The overall market trend is moving towards HD, as the general operating environment is maturing. “This is the area that analog cameras need to get upgraded to, in order to compete with network cameras,” Schnitzler said. “The turning point is probably sometime around 2015 to 2016.”
Adoption of the HDcctv standard offers a third way between IP and analog, since the gaining popularity of network cameras is largely due to HD video's increased clarity for surveillance. “We cannot predict when or if that tipping might occur, though 2012 appears overly aggressive,” Karunakaran said. “However, we believe HDcctv may offer a good compromise and could help to move the surveillance industry away from analog cameras.”
The adoption of HDcctv technology is an interesting wild card in the equation, Oliver said. “HDcctv delivers high-resolution content over existing coaxial cable and promises to provide a low barrier to entry for small to midsized installations.”
Although HDcctv is currently limited to 720p, the standard will increase functions and performance in the future. “Successive versions of the specification will address up-the-cable control, bidirectional audio, up-thecable power and so forth,” according to the HDcctv Alliance. Being able to run these functions over coaxial cable can be less complicated than IP-based setups for installers.
Regardless of adoption times, the market share of network cameras is indeed on the rise. Both network and analog surveillance cameras are rolling out with some remarkable features, thanks to component breakthroughs.