H.264 : This video compression method is an improvement over earlier formats (JPEG, MPEG-4) providing smaller average usable file sizes. See M-JPEG, MPEG-4 and H.264.
HDCCTV : An acronym for High Definition Closed Circuit Television. This is an emerging new standard for sending video over standard RG-59 coax cable. One purpose of the standard is to take advantage of HD monitors and provide the clearest live picture possible. The standard requires modified hardware in cameras, DVRs and monitors. This is expected to be available early 2010. This sounds like a local live improvement but recording and sending the data through the Internet will require compression to be effective. We’ll see the results when it is available at trade shows.
HDD : An acronym for Hard Disk Drive.
HDMI : Acronym for High Definition Multimedia Interface. This is a single cable connection used in consumer electronics providing a high level of clarity. This type of connection is beginning to show up in CCTV products.
Home Position : This refers to PTZ cameras. The camera will return to a preset position after a selected period of inactivity. The preset position is usually preset #1. This feature ensures that the dome returns to a known position after an operator has moved it from the home position.
HTTP: (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol): Used to transfer information from Web Servers to Web Browsers.
Hybrid : Hybrid refers to combinations of analog and IP video solutions. Originally this meant connecting analog cameras to video encoders for connection to an NVR. More recent Hybrid systems are a combination DVR/NVR allowing both analog (BNC) and Ethernet connected IP cameras.