AHD vs HD-CVI what’s difference between them?

Since the popularity of CMOS image sensor, the traditional analog video surveillance is undergoing tremendous transformation. More and more security camera manufacturers launch new high definition analog solutions, which are, HD-SDI, HD-CVI, HD-TVI, and now HD-AHD. All of them can deliver 720P/1080P high definition images, and transmitting the video over traditional coaxial cable. HD-SDI cameras and HD-SDI DVR are the most expensive HD analog equipment among them, which is the main reason HD-SDI technology doesn’t widely used in HD analog surveillance system. Compared with HD-SDI, the cameras based on other three technologies are very competitive.

We have already written some articles to introduce each of these technologies, and the difference between them. Today, we are going to discuss the difference between HD-CVI cameras and HD-AHD cameras.

The main difference: 1.0 megapixel AHD camera adopts OV9712 + NVP2431H solution, while HD-CVI camera adopts the PO3100K + DH9801 solution. In addition to the difference of solution, the price vary greatly, OV9712 + NVP2431 of AHD camera module only costs US$6.5, and PO3100K + DH9801 camera module costs approximate US$10.

Additionally, AHD camera can connect to CRT display directly, the image can display properly. HD-CVI camera connects to traditional CRT, it doesn’t show images. For video live view/recording/playback, HD-CVI cameras need to work with HD-CVI DVR. It seems, the HD-AHD cameras support 960H output mode, which is very convenient for test and installation. Since the AHD cameras can be backward compatible with all traditional analog equipment. Compared with HD-CVI, it has advantages of great compatibility.

Hit a nutshell, AHD and HD-CVI are very similar. Please note that in order to achieve megapixel definition monitoring (720P), the AHD cameras also need to work with AHD DVR.