Security Camera Mysteries: What Does 720p Mean?

For those really into security systems that can handle serious levels of high technology, going with cameras that can capture an image and turn it into a high-definition display might be the way to go.

Prices of very nice kits have taken a hit recently, thanks to the entry of China wholesale security cameras suppliers. Typically, those kits feature video cameras capable of presenting images in what's called 720p.

Now, most of what 720p has to do with is the resolution, or quality, of the picture that will be displayed on a monitor capable of converting that signal to high-definition pictures.

"720" stands for the 720 horizontal scan lines of display resolution. The "p" stands for "progressive scan," though it's sometimes also meant to mean "non-interlaced."

Basically, 720p with its progressive scan lines can actually come much closer in terms of resolution to 1080i than most people might believe. It filters out flicker quite well and it's fairly sharp because it because it works so well at preventing that screen flicker. 1080 is so-called "true" high-definition and the number refers to the number of scan lines (1,080 of them) while the "I" stands for "interlaced."

"1080i" is the high-definition video mode, while high-def TVs usually feature 1080p, meaning that 1,080 horizontal scan lines are progressively scanned.

Both 720 and 1080 present pictures and displays that are generally superior to regular (or "standard definition") footage across every measurable criteria.

At any rate, most security professionals rate the ability to deliver displays in high-definition to be a desirable element in any good system.

Keep in mind, though, that a system able to capture and then display images in high-def is going to cost more, sometimes by many hundreds of dollars.

If getting one, make sure all the cameras are either all "I" or all "p," because the receiving equipment is only set up to handle one or the other.

These systems are considered, at present, to be the "gold standard" for home security kits.

Make sure any set being considered has a well-designed digital video recorder and security cameras that feature CCD (charge coupled devices) cameras that can make use of infra-red so that they can work well under all light conditions.

It's important that all cameras and equipment be matched up to match the resolution capabilities of the cameras because a 720p and a 1080i set of cameras normally can't be mixed together without a great deal of difficulty and a lot of adapter-type components.