Best Video Surveillance Multiplexers & Quads in 2022

Last update: November 19, 2022

Are multiplexers still used?

Multiplexers are still used in a variety of applications. For example, they are used in fiber-optic systems to combine multiple signals into a single fiber. They are also used in video and audio systems to combine multiple signals into a single stream.

Can you hardwire security cameras?

Yes, you can hardwire security cameras. This will usually involve running a cable from the camera to a power source and then to the recorder. Hardwired security cameras are a more permanent solution than wireless cameras, but they can be more difficult to install.

How does a camera switcher work?

A camera switcher is a device used to select between multiple video sources. The most common type of camera switcher is used in television production and allows the producer or director to select which camera's video signal is being sent to air.

Is it better to have wired or wireless security cameras?

There are pros and cons to both wired and wireless security cameras. Wired cameras are typically more reliable than wireless cameras, but they can be more difficult to install. Wireless cameras are often easier to install, but they can be more susceptible to signal interference.


25fps Wireless Rechargeable Battery-Powered Solar Security Camera for Home Outdoor/Indoor, Ctronics WiFi Security Camera System with 1080P HDR, PIR Motion Detection, Night Vision, 2-Way Audio, IP66 Review:


I was quite interested in a camera that didn't require constant plugging in, but I was pleasantly delighted by this camera despite my initial skepticism. This review will be divided into three parts: Basics, Advanced, and Cons. We used this camera for a very specific purpose: we needed to monitor our camping trailer while it was parked in front of our house, and we also wanted to be able to see it remotely without constantly having to connect and unplug the camera.First, the essentials, I was a little concerned when I first got this camera. There are a lot of things out there that claim everything and provide nothing. Since there wasn't much information about this camera's characteristics or description, I decided to take a chance and buy it. This camera is incredible for the average user. I have about 8 cameras with a variety of technologies, and I can HONORABLY say that this camera was the simplest to set up of all the cameras I have ever used. After installing the CloudEdge App, I turned on the camera and was viewing and listening in less than a minute. The picture is pretty darn good, especially with the stated 1080P, and the settings are simple to understand (More about this in the advanced section.) After setup, I have been able to monitor the camera on my house WIFI as well as remotely without any technical skills, it just works. If you are searching for a wireless camera, built in battery and solar capabilities this will work for you, all the mounting gear is even included.There are three methods to view pictures and videos. 1st, from your phone utilizing the CloudEdge App, which is shockingly straightforward, quick and I can affirm is quite clean (more in advanced review) (more in advanced review.) Second, the SD Card (which, in my opinion, is preferable to most who offer you a little card that isn't particularly useful anyhow), was not included. The photographs are all in JPG and video is in MPEG format so it can be utilized in just about any phone or computer. or 3rd, Cloud service which I personally I haven’t tested yet but from the looks of it, extremely straight forward, $3/mo or $30/yr. All 3 techniques operate with phone notifications and to be honest work better than our security system doorbell.Now for the advanced part, In today's day and age, there is a lot of concern about Privacy, Quality, and Value. Rightfully so, and what I can say about this camera is that it seems to be in a sweet place. Starting with Quality, the camera itself seems extremely well built, its strong, heavy and on its first trip, hitched to our camping trailer, took a battering without any difficulties (I would not advocate this as cameras and off-roading normally don't mix, but we wanted to test and give it a bit of abuse.) The buttons are properly recessed thus inadvertent button pushes are likely to be rare. As for the image quality, I have included a few images, day and night it works pretty good. There is a difference between quality and size, and the promised 1080P is great for what you get. I can readily discern faces, animals and even some remote tree details. I have no issues at all, and it is rather addicting being able to just move this camera about whenever and anywhere you want.Now for the very advanced elements starting with security. Most wireless (not cordless) cameras I have tested use super simple, easily hackable software, tracing out the information from this camera everything is secured using good encryption, your account does exist on the vendors website but once connected, you view data directly from your camera which means that your images / video is NOT being sent all over the place, this is VERY good and while I can't promise you that the camera isn't unhackable, you just need to have yours be better then somebody else’s and this one passes the security / encryption test in my mind. Switching networks requires a reset of the camera which is easy but also makes it safe so that if somebody steals it, they can't gain your login information, this is also very helpful. Looking at the network traffic of this camera, it does seem to throttle back if there is network congestion, so even if your network is full up, it still functions and merely misses frames so you know it will always work and in the off event somebody is executing a network DDOS, this camera can take it.Lastly, the cons. This camera does seem to have ONVIF disabled with no method of enabling it, and the same (So far that I have found) about online watching. This means that this camera probably won't operate with 3rd party video surveillance software such as Milestone, Xprotect, ITTT, etc. which I assume that most people buying a camera at this price point should already know and not expect professional / commercial grade software. The software and features more than make up for this and while its a con to some most folks won't even care or notice. The final thing I can say about the short list of Cons is concerning 5Ghz wireless connectivity, or the lack there-of. I do wish it was supported, but as long as you know this and you have a 2.4Ghz capable access point (most people have both these days) you won't have any issues and the fact that the bandwidth is so low, using 2.4Ghz really is better for cameras due to the longer range and reliability, I just hope that future models will have both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz.Overall I am impressed, I have spent lot more for so much less. Easy, Fast, Great Quality, Versatile, Secure and cheap. While I don't know how many people are in need of a really cordless camera but I can say that the more I have used it the more I have recognized that I need more of them in my life! Well done.



25fps 1080P Wireless Rechargeable Battery Powered Security Camera, Ctronics Outdoor/Indoor WiFi Security Camera System with HDR, PIR Motion Detection, Night Vision, 2-Way Audio, IP66 for Home Pet Baby Review:


This wonderful tiny camera is comparable to the Netgear Arlo. It depends on your wants because there are many wonderful things about it as well as some things the camera cannot perform.What this camera has to offer: - Very simple setup! All I had to do to add it to my app was download the app, point the camera at the QR code, and it was already completely charged when it arrived. It only took me a couple seconds!- Image Quality: Clear images with good day and night modes. Just be sure to change it to HD because SD is the default (standard definition).- Body detection: What the heck? One of the many irritating features of the Arlo, or any other security camera, is that it employs motion detection to ping you every time something moves across the camera's field of vision, even if it's simply shadows. Body detection on the Ctronics camera allows it to reduce the number of erroneous notifications.- Intercom: The person you are watching on video can be reached for conversation. When compared to what I have heard from other setups, the speaker is actually pretty clear.- History: Viewing previously recorded video is also simple. I initially tried using the timeline to go left and right, but it was difficult to identify specific times during the day when recordings took place. It is much simpler if you select the Alarm button at the bottom and then select each occasion or time the camera was prompted to record.- App: The app has a fantastic UI and is very simple to use. I've tried others before that are a little bit more difficult to use, but this one is quite simple.In case you're seeking for something specific, the camera lacks the following features:- Pan/Tilt/Zoom: I don't think the camera actually zooms in, but you can pinch into the image and the quality is still good. Having said that, the coverage angle is excellent.- Free Cloud Recording: After a 7-day trial, you must pay $2,99/month or $30/year for cloud recording. Although it's really affordable, I would still prefer some free cloud storage.- Local Memory: The camera needs a micro SD card to store video; otherwise, it won't be able to preserve any of it.



Toughsty™ 4Ch Mini Color Video Quad Splitter Multiplexer Processor Switcher for CCTV Security Camera Review:


As I surmised from the photo, it has RCA inputs, so make sure you have BNC to RCA male adapters. This works after I plugged in one of the power supply ends from a CCTV camera. It has a pigtail end with bare wires on one end, which I assume is for wiring into a power supply. Images appear to be in good shape. I removed the cameras from my 8 channel dvr and plugged them into this before plugging the output back in. I want to add 2 more cameras without purchasing a new dvr:-) The display appears to be real-time as well.It also gets a little warm; I noticed this after adding a second camera today, even though it was resting on a cake cooling rack about two inches off the table. Since I live in the tropics without central air conditioning, I use cake cooling racks resting on something to assist keep the dvr and this quad processor cold.



TP-Link Kasa Spot Indoor Camera, 1080P HD Smart wifi Security Camera with Night Vision, Motion Detection, Remote Monitor, Works with Google Assistant and Alexa (KC100) Review:


I already had a few Kasa plugs, and this one worked perfectly with the other products in the app. Although I don't have a monthly subscription, I have set up an alert so that you can view and download the films. I can't remember how long the free membership keeps the videos. Both the sound and the video are of high quality.The camera is occasionally sensitive to changes in room illumination, which is the one drawback I noticed during my first week of use. We also left our blinds open on one mostly gloomy day, and for several hours we received alerts every few minutes. However, all I observed when I watched the video clips was the window getting lighter and darker as the sun changed.Now, this isn't a significant deal for me personally considering the price and how well the camera functions otherwise. Additionally, it only occurred once in roughly 8 days, on a day when we had left the blinds open, making the illumination fluctuations more pronounced than on other days.Overall, I was extremely satisfied and thought it was a great deal!



Kasa Cam Outdoor by TP-Link - 1080p HD, Built-in Siren, Stream Anywhere, Works with Alexa Echo and Google Assistant (KC200) - White, Black Review:


When I bought this camera, I assumed I would have to wall mount it. However, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I could ceiling mount it beneath an eave, trivializing my installation because an eave is much easier to deal with than a wall. It only required drilling an 8-foot-long hole in the eave for the cable, mounting the bracket, threading the cable through the hole, and attaching the camera to its bracket (where it is held securely by a very clever magnetic ring, a superior design that makes it really easy to make small adjustments to the camera view). I just connected the cable and its supply to an extension cord from the light outlet in my attic to complete my installation, and I was ready to go (I spent more time verifying the camera worked than in installing it). The camera was inverted because I used a ceiling mount, but the Kasa app offers a setting to flip the image to account for it. Excellent resolution, astonishing night vision, and less lag than my past wireless camera experiences. Much better than my Ring doorbell and a few older Samsung cameras I have indoors (I would guess about a second). You must consider bandwidth when deciding where to install this or any other wireless camera because response is a function of it. I can't say how well it would perform in a more exposed place, but as an outdoor camera, it ought to be able to endure the indirect weather under my eave with ease.The camera is simply added to any existing TP-Link Kasa devices you currently own using the Kasa app, which is created for use with smartphones. By dragging the corners of a quadrilateral, you may use the app to define up to 4 motion detection inclusion zones, one for each zone. That made it possible for me to block off the curved street in front of my property so that no passing cars would set off alerts. You can access the most recent 2GB of recorded video that was prompted by alarms by going to the alert screen (bell symbol) in the Kasa app (you set alert sensitivity according to time persistence of movement). If you install one of the Android simulator programs on your computer (I choose BlueStacks 4), which replicates the appearance and feel of your smartphone on your PC display, you can use that app to run the Kasa app on a computer. It sure beats the crap out of using a smart phone to catch details when the camera goes live since you get a widget in the lower right corner that lets you switch from portrait to landscape and bring the image to full screen. I don't plan on using the camera's audio or "siren," though they may be good to have (although if I spotted a perp I would certainly fire them up). Although the siren is not one that would wake up the neighbors, I was able to confirm that those capabilities function, and the audio quality is about what you would anticipate from a wireless device. Because I can hear the sound of rustling leaves, the audio pickup is quite good, perhaps even too sensitive.



DophiGo 1080P HD Dome 360° Wireless WiFi Baby Monitor Safety Home Security Surveillance IP Cloud Cam Night Vision Camera for Baby Pet Android iOS apps Review:


Let me start by saying that for such a low cost, this camera has some really good functions. For cameras that pan and tilt, this two-pack was only $60, which I think is very reasonable.Second, the set-up instructions could use some much better writing, which is why they were docked a star. It's not immediately obvious which application to be downloaded in order to use the camera; the IP360 app, not the Dophigo app, is what you want. The instructions make a lot of mention of a blue light that flashes. Never takes place during setup. It is better to simply install the IP360 app and follow the on-screen instructions.The software will ask you for your Wi-name Fi's and password during setup, and then the camera will start making some chirping noises. After finishing, the camera will snap a panorama from its position. This offers navigational features for the app. For this reason, you might want to place the camera where you plan to keep it, though it is not actually necessary. Every time you move the camera to a new position, the panorama image can be refreshed.As I indicated, this camera has some good features. It has tilt and pan capabilities, a talk button (although the voice quality is poor due to the small speaker), and the ability to invert the image in case you wish to hang it from a ceiling. It can also shoot images and videos. If you don't like the blinker, you can also turn off the status light on the camera. It may be configured to transmit an alert if it detects movement and has a motion detector. It can see in the dark as well.Finally, if you're not trying to do this at night, staring through a window will work. The camera features an infrared light because it has night vision capabilities. When turned on, this light will reflect back at the camera. But it really works during the day. It will therefore typically function if you want it to look both inside and outside by setting it on a window sill.Although not incredibly quick, customer help is sufficient. I had a problem with the Dophigo app, so I submitted an email about it. The next morning, I received a response with instructions for using IP360 instead.I think that overall, given the price, this is a pretty darn decent camera.ASSIGNMENT - 9/26/2019We've had our cameras operating at two places for roughly nine months, and we're still happy with the results. Since I installed them in December of last year, there hasn't been a glitch. On one occasion, my wife's phone died while she was somewhere, forcing her to call me to come fetch her. She used the audio to speak with me after looking at the cameras at the other place and noticing that I was there. The presence of them that day made us very happy.



DophiGo Set of 2 1080P HD Dome 360° Wireless WiFi Baby Monitor Safety Home Security Surveillance IP Cloud Cam Night Vision Camera for Baby Pet Android iOS apps (Set of 2 Black) Review:


First, let me remark that this camera has some really great features for such a low price. This two-pack was under $60, which I consider quite reasonable for cameras that pan and tilt.Second, (and this is why they lost a star) the set up instructions are in urgent need of some improved writing. It’s not immediately evident which software should be downloaded to operate the camera - what you want is the IP360 app, not the Dophigo app. Also, there’s a lot of talk about a flashing blue light in the instructions. This never happens during setup. You’re better off just installing the IP360 app and following the directions.During setup, the app will question you for the name and password for your Wi-Fi, followed by some chirping sounds while the camera initializes. Once complete, the camera will snap a panorama shot from where it is set. This provides the app with navigational functionality. You could wish to set the camera where you intend to keep it for this reason, but it is not actually necessary. The panorama shot can be refreshed everytime you move the camera to a different spot.Features are really good on this camera, as I indicated. You can tilt and pan, capture pictures and videos, and it even has a talk button (although the audio is faint because of the little speaker), and you can reverse the picture on it in the case that you wish to hang it from a ceiling. You can also switch off the status light on the camera if you don’t like the blinker. It contains a motion detector and may be set up to transmit an alert if it senses movement. It also includes night vision capability.Finally, it will work looking through a window, as long as you're not attempting this at night. The camera has night vision capability, which means that it has an infrared light. This light will beam back to the camera if it is on. Works excellent throughout the day, though. So if you want it to gaze inside and outside by placing it on a window sill, it will function under most situationsCustomer help is not super-fast, but adequate. I sent an email outlining my concern with the Dophigo app and was answered to early the next morning with suggestions about using IP360 instead.Overall, My view is that this is a pretty darn decent camera for the money.UPDATE - 9/26/2019Our cameras have been up and running now at two places for around 9 months and we're still delighted with the performance. Haven't had a hiccup since I installed them in December. There was one time when my wife was at one spot when her phone died and she had to get contact of me to pick her up. She checked the cameras at the other place and saw that I was there, and used the audio to chat to me. We were quite delighted to have them that day.



Zmodo 8 Pack 720P HD Weatherproof sPoE Security Camera w/8CH sPoE Repeater for Power & Data Transmission, Remote Monitoring,Free 6-Month Cloud Service for Recording(Activation Code: FISH1C08) Review:


Great cameras, these! Installation was quick and uncomplicated. To assemble the system, I didn't even need to consult the installation manual. The cameras work properly and broadcast real-time video to my phone with a strong Internet connection. The system can be tailored to my needs, and the software works really well. The only thing that might be done better, in my opinion, is to make it apparent when entering discount codes for Cloud subscriptions whether or not I may enter the same code more than once. I ended up with one camera with a year and a half of cloud storage, one camera with six months of cloud storage, and two cameras with no cloud storage at all. Aside from that, fantastic sister! I paid the same for the full system as I would have for one name-brand camera. When inputting discount codes for cloud subscriptions, it wasn't apparent to me whether I could enter the same code more than once. I ended up with one camera with a year and a half of cloud storage, one camera with six months of cloud storage, and two cameras with no cloud storage at all. Aside from that, fantastic sister! I paid the same for this full system as I would have for one name-brand camera.


What are the 3 types of multiplexing?

Multiplexing is a method of sending multiple signals over a single communication channel. There are three main types of multiplexing: time-division multiplexing (TDM), frequency-division multiplexing (FDM), and statistical multiplexing (SM). TDM involves sending each signal in its own time slot. FDM sends each signal on its own frequency. SM multiplexes signals based on statistical properties, such as how much bandwidth each signal is using.

What are the two main types of multiplexers?

There are two main types of multiplexers: analog and digital. Analog multiplexers are used to multiplex analog signals, while digital multiplexers are used to multiplex digital signals.

What is a multiplexer in CCTV?

A multiplexer, or MUX, is a device that takes multiple input signals and combines them into a single output signal. This is done by taking the input signals and multiplexing them together into a single stream of data. The multiplexer then sends this stream of data to the output device, which de-multiplexes the data back into the original input signals. MUXes are used in CCTV systems to combine multiple camera signals into a single video signal that can be sent to a monitor or recording device. This allows CCTV systems to have more than one camera without

What is a quad multiplexer?

A quad multiplexer is a digital circuit that allows four binary signals to be controlled by a single select line. The output of the quad multiplexer is determined by the value of the select line. If the select line is high, the output of the quad multiplexer is the same as the input A. If the select line is low, the output of the quad multiplexer is the same as the input B.

What is a quad switcher?

A quad switcher is an electronic device that is used to switch between four different input signals. It can be used to connect four different video sources to a single display, or to connect four different audio sources to a single amplifier. Quad switchers are commonly used in home theater systems, where they can be used to switch between four different HDMI sources.

What is an example of a multiplexer?

A multiplexer is a device that allows multiple analog or digital signals to be combined into a single signal. This is done by multiplexing the signals together.