Decoders

What is a video wall?

Video walls are usually sets of displays, either monitors or televisions that display large amounts of live camera feeds.

Video walls generally present static displays - so that when you need to see a certain camera very quickly, you can always look at the same spot and see that camera.

This is extremely important for guards, production monitoring, and any position where turnover or shifts are taken. You don’t want someone having to search for a camera via software while a critical event is underway.

Video walls also require zero user input - meaning there’s no chance of your guard closing the VMS software by mistake and not being able to do their job. This helps reduce the burden on IT.

Cameras are always available

Cameras are always in the same spot - meaning you immediately see them

No user input required

User can’t adjust or “break” views

Lots of flexibility and customization available

With SCW decoders - multi location/multi-NVR compatible

NVRs also have HDMI outputs and are able to display live view - so how is a decoder different?

Mostly in the size of a video wall. Most NVRs have 2 or 3 video outputs, and limits on how many channels can be displayed. Video walls tend to be more for larger systems, or for those with specific viewing requirements. For example, someone may have 16 cameras they want to display, but want them all large. So they may get a decoder and display 4 cameras per large display.

NVRs are also limited to the cameras that are added to that NVR - while a decoder can display camera feeds from any NVR that is within network access to them.

So in theory - if you had multiple locations and had a VPN setup, you could have the decoder display every location at your central office for example.

In most cases, the NVR’s HDMI and the decoder are used in tandem. The NVR’s HDMI output may be used to display some cameras, or be used for playback.

Decoders are not intended for Playback.

Most decoders do not do playback and most do not even have mouse inputs for playback or video control. Decoders are generally set up via software or web interface, and are rarely if ever adjusted “on the fly” as it defeats some of the benefits of a video wall.

When playback is needed, most clients will either opt to use the NVR’s local HDMI output and mouse or also include a PC running SCW’s Viewstation software as part of their viewing setup.

One interesting feature of SCW’s decoders is the HDMI input. While HDMI outputs are fairly straight forward, they display cameras. SCW’s decoders also have HDMI inputs as well - but why would you need that?

The HDMI input allows a device, like a PC, system output, or anything else with an HDMI output to display within your video wall as part of a grid.

Check out the example below. Decoders allow critical production info to be combined with live video feeds, allowing operators to make informed decisions quickly. The possibilities are nearly endless with this, as anything with an HDMI connection can be displayed with grids and be distributed to multiple displays.

Combining Application Data with Surveillance Video

The HDMI inputs allow you to connect another output, like a PC, to display cameras feeds along side other displayed data.

SCW’s decoders can be set up two ways:

1. SCW decoders connect to the NVR and “grab” camera feeds

In this case, the NVR’s outgoing bandwidth will be used along with the channel limit.

2. SCW decoders connect to the IP camera directly

In this case, the NVR’s bitrate won’t be used - but keep in mind IP cameras have limits to how many devices (IE, NVRs, decoders, etc) can connect to them directly. It’s best to limit this to two devices. Using SCW’s multi-network NVRs you can also set the decoders up on the “camera network” side and eliminate bandwidth from your LAN.

Q: How many streams can a decoder support?

A: It depends on the individual decoder hardware - check the specs of the specific decoder or contact SCW to confirm.

Q: How far can HDMI go?

A: While there is no specific industry limit - most standard cables top off at about 50FT. HDMI over Cat6 extenders do exist that can extend that distance to hundreds of feet. SCW’s HDMI decoders are standard HDMI and will work with any other standard HDMI equipment.

Q: How do I setup a decoder?

A: SCW’s decoders are setup using SCW Viewstation. You simply add the NVRs or camera to Viewstation, add the encoder to Viewstation, and set it up under the “video wall” section.

Q: Does Viewstation have to be open for the decoder to work?

A: No, Viewstation is only for one time setup. Once you have the views you want, you can close Viewstation. You will only need Viewstation again if you want to make changes to the video wall.

Q: What about playback?

A: There is no mouse control of a decoder - so playback needs to be done either through the NVR’s HDMI output and a mouse connected to it, or through SCW Viewstation software.

Q: Should I use a decoder?

A: Setting up either large or distributed viewing can be complicated with many considerations. If you want to know what solution is best for your unique needs - contact us and we’ll be happy to walk you through the options!