What Are the Three Types of CCTV? Explained
When homeowners or business owners inquire about surveillance systems, a frequent question is: What are the three types of CCTV? Companies offering CCTV Installation San Francisco often explain that not all CCTV systems are alike. Knowing which type—analog, HD over coax, or IP/network—suits your requirements helps you make better design, cost, and performance decisions.
Recognizing the Three Main CCTV Types
In industry practice and vendor literature, CCTV systems are often categorized into three dominant types:
- Analog CCTV (classic, standard definition)
- HD over Coax / HD CCTV (high-definition signaling over coaxial infrastructure)
- IP / Network CCTV (digital, networked surveillance)
These categories reflect the evolution of surveillance technology from simple wired analog systems to modern networked solutions.
Analog CCTV
Analog CCTV is the traditional “closed-circuit television” system. Cameras send analog video signals over coaxial cables to a DVR (Digital Video Recorder). The DVR digitizes and stores the footage.
Key Characteristics:
- Uses coaxial cabling (often RG-59 or RG-6)
- Requires separate power cabling for cameras
- Resolution is limited compared to newer systems
- Simple and proven technology
Pros:
- Lower upfront cost for hardware
- Robust and relatively simple to maintain
- Limited exposure to hacking because of its closed nature
Cons:
- Lower image quality—blurry or grainy when zoomed
- Less flexible in expansion or advanced features
- Cable complexity: separate video, power, and control cabling
Analog systems are still viable in many smaller installations, but they have limitations as surveillance standards advance.
HD Over Coax (HD CCTV)
HD over Coax—or HD CCTV—represents a middle ground: high-definition video transmitted over legacy coaxial infrastructure. This includes technologies such as AHD, TVI, CVI, and HDcctv.
Key Characteristics:
- Delivers HD resolution (720p, 1080p or more) using coax
- Reuses much of the existing cabling infrastructure
- Low latency, direct transmission
- Often uses DVRs compatible with HD signaling
Pros:
- Upgrades HD capability without replacing all wiring
- Better image quality than analog
- Compared to IP, simpler infrastructure and lower latency
Cons:
- Less feature-rich than IP systems
- Still bounded by analog transmission constraints
- Limited scalability when adding many cameras
HD over Coax is commonly chosen when an upgrade is desired but rewiring is costly or impractical.
IP / Network CCTV
IP or network CCTV systems are fully digital. Cameras encode video into digital data and transmit it over local area networks (LAN) or the internet to NVRs (Network Video Recorders) or cloud systems.
Key Characteristics:
- Single cable (Ethernet) often handles both data and power via PoE (Power over Ethernet)
- High resolution and scalability (2K, 4K, 8MP and beyond)
- Advanced features: analytics, remote access, motion detection, AI integration
- Flexible deployment: wired, wireless, hybrid
Pros:
- Excellent image quality and clarity
- Rich feature set (analytics, alerts, remote viewing)
- Easier to expand and integrate with smart systems
Cons:
- Typically higher initial cost
- Greater demands on network bandwidth and infrastructure
- Security must be robust to protect networked devices
IP CCTV is considered the modern standard for many medium and large security installations.
Comparative Feature Analysis
Here’s how the three types compare across important dimensions:
| Feature | Analog CCTV | HD Over Coax | IP / Network CCTV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Image Quality / Resolution | Basic, lower resolution | HD quality (720p–1080p or more) | High definition up to 4K+ |
| Cabling & Infrastructure | Separate power + video + control cables | Reuses coaxial for video + newer power methods | Single Ethernet (PoE) or hybrid setups |
| Scalability & Flexibility | Limited | Moderate | High |
| Advanced Features | Basic (motion, scheduling) | Some enhanced features | Analytics, remote alerts, AI |
| Latency & Simplicity | Low latency, simple setup | Low latency with direct paths | Some latency via network and packet handling |
| Cost Trade-offs | Low cost upfront | Mid-range for upgrades | Higher upfront, but flexible and powerful |
Use Cases & Decision Guidance
- Analog CCTV is still viable for small homes, legacy systems, or places where budget is tight.
- HD Over Coax is ideal for upgrading existing analog systems without full rewiring.
- IP / Network CCTV fits when you need remote monitoring, analytics, scalability, or integration into larger security ecosystems.
Often, hybrid systems are used—mixing analog, HD, and IP cameras in the same system to balance cost and performance.
Future Directions & Hybrid Systems
The boundaries between these types are blurring. Modern systems often support hybrid operation (analog + IP) or allow IP features on coax lines. Emerging trends include:
- Edge AI — analytics done on camera
- Integration into smart building/control systems
- Hybrid DVR/NVR units that accept both analog and IP inputs
These evolutions allow leveraging existing infrastructure while gaining modern capabilities.
Conclusion & Key Takeaways
- The three main types of CCTV are Analog, HD over Coax (HD CCTV), and IP / Network CCTV.
- Analog is simple and cost-effective but limited in resolution and flexibility.
- HD over Coax is a practical upgrade path, giving HD video using legacy wiring.
- IP CCTV provides top-tier image quality, analytics, and remote access, albeit at higher network cost.
- Choose based on building infrastructure, performance requirements, and future scalability.