Upgrading Coax Security Camera Systems
How to upgrade existing coax security camera systems to 4K Digital without rewiring everything!
There are millions of analog coax based CCTV security cameras and systems still in use today. You can find them in homes and businesses everywhere. As the cameras fail, owners are looking for cost effective ways to upgrade to HD digital.
You may have heard "You need to go IP based or get a Cat6 system,” which means rewiring the entire system. None of that is true or guarantees you get a top performing system. In fact, using the term “IP” as a way to gauge quality is incorrect. IP actually stands for “Internet Protocol”. It has nothing to do with quality or performance. The same is true with Cat5 or Cat6. That is just a reference to a cable. It has nothing to do with clarity or performance.
So how do you upgrade your existing coax wired CCTV security system to top performing 4K and still use the old cables? Simple, you use our Armor Pro Series the system offers 4K digital video over coax and supports IP cameras using a PoE unit. Our Armor Pro DVRs can support any combination of coax and IP cameras.
Our Armor Pro Series DVRs use the exact same BNC fittings as the old analog systems, so you don’t have to change your cables or fittings to upgrade an existing CCTV analog system - just replace the cameras and the video recorder.
What to watch out for: When you upgrade to Armor Pro, it's best to replace the power supply with the cameras. Power supplies age poorly. Total power output can decline over time and noise can be induced into the power feed as the electronics age. Resulting in your new cameras possibly working, but not at their best level. The night vision may work, but not at the maximum distance. You may also see digital lines in the video or various strange intermittent pixilation. Always upgrade the power supply with the cameras.
Verify the Power: Most (98%) of analog cameras operate on 12v DC power. Only PTZ cameras use 24v AC power. However, you should always check to make sure your cameras are 12v DC and the power supply is 12v DC. Always verify and match the power requirements of the cameras to the power supply.
Steps:
1. Verify your cable is Rg6 or Rg59. Do not use a substitute with other cables, such as aluminum shielded cable. It will not work. By definition, Rg59 and Rg6 cable is copper shielded. It should have a 95% copper shield and a solid copper core.
2. When replacing a camera, also replace the power supply.
3. Inspect your fittings. If you are up-grading an older system, make sure the fittings are clean and that there is no dirt or moisture damage in the fitting.
Other than that, it’s just a matter of selecting your new Armor Pro cameras and video recorder - which, by the way, we would be very glad to help with.
Chapters
1 - The Smart Way to Shop for Security Cameras
Many consumers are more confused at the end of shopping for a security solution than when they started. (video)
2 - Choosing the Right Technology
There are so many different technologies on the market: solar, battery, wireless, wired as well as Consumer Grade and Professional Grade versions of these products. How do you know which is right for you? (video)
3 - Industry Warranty's Indicate Quality
A security camera's warranty is a good indication of its quality and how long you should expect it to last. Industry warranties range from 1 to 10 years. Know the warranty before you buy! (video)
There are golden rules that should be considered when designing or purchasing any security camera system. We explain each rule so you "Get It Right the First Time"! (video)
5 - Understanding Resolution & Frame Rates
Let's cut through the confusion and keep things simple when it comes to video clarity and resolution. Which resolution is right for your application? (video)
It's important to learn the basic parts that are used in all video security camera systems: camera components, cable, recorders, monitors and internet connection. This video covers it all. (video)
7 - Best Camera Locations & Heights
Learn recommended camera fields of view, installation locations and heights for best coverage. Your design should be flexible while following these best practices.
8 - Selecting the Right Camera & Mount
One size does NOT fit all! Learn how to select the right camera for each location. Optical Zoom vs Digital Zoom, how to capture license plates, color night vision & more. Follow the Pro's tips and get it right the first time. (video)
9 - Video Recorders & Best Locations
How to select the right security NVR (network video recorder) for your application. Click through to learn the best locations for video surveillance recorders.
10 - Video Storage, Hard Drives & Cloud
Use our storage calculator to easily calculate what size hard drive need. Learn how to expand storage, protect against theft and what cloud options we offer. (video)
11 - PoE Units & How to Use Them
PoE units make installation more cost-effective and provide flexible system design options. Learn what they are and how to use them.
12 - Wire & Cable - Alternative Transmission Options
Learn how to wire a system, plan cable runs and design efficiently. If the camera installation is difficult, our wireless transmission options will solve the problem. (video)
Learn how to design an effective business security camera system. Effectively secure your assets and employees while managing your business operations from anywhere. (video)
Learn how to design an effective home security camera system to secure your home, assets, and family. Monitor your home remotely from anywhere. (video)
15 - Interior Camera Placement
Learn how to effectively locate security cameras inside of your home or business for the best coverage while maintaining privacy.
16 - DIY Installation or Pro Install - You Choose!
Most of our customers install the system themselves with our expert factory support, but you may want that clean professional installation completed by a pro. We support both options nationwide and you choose which you prefer. (video)
17 - Live & Remote Viewing with Alerts
You choose how you interface with our state-of-the-art-systems. All options are available and any combination of viewing options can be used: direct connect monitors, personal computers, tablets, and smartphones - Super fast, clear, and no monthly fees.
One of the most common requests our customers have is the ability to identify and capture license plates. This can be achieved if you follow the rules and recommendations we detail. It is important that you follow them, simply because capturing a license plate is one of the most challenging tasks for security cameras.
19 - Customizing Kits - Sending Quotes - Financing
Learn how to customize any of our kits to meet your exact needs, then send a line-item PDF quote to any email you choose. Use our instant financing option during checkout to fit the budget. (video)
20 - ProVue vs. Cyber Secure - Feature Comparison
We offer two high performance series. Both are cutting-edge 4K solutions. Which series is right for you?
21 - Become Certified Design Consultant
Help secure your community and earn a great income on your schedule. Backstreet University offers a professional consultant training course.
Design Tools & Resources
Let one of our experts design your system. Its the sure way to get it right the first time at the lowest price. Book a 30-minute design appointment using our online calendar. You'll be glad you did!
Do-it-yourself System Designer
Design your home or business security system like a Pro. Locate cameras and their viewing areas to provide a visual of the effective coverage of each camera and evaluate the overall design. This surveillance system design tool covers it all.
Build a complete custom system for your home or business without any confusion or mistakes. This easy to use tool makes sure you select all the components you need for a complete system. You can even include installation!
Use our video storage calculator to determine the size of the hard drive you need based on the number of cameras and the desired storage days.
Not sure what Cat6 is? Would you like to know the difference between a DVR and an NVR? Here are simple and clear explanations of the industry terms.
How to Troubleshoot Security Cameras & Systems
CCTV Security systems consist of several electronic parts. The system requires all of them to be operating flawlessly for reliable operation. When one item fails it can be difficult to find the issues because each part relies on the other for system-wide operation. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions and you'll quickly identify the part causing the problem.
Industry News & Events
US government banned the use of Dahua, Lorex, Hikvision and other security cameras in federal facilities due to hidden backdoors. In June 2021, the FCC unanimously voted to start procedures to ban the sale of these brands to the general public by denying new products FCC approval.
The NDAA law banned the use of electronic equipment provided by specific companies. What’s interesting about the law is that it bans companies rather than countries. It ignores borders and focuses on individual entities.
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