alarm response- such as showing a full screen of one of the particular cameras (or zones) for a specified period of time. Back to top-->

Q7: If I use an alarming quad, do I need an alarm vcr as well?

A7: Not necessarily- but it is highly recommended. If you are using a quad or processor with multiple alarm in ports- you can record with any consumer vcr. However, you must keep vcr recording at all times. Consumer vcrs (when used in EP mode with a T-160 video tape) have a maximum record time of 8 hours- which means a lot of changing tapes.
An alarm vcr- like an alarm quad- has external trigger ports to connect to relay switches, such as a PIR motion sensor or the "alarm OUT" relay switch from an alarm quad. Back to top-->

Q8: What is video motion detection and what are its advantages & disadvantages?

A8: First of all, there are a couple major types of "video motion detection" available. Some are external auxiliary sensors. Video motion detection is a relatively new technology which is replacing external motion sensors and physical switches for alarm recording. It is generally found in two versions- those which use "markers" (kind of 'blips') which you place on the screen. These little dots create an internal alarm in the device when the video underneath them changes (figured as motion). The other kind uses a basic light adjustment feature. The main reported problems with the marker type are that- by the time a subject passes the area in which marker has been installed, more than half of the desired video will never have been recorded. The newer light sensitive type has been reported to create a lot of false alarms in light changing environments- such as slight movements in the sun during outdoor surveillance. On a positive note.
The best digital motion detection is found within true software protocols and is now commonly referred to as PMD. A pixelated modulation detection method which distinguishes even small movement ANYWHERE on the screen.
The best we've seen are in our current DVR models, which even feature adjustable sensitivity for different conditions. These also have the ability to "mask" out a certain area or areas. Many also feature external trigger inputs in case you want some channels to have external dedicated switches, such as PIR motion sensors.
Click here to read more about aspects of motion detection on the special recording options and features FAQ answer page. Back to top-->

Q9: What are simplex and duplex and triplex capabilities?

A9: These are simply terms which define the nature of the processor. Many 4 camera systems are simplex and usually feature two video output ports on the back- one to go to the monitor and one to go to a video recorder (DVR or VCR). The output signal from the monitor port shows all 4 cameras unless a single camera is selected as "full frame" on the screen. The output signal from the "VCR" or recorder port will continously display all 4 cameras regardless of what manual functions may be in operation by the user.
Duplexing systems essentially allow user to "loop through" to monitor one camera while still recording the others. Duplexing systems actually record individual camera frames rather than all at once- allowing user to select a single camera during playback of recording- regardless of what manual selections were made onscreen by operator during recording.
Triplex systems are found as digital devices which allow simultaneous monitoring, recording and playback of different events!
It does get more complicated and if you have any more questions or feel you need a duplexing multiprocessor or quad, please let us know and we'll be happy to help. We carry many excellent units of this type- with 4, 8, 9 or 16 camera models to choose from. Back to top-->