27 Mar 2014
Heat, connectivity and resolution are just a few of the key criteria to consider when selecting a new CCTV monitor

When looking for a new CCTV monitor, buyers want to consider more than just the size. This buyer’s guide highlights some key facts to keep in mind when choosing and comparing different types of monitor units.

Power consumption

Where ever possible, it is best to choose an LED rather than an LCD monitor. A LED panel uses less power, and is therefore cheaper to run than a similar sized LCD panel. LED monitors use up to 46% less power over the life of the unit.

Heat

One of the main reasons for the failure of an electrical device is the build-up of heat in the chassis. To combat this, monitor buyers should select, where possible, a monitor with an external PSU. This will greatly reduce the heat generated inside the unit and extend its longevity. LED monitors give off less heat than LCD monitors because they use less power.

Where ever possible, it is best to choose an LED rather than an LCD monitor

Connectivity

A CCTV monitor is a display device that is usually connected to a feed from a surveillance video recording device. Systems can be “future proofed” to a certain extent by using a monitor with multiple inputs. Most DVR and NVR devices have a VGA connection, while some have HDMI or DVI connections. Fewer and fewer digital devices use an analogue BNC style connector as an output to the display, and it is unlikely that this trend will reverse. Buyers should select a monitor that will provide the most flexibility going forward.


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Release of new technologies into the consumer market, like 4K televisions, will soon have an impact on the industrial market

Resolution

When shopping for a monitor, it is important to select the panel that will suit the maximum resolution of the device -or more commonly- the connection cable. Most standard HDMI and DVI cables will support a resolution of 1920 x 1080. 

The future

New technologies like the OLED and 4K televisions have been released to the consumer market, and these could have some significant impact on the industrial market. In any case, if these new technologies gain in popularity, advances in camera, DVR, and NVR, technology and cabling, are likely to follow.

John Campbell
Vigilant Vision Ltd