In traditional analog camera systems, the cameras and DVRs were designed to work with specific video formats. For example, a camera that uses analog coaxial cables can only be connected to a DVR that supports the same format. This limited the flexibility of the system and made it difficult to upgrade or expand.
A multi-format or hybrid camera and DVR system can work with different video formats such as analog, HD-TVI, HD-CVI, and IP cameras. This allows for greater flexibility when upgrading or expanding the system, as different cameras can be added without having to replace the entire system.
The hybrid DVR is the central unit of the system that connects to the cameras and records the video footage. It can support multiple video formats and can also connect to the internet for remote access and management.
The hybrid camera is compatible with cameras of its kind and finds a common language with cameras of other formats. For example, a camera that supports AHD and TVI format can work with the same DVRs.
If we simulate a situation where there is already installed video surveillance, which includes a DVR from the manufacturer HiWatch, working with the TVI format, then we can say with confidence that here you can install a multi-format camera that supports the TVI format.
Overall, a multi-format or hybrid camera and DVR system is a versatile and flexible solution for security camera systems, as it allows for easy expansion and upgrade while supporting different video formats.
Hybrid equipment is valuable when generations of cameras overlap
A hybrid camera or recorder solves a migration problem rather than an image-quality problem. It allows an installation to keep coaxial infrastructure while accepting several analog HD formats, and in some systems to combine those channels with IP streams. The real value is the ability to replace equipment gradually without making the entire site homogeneous on day one.
Connect the hybrid layer to the VMS
For software integration, verify what the DVR or encoder exposes on the network: individual RTSP streams, ONVIF devices, audio and event information may differ by model. SmartVision can work above that conversion layer when standard streams are available. See AHD and VMS for the two sides of this architecture.