NTSC Security Camera

At 360 Secure Solutions we cater to all your security needs, with the latest and most advanced NTSC security camera and systems. NTSC (National Television Standards Committee) is one of the three current simulation technology color TV formats, alongside PAL and SECAM. It is a format common in the US and Japan. Although the distinction between NTSC and PAL arose from the days of analogue TV, it can still affect digital devices.

Video recording devices and analogue monitors need to be compatible with the correct video format (NTSC/PAL) to work, and therefore it is important for them to be connected with the correct formatted camera. Today a lot of televisions are multifunctional (compatible with both forms) but it is still important to bear this fact in mind.

The History of NTSC

NTSC was developed in 1941 and originally had no provision for color television. When color began to be introduced to television, technicians in charge of broadcasting developed systems that allowed the signals that dictated which colors were shown to be transmitted in the gaps between signals being sent to black and white televisions. As a result a new version of NTSC was designed to handle it.

The Difference between NTSC and PAL

NTSC and PAL formats are analogue video standards. They are important to network video because video encoders provide such resolutions when they digitize signals from analogue cameras.

It is often difficult to notice the difference between PAL and NTSC, but when looking at the technical differences, it becomes more evident:

  • NTSC cameras produce 30 frames per second, whilst PAL cameras produce 25 frames per second.
  • NTSC signal is sent at 60 fields per second; PAL signal is sent out at 50 fields per second.
  • PAL has better picture resolution than NTSC, but NTSC provides a more efficient use of resources.

What are the reasons for these differences? It is all down to the different electrical power systems used in each country. The US power stations generate 60Hz, therefore the television signal is sent out at 60 fields per second and resulting in 30 frames per second. The likes of Europe use 50Hz power supply, therefore the PAL signal is sent out at 50 fields per second, 25 alternating lines.

Why Choosing the Right Format is Important

Consider this; a UK plug cannot match the specifications of a US socket, and this is exactly the same as with the NTSC/PAL formats. Therefore the video format must be the same between any two paired devices to ensure they work correctly. In relation to security cameras, if the other components of your surveillance system (e.g. TV, recording medium) uses NTSC and are not multiformat compatible, then you’ll need to choose an NTSC security camera. Fortunately, we at 360 Secure Solutions will always survey your site carefully and provide the right system to suit your needs.