EQUIPMENT COMPATIBILITY EXPLAINED

1. Do all of your items work with each other?

2. What should I know about video compatibility?

3. What should I know about power compatibility?

4. I have an extra vcr or television at home- will it work with your equipment?

Q1: Do all of your items work with each other?

A1: For the most part- YES! We have gone out of our way to make sure that all of our equipment is "plug & play" compatible with each other to allow you to expand, add, and maintain flexibility. There are, of course, just a couple of exceptions- but we've tried to make it as clear as possible in the item's description. However, all of our cameras will work with all of our transmitters and video recording or monitoring equipment. And all of our wireless receivers will interface with the recorders and monitors as well. Back to top-->

Q2: What should I know about video compatibility?

A2: There's not all that much to know- provided you're using all U.S. standard (NTSC or EIA) equipment or all European/ Asian equipment (PAL or CCIR). And this really isn't a potential concern unless you're a foreign customer. For PAL products, please click here to see our PAL product page or click here to see the FAQ answer page for international issues.
Typically the confusion starts when looking at two different types or shapes of plugs and wondering if and how they might interface. For the most part, video is passed through cables and devices which feature 1 of 3 basic plug and mating jack configurations. These are known as RCA (most common & also known as "phono"), BNC (used more for security type cameras) and 1/8" 'mini' styles. The GREAT NEWS is that these all can be made to interface through commonly found (Radio Shack, etc.) adapters. Back to top-->

Q3: What should I know about power compatibility?

A3: Power compatibility is crucial since supplying the improper voltage to ANY electronic device is potentially hazardous. Please click here to read more about this on our FAQ answer page regarding power & voltage concerns. For basic compatibility, however- virtually all of our cameras, transmitters, receivers, portable VCRs, mobile multiprocessors, and mobile monitors will accept 12 volts DC with identical power plug shapes and sizes & identical (center pin positive) polarity requirements! This may allow you to power multiple devices from a single battery pack (#BAT-1), fused automotive cord (#ACC-AUTO) or regulated transformer supply, such as our #PWR-500R. *NOTE: many VCRs and DVRs require only 12 volts DC, but need much more current available than can be provided by a battery pack or even by our standard 500 mA (milliamp) power supply. Back to top-->

Q4: I have an extra vcr or television at home- will it work with your equipment?

A4: Almost any tv or vcr will work with any of our equipment. Vcrs are an easy answer- 99% of any consumer video recorder made has audio - video (or A/V) input jacks. These easy to spot round holes are usually white and yellow and configured for "RCA" (a.k.a. "phono") plugs. Any of our cameras, recorders, multiple camera processors, or wireless receivers will plug directly into those ports.
TVs may be a little trickier but it should still work, even on old dial knob models. You must first determine what kind of input(s) are available. If it's just a singular post-type antenna connection (referred to as "F" connector) there are F to RCA/ phono converters available at stores like Radio Shack, etc. for just a couple dollars. Then just turn dial to channel 3 (or sometimes ch. 4 if unit has an external switch for 3/4). Some portable and handheld monitor models do NOT feature external inputs of any kind and are therefore unable to view a signal from a camera, vcr, or wireless receiver. Back to top-->