Analog vs. Digital Resolution – TVL vs. Pixels

One of the most confusing and difficult topics in the CCTV world is resolution. Most of us have digital cameras or video camcorders and have heard the term megapixel used as the most common comparison in resolution between various makes and models. We are also aware that a larger number means better picture quality, but many people do not know why. In the CCTV security camera world, though, most cameras are still analog and their resolution is measured differently from what we are used to.

When measuring analog resolution, a TV line does not have a defined number of individual pixels. Instead, the term “TV lines” refers to the number of discernable horizontal or vertical lines on the screen. Analog security cameras are measured in Analog TV Lines, and most of them have between 420 and 580. The higher number of TV Lines, the more information captured. These types of cameras connect to a security DVR or CCTV VCR via coaxial video cable.

Zoomed too far into a picture from a website and seen the image go from clear to a bunch of colored squares – each one of those squares is an individual pixel. A megapixel (MP) is 1 million pixels, and is a specific measurement for digital resolution that encompasses the area of the output video.

Example: If a camera outputs a signal that is 1280×1024 pixels, it is shooting at a megapixel resolution of 1280 x 1024 = 1,310,720 pixels = 1.3 Megapixels (MP).

The most common type of digital security cameras are IP Cameras. These, like your digital camera at home, use strictly digital resolution. They utilize a network connection to either act as a standalone device or connect to a network-based DVR (Digital Video Recorder) or NVR (Network Video Recorder). IP Cameras have fixed resolutions and are now approaching, and in several cases exceeding, 1 megapixel in resolution, on average. Many of these cameras also support POE (Power Over Ethernet), which allows them to be powered by the Ethernet cable used for network connectivity, and PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom), allowing for remote control of the pan, tilt and zoom features, if applicable.

I hope this helped everyone distinguish the differences between Analog (TV Line) and Digital (Pixel) Resolution. We would love to know what you think of our articles, and if you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment!

Setting up a Secure Wireless Network with the TP-Link TL-WR541G.

Setting up a secure wireless network with the TP-Link TL-WR541G.

During the Commissioning of Video Product you need to Setting up a secure wireless network, I share only TP-Link Make WR541G product only.

In the picture above the address bar has http://arindamcctvaccesscontrol.blogspot.com OR http://www.google.com in it. Just replace all of that with the internal IP address of your router. By default the IP address should be set to 192.168.1.1.

You should see a box prompting you for your username and password. Enter your username and password now.

The Default Router Username is: admin

The Default Router Password is: admin

Click the Ok button to log in to your router.

Default Usernames and Passwords for other Routers

Please visit our Default Router Passwords page if the username and password shown below did not work for you.

If you can't login to your router because you forgot your router username and password, use ourHow to Reset a Router Password guide to set your router back to its factory settings.

Click the Wireless link near the left side of the page.

You should now see a new menu. In this new menu, click Wireless Settings.

In the box called SSID put a name that you make up. You will need to remember this name because it will be used to connect to your wireless network. Do not make it obvious to guess, the network name should be difficult for your neighbors to guess. If you can not think of anything, simply use your first name.

In the box called Channel, pick a random channel number. Channels make it so that you and your neighbors can use your own wireless networks without interfering with each other. By picking a random channel you reduce the chance of your neighbor using the same channel as you.

Turn on the option called Wireless Router Radio.

Turn off the option called SSID Broadcast. This turns off the broadcast of your networks name making it more difficult for other people to find your network. You do not want to broadcast your networks name.

Turn on the option called Wireless Security.

Select WEP from the Security Type drop down box.

Select Open System from the Security Option drop down box.

Select Hexadecimal from the WEP Key Format drop down box.

Put a dot into the Key 1 radio button.

If you are using WPA

Now you need to make up a passphrase.

Your WPA key can be a plain text, human readable sentence. Make sure it is long, however, because recent hack attempts have exploited short WPA passphrases. Your WPA passphrase should be at least 30 letters long.

Onnce you have made up your passphrase, write it down somewhere. You will need it at each computer that you are going to connect to your network.

If you are using WEP

Now you need to make up your network key.

It doesn't matter what this key is, as long as it is random. A network key is a password that is 26 characters long, and made up of only the letters A,B,C,D,E,F and the numbers 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9. If you are using 128 bit WEP, then your key must be exactly 26 characters long, and the more random it is, the better it is. Here is an example of a random 128 bit network key:

7F5B3FD23A8EC290AC682DF8FA

Onnce you have made up your key, write it down somewhere. You will need it at each computer that you are going to connect to your network.

Now put the key you made up in the box called Key 1.

Select 128bit from the Key Type drop down box.

When you're finished, click save near the bottom of the screen to save your changes.

And that's it! You're done!

CCTV Time Lapse Recorder

A CCTV Time-Lapse Recorder is a system that combines security surveillance with the ability to capture images at set intervals (e.g., every 5 minutes) and compile them into a fast-forwarded video.

A Time Lapse recorder is one of the most important components of a surveillance system. Time Lapse recorders are highly durable recording machines made to operate 24 hours a day 365 days a year using standard VHS tapes. These professional recorders are made with the finest quality parts and industrial decks. Some of their main features are event reordering, super fast time and date search, time and date generator and real time recording. Time Lapse recorders have the recording capability from 12 hours to 1280 hours. Time Lapse recorder can be triggered by an external alarm, which will cause the unit to switch to recording mode.

To set up a CCTV time-lapse, you can either use a dedicated time-lapse camera designed for long-term projects or repurpose an existing IP camera using software. 

1. Top Dedicated Time-Lapse Cameras

These are purpose-built for construction sites or outdoor projects, featuring long battery life and automatic "stitching" of images into video. 

• Brinno BCC300-M Bundle: A professional-grade kit including a 1080P HDR camera, waterproof housing, and wall mount. It lasts up to 100 days on a 5-minute interval.
• K&F Concept Outdoor Camera: A more budget-friendly option (approx. ₹13,284) with IP66 waterproofing and a 6-month battery life.
• Technaxx TX-164: Ideal for security and construction; it supports up to 512GB SD cards and offers 1080P resolution with sound.

2. Using Existing CCTV (IP Cameras)

If you already have a Hikvision, Dahua, or similar system, you can convert it into a time-lapse recorder: 

• Built-in Features: Many modern IP cameras allow you to set a "Snapshot Schedule". You can configure the camera to save a still image to its internal SD card every few minutes, then download and stitch them using software like Windows Photos or CapCut.
• Cloud Services: Platforms like OpticVyu or CloudCCTV can integrate with your existing IP camera to automatically generate and store time-lapse videos on their servers.
• PoE Setup: For continuous power, connecting an IP camera to a PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch ensures it never runs out of battery during a year-long project

For short-term events like parties, weddings, or day-long corporate functions, you need a camera that is easy to position, handles changing indoor/outdoor light, and provides fast interval settings (every 1–5 seconds).

Top Dedicated Cameras for Events

These options are chosen for their portability and dedicated time-lapse modes that automatically stitch your event into a ready-to-share video.

• GoPro HERO11 Black
• • Why it's great for events: Features a dedicated "TimeWarp" and time-lapse mode with high-quality 5.3K resolution.
  • Key Advantage: It is extremely compact and has excellent image stabilization, making it easy to move around the venue.
  • Pro Tip: For an all-day event, use an external power bank as the internal battery may only last 1–2 hours of continuous shooting.
• Brinno TLC300 Time Lapse Camera
  • Why it's great for events: Designed for simplicity, it features a one-page setup and a bright LCD screen for perfect framing.
  • Key Advantage: It uses HDR technology to balance harsh indoor lights or bright window glare, ensuring your guests aren't washed out.
  • Performance: It captures 1080p Full HD and can run for days on just 4 AA batteries.
• ATLI EON (T100) Time Lapse Camera
  • Why it's great for events: Offers live app preview, allowing you to check the angle and exposure from your phone while the event is happening.
  • Key Advantage: Includes a macro focus feature (as close as 7cm), perfect for capturing detail-oriented events like flower blooming or food prep.
  • Price: Available for approximately ₹18,327 on desertcart.in. 

Arguments against Video Surveillance

As the use of CCTV cameras increases across the United States and globe, so does the debate over their numbers and motives. In a previous post, Arguments for Video Surveillance, we looked at four arguments for video surveillance. These arguments included peace of mind, loss prevention, crime deterrent, and crime solving.

But what about the other side of the fence? The ACLU has an entire Web site, You Are Being Watched, devoted to the “high costs of camera surveillance systems, both in terms of money and civil liberties,” and there are a large number of individuals and other groups out there that oppose “big brother” watching our every move.

So, what are some of the arguments against the use of CCTV surveillance systems?

1. Invasion of Privacy – This is the most common argument against surveillance systems. While video surveillance is more commonly accepted in public areas, this sentiment comes into play with the use of covert and hidden cameras in almost every case.
2. Mistrust – The use of security cameras in your home or business can make its occupants feel mistrusted. If your family members or employees are under constant surveillance, there is likely to be hostility and animosity in the air.
3. Not Proven Effective – Studies done in California and London have found that security cameras had little to no effect on reducing the crime rate. With an increase in the sheer number of cameras in many large cities, many replacing human security guards, this is a strong argument that will be the main target of many opposing groups.
4. Misuse and Abuse – The footage captured by CCTV cameras becomes susceptible to abuse and misuse by those who have access to it. For instance, the footage can be used to discriminate against people and for voyeurism. In the age of the internet, this is another huge deal, as can be seen by all of the “hilarious” YouTube videos out there. I doubt the subjects would find most of them as funny.

All of these reasons are valid arguments against CCTV surveillance. There are many cities and countries that have massive surveillance systems, and we will likely see a large increase in public monitoring in future, so the more the public knows about the industry and their rights, etc, the more everyone can prepare for when it happens in your little corner of the globe.

Do you have any additional arguments against the use of security camera systems? What are your thoughts? Will you fight them, or open your “public” life up willingly to being observed? Let us know – we’d love to hear from you.