CCTV Video Multiplexers, Multi-Camera Monitor Display for Security Cameras
A video multiplexer (also known as a video mux, CCTV quad multiplexer, or color quad processor) combines video signals from multiple CCTV security cameras and displays the video streams on one TV monitor. In legacy security systems, multiplexers are used to combine video from multiple CCTV cameras to be recorded on video surveillance VCR. For example, if you have four security cameras, each of the four video signals from each camera is synchronized by the CCTV multiplexer and recorded on the same video tape.
Today, video multiplexers and color quad processors are more commonly used in video surveillance systems that have complex monitor display requirements. Many of the multiplexers supplied by CCTV camera Pros support both analog CCTV cameras and the latest HD-over-Coax security cameras. Various screen display configurations are supported. Please read our
FAQ to learn more and watch these video demonstrations to see how these devices allow the user to select between single camera, dual camera, quad/grid, eight channel, nine channel, and sixteen channel grid views using the wireless remote control that is included.
CCTV Quad Multiplexer
The above video demonstrates the
VM-HD4 CCTV quad multiplexer connected to (4) 4K security cameras. The VM-HD4 is our best selling multiplexer. The video was captured via the 4K HDMI video output on the quad.
Video Multiplexer vs DVR
If you want to monitor your security cameras remotely over the Internet, in addition to a live view, you may want to consider a Viewtron security camera DVR. Viewtron DVRs and IP camera NVRs have configurable multiplexing capability as well as some of the best remote viewing apps for iPhone and Android. Watch the above video to hear Mike discuss this further. You may also be interested in this video that shows how-to configure the multiplexer display on Viewtron recorders.
How does a CCTV multiplexer work? - Video from security cameras is transmitted over coax cable to the BNC video inputs of the multiplexer. Multiplexers typically have one or more of the following types of video outputs that can be connected to a TV or computer monitor: VGA, HDMI, BNC (analog). The software (firmware) built into the multiplexer combines the video signal from all of the inputs and allows the operator to select various displays such as single screen, 4 screen (quad), 8, 9, 16, etc.
What types of security cameras are supported? - Traditionally multiplexers were used with analog CCTV cameras. However, the latest HD CCTV multiplexers support analog cameras and the latest HD-over-Coax type cameras (AHD, HD-TVI, HD-CVI).
How are they installed? - Installation is a very simple process, much like wiring a TV or stereo system. Please refer to this installation diagram.
How do you switch screen modes? - The multiplexers that we supply include a wireless remote control that is used to switch between screen layouts. There are also buttons on the front of the units that can be used to switch video modes.
Can I use a multiplexer with a DVR? - Yes. Many of our customers used a video multiplexer in conjunctions with a surveillance DVR. This is typical in cases where the DVR does not have a spot monitor output and also if the client want to setup multiple display monitors with different multi-camera screen layouts. In these cases, we help customers design a system that consists of one or more CCTV video splitters so that the video from their cameras can be shared by their DVR and one or more multiplexers.
Can a multiplexer be used to live stream multiple cameras? - Yes, when used in conjunction with this HDMI to USB converter, you can stream live video using services like Zoom, YouTube, Facebook, Mixer, LiveStream, and Twitch. You can see a multi-camera live streaming video demo that was broadcast at CCTV Camera Pros office here. Please note that you must use one of our HD CCTV multiplexers for streaming applications because an HDMI video output is required. Our analog only models do not have HDMI output. You can also find multi-camera live streaming systems that include cameras and a multiplexer here.
Do multiplexers work with wireless HDMI transmitters ? - Yes We actually supply a lot of our HDMI over WIFI transmitter systems to many of our customers.
What about HDMI over Powerline? - Yes. They work with those too. Our HDMI over powerline kit can transmit the video signal from a multiplexer to 3 additional monitors using standard power outlets / power cable of homes and businesses.
Can the video be sent over an IP network? - Yes. Our HDMI over Ethernet kits support a one-to-many and many-to-many network configurations so that you can display your security cameras on multiple TV monitors.
Do multiplexers support remote security camera viewing via mobile apps or desktop software? - No, because they do not have network capability. However, our Viewtron security camera DVRs and IP camera NVRs have built-in multiplexer capability. Even if you do not require video recording, you can use Viewtron DVR and NVRs for local TV display and remote Internet live viewing. Check out these video multiplexer setup instructions to learn how Viewtron recorders support a programmable live camera display using multiplexer capability.
The above diagram shows 4 security cameras can be connected to the VM-HD4 using
RG59 coax cable or pre-made Siamese CCTV camera cables. The multiplexer can be connected to a TV / monitor using HDMI or VGA cable. The user can control the video display layout using the wireless remote control that is included with the quad or using the buttons on the front of it.
Screen Display Layouts
Here are some of the screen layouts supported by the multiplexers supplied by CCTV Camera Pros. Some customers refer to multiplexers as multiple BNC to HDMI converters (or multiple BNC to VGA converter).
4ch Multiplexer Layout
2ch Multiplexer Layout
8ch Multiplexer Layout
This layout can be used as an 8ch or 9ch view depending of whether there is a camera connected to channel 9 of the multiplexer.
The above video demonstrates the 1080p HDMI video output of the VM-HD4. In the video, the VM-HD4 has (4) 1080p security cameras connected to it - 2
AHD cameras and 2 HD-TV cameras. Please select 1080p video resolution in the lower right of the YouTube video player and watch in full-screen mode to see the best quality video.
