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Video Encoders & Decoders

A video encoder turns analogue or HDMI video into a network stream, and a decoder does the reverse, taking IP camera or recorder streams and showing them on monitors and video walls. This page covers analogue-to-IP encoders and hybrid encoders for upgrading coax CCTV, HDMI encoding boxes and cards, and network video decoders for single screens and control-room walls. The Dahua VEC0404HH-M70, for example, is a 4-channel HDMI encoding card.

Choosing Video Encoders & Decoders

Decide which way the video travels: into the network, or out of it onto screens.

Encoders for analogue cameras

An encoder lets existing coax cameras join an IP system. The DS-6701HUHI is a 1-channel encoder with self-adaptive HDTVI, HDCVI, AHD and CVBS input and recording at up to 5 MP. The DS-6704HUHI-K handles 4 channels, adds line crossing and intrusion detection, and has a micro SD slot for up to 128 GB. The Verint S2416E-HD connects up to sixteen analogue or HD analogue cameras of up to 2MP to a Verint EDGE VR.

Hybrid and HDMI encoders

Hybrid units take analogue and IP cameras together. The iDS-6716HUHI-M has 16 analogue inputs and 8 IP channels, expandable to 24, with AcuSense human and vehicle classification. For computer or HDMI sources, the DHI-NEB0105HI-4K encodes an HDMI or DP input at 4K so it can travel over the network, and the VEC0404HH-M70 is a 4-channel HDMI encoding card for the M70-4U-E.

Decoders for monitors

The DS-D6901UDI is a compact 1-channel decoder with HDMI, VGA and BNC outputs and a 12 VDC supply. The Axis 02282-001 can show 8 video streams at once in multiview, runs on PoE or DC and has an audio-out port. The DHI-NVD0105DH-4K routes IP video to a video wall without a PC or NVR.

Video walls and control rooms

The DS-6910UDI(C) is a 10-channel decoding server with ten HDMI outputs, decoding of up to 160 channels, alarm I/O and video-wall layout control. The VIDEOJET decoder 7000 (F.01U.420.692) drives up to four 4K UHD monitors. The DEC0804 has 4 HDMI outputs for video walls and picture-in-picture displays with Comelit VMS.

ModelTypeConnectionsNotes
DS-6701HUHIEncoder, 1 channelHDTVI, HDCVI, AHD, CVBS inH.265+
DS-6704HUHI-KEncoder, 4 channelsAnalogue in, micro SDLine crossing, intrusion
S2416E-HDEncoder, 16 camerasHD-CVI, HD-TVI, AHD, CVBSH.264
iDS-6716HUHI-MHybrid DVR/encoder16 analogue, 8 IPAcuSense, 2 SATA bays
DHI-NEB0105HI-4KHDMI encoderHDMI and DP in4K, H.265
DS-D6901UDIDecoder, 1 channelHDMI, VGA, BNC out12 VDC
02282-001DecoderHDMI out, audio outPoE or DC
DS-6910UDI(C)Video-wall decoder10 × HDMI outAlarm I/O

Related categories

This page is part of our CCTV cameras range. See wired CCTV cameras, record on network video recorders or digital video recorders, add screens from CCTV monitors, browse data and communication, or read our Help & Support guides.

Brands we stock in Video Encoders & Decoders

Axis Communications, Bosch, Comelit PAC, Dahua Technology, Hanwha Vision, Hikvision, Verint and Videx.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a video encoder and a decoder?

An encoder converts a video signal into a network stream, and a decoder turns network streams back into a picture on a monitor. The DS-6704HUHI-K, for example, encodes 4 analogue cameras for an IP system, while the DS-D6901UDI displays network camera or NVR streams on a local monitor through HDMI, VGA or BNC.

Can I keep my analogue cameras when I move to IP?

Yes, an encoder puts existing analogue cameras onto the network. The DS-6701HUHI accepts HDTVI, HDCVI, AHD and CVBS signals self-adaptively. The Verint S2416E-HD takes up to sixteen analogue or HD analogue cameras, which avoids pulling new network cable to the cameras when a site is upgraded.

Which decoder should I use for a video wall?

Choose a multi-output decoder with video-wall layout control. The DS-6910UDI(C) has ten HDMI outputs and offers up to 64 scenes with auto-switch plans for control rooms. For a smaller wall, the DEC0804 has 4 HDMI outputs. The DHI-NVD0105DH-4K routes IP video to a video wall without a PC or NVR.

Can I show IP cameras on a monitor without a computer?

Yes, a standalone decoder connects the network to the screen. The Axis 02282-001 displays live video in sequence view, or 8 streams at once in multiview, on an HDMI monitor with no PC. The S2201e-R-HD shows up to sixteen 1080p tiles on an HDMI monitor.

What is a hybrid DVR/encoder?

It records and encodes analogue and IP cameras in one unit. The iDS-6716HUHI-M takes 16 HD-TVI, AHD, CVI or CVBS inputs plus 8 IP channels, expandable to 24, and uses AcuSense deep learning to classify people and vehicles. The iDS-6704HUHI-M is a compact 4-channel version with one internal SATA bay.

Which compression formats do they use?

H.265 and H.264 are the formats named on these units, so check that the decoder handles what your cameras or recorder send. The Axis 01679-001 encoder supports H.264/H.265 with Zipstream to reduce bandwidth and storage. The SPE-420 supports H.265, H.264 and MJPEG, and the VIDEOJET decoder 7000 decodes H.264 and H.265 streams at up to 60 frames per second.

  • Established 1975
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Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated

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