You can now choose to upgrade your kit to the latest AHD technology.  This upgrades both camera, and monitor spec.  Read more about the technology below.

What is the difference between traditional reversing cameras, and the latest AHD reversing cameras?

For many years reversing cameras have used a technology called CVBS (composite video baseband signal). This is the same technology that you will have seen in the past on devices such as DVD players. CVBS has limitations as to the resolution that it can transmit, typically this is around 480i.

For years, the world has come to see ever increasingly high-definition cameras get developed.  Until recently we haven’t seen this trickle down to things like reversing cameras.

The reason for this delay is due to the problems in transmitting high-definition video across distances greater than a few meters. Digital video signal cables are limited to short distances without the use of repeaters. For example, HDMI cable has not long advanced to be able to handle around 15ft before signal degradation becomes an issue.

AHD is known as Analogue High Definition; it allows a High-Definition video signal to travel through a traditional analogue coax cable. This new technology solves the transmission distance limitations issue and allows the reversing camera world to finally experience a substantial increase in both definition and dynamic range.

With it being a new technology, how can I be assured I won’t experience any teething problems?

The truth is that AHD has been around for a number of years now, and it DID have teething problems. This is why we only brought in our range in early 2022, once we were convinced it was stable enough.

We did bring some small batches of AHD kits a few years earlier, selling them cheaply to assess how they performed in the real world. For the most part they worked well, but they weren’t perfect. The biggest problem was something the factories termed “flicker”. In 2021 we were informed that this had finally been solved, and all of our samples / road tests confirmed this.

So are all AHD cameras better than the traditional cameras?

The short answer is no.

As always, the answer is more complex than just comparing numbers. For example, you can get 720P/960P/1080P camera chipsets for just a few quid (£). The cheap camera chipset will give you a worse picture than a good quality traditional CVBS 480i camera, despite its “bigger numbers”.

The only real way we were able to decide on which image sensors we would stock in our new range, was to test them out in the real world with lots of samples.

If the monitors aren’t also 1080P, then what is the point in using a 1080P camera?

Resolution isn’t a massive problem when it comes to the smaller screens used in reversing camera monitors eg 7 inch. The 800x480 (384,000 pixels) digital hi resolution panels used on our standard premium systems have pixels so small it is hard to see them, even close up! The only time we hear people mention resolution as a problem, is when discussing the cheaper analogue LCD panels that have 480x234 pixels (112,320 pixels) displays - these you can easily see pixels.

Our AHD monitors are upgraded to 1024x600 pixels (614,400 pixels), which is a 60% increase compared to the digital LCD. They also use IPS panels instead of standard LCD, which allows for better colour replication.

During testing we notice that some of the best AHD camera image sensors are 1080P only, such as the Sony IMX307 sensor. When you compare this sensor to cheaper 720P/960P/1080P AHD sensors, you see a big difference in night-time picture, as well as when there are differences in light levels across the picture eg. bright headlamps in an unlit area, or shadowy areas on a bright day.

So although you won’t experience full 1080P, when it comes to screen sizes that are substantially smaller than your TV at home, and a lot closer to your eyes, it isn’t really noticeable. Plus you get the main benefits of high dynamic range, great colour, and great low light level performance.

So are there any drawbacks to AHD?

Not many, the main one is the delay in changing channel – this is around 2-3 seconds on average, compared to approx. 1 second with traditional CVBS signal systems.

The second is that the night mode kicks in more suddenly. With traditional CVBS cameras the transition between night and day is much slower. AHD goes black and white as soon as the light level reaches a certain Lux level. Most of our AHD cameras this happens at between 1 and 8 Lux depending on camera model. In night mode the camera image will be black and white, with no colour visible. This has advantages though, since the black and white image will be miles more detailed than a colour image with a lot of “noise” to the picture.

Is there any point in selling the CVBS technology still?

Absolutely, CVBS reversing cameras will still be around for many years to come.

When it comes to car stereos, there are only a few models that can support AHD, the vast majority will only support CVBS.

When it comes to full systems, people will appreciate the cheaper cost, the quicker start up/changeover times, and still appreciate the good image quality that our premium CVBS sensors give.

Our summary

As you can see, things are never as simple as they first appear. All we can ask, is that you trust our judgement when it comes to image sensor choice/quality. Leave it to us to road test hundreds of variations, both day and night, before bringing the best to market (working with the factories to improve their product with our experience).

I hope this bit of knowledge has helped inform your product choice.

You have the option to add additional leads that plug in to a DC socket on the monitor wiring harness. You will always be supplied with the standard power wire, which gives you a red wire and a black wire to solder / crimp to a power supply.

On the drop down menus you will notice there are two options selectable. One to add a lighter plug, one for a fuse tap. Scroll down for details on each option.

Power Supply Option - Lighter Plug 

Selecting this option adds an additional lighter plug lead - attaches to a socket on the end of the 300cm monitor wiring loom/harness. Some people order this option just to try out there new kit before hardwiring permanently.

Power Supply Option - Fuse Tap (Mini blade, Standard blade) 

Selecting this option adds an additional easy-wire fuse tap lead with built in earth terminal connector. 

We designed and had this product produced in 2023, and they have been very popular. We wanted to create something that meant our customers could hardwire a reversing camera system to their vehicle with ease and minimal tools. Fuse taps have already become popular for installing dash cams, so we wanted to make them more popular for reversing camera kits too. 

Usually fuse taps have no earth terminal connector and require crimp tools to connect to your wiring - our easy wire fuse tap kits are different. They come supplied with 2M of twin wire (power + earth) attached. The wires can be pulled apart should you wish to earth to an area far from the fuse box.

Choose a fuse that's active when the ignition is on. Remove the original fuse and place it in the empty slot of the fuse tap. The correct rated fuse for the new camera system is supplied already installed in the correct slot. Install the fuse tap (with the two fuses fitted) in to the fuse box (where you removed the original fuse). Lastly, connect the earth terminal to a chassis bolt or screw (or add a new bolt/screw to secure it).

The mini blade is the most commonly seen fuse size on modern vehicles.

Standard blade used to be the most common fuse size installed, and is still commonly seen, even on very recent vehicles.

Monitor

Screen Size : 7 inches diagonally measured
Aspect Ratio : 16:9
Resolution : 1024 (W) x RGB x 600 (H)
TV System : Auto
Brightness : 300cd / m2
Contrast : 400 : 1
Active Area : 154.08(w) x 85.92(h) mm
Viewing Angle : U/D : 40°/65°, R/L : 65°/65°
Video Format : AHD / CVBS
Mirror Flip : Non-mirror, mirror, flip, mirror flip
Video Channels : Two channel video input
Reverse Function : Single trigger (ruler setting function)
Power Supply : 12/24V DC, <6W
Operating Temperature : -20°C to +65°C
Storage Temperature : -25°C to +70°C

Camera

Image sensor and chips: FH8550M+C2398
Resolution: 1920*1080P (2 million pixels)
Night Vision: Yes
Wide Dynamic: Support (mobile frame rate 100DB)
Apect Ratio of output: 4:3
System: PAL
Image: Mirror image
Waterproof Level: IP68
Shockproof Level: 4G
Power Consumption: Approx 1.8W per camera
Video Output: 1080P
Working Temperature: -20°C to +70°C
Storage Temperature: -30°C to 85°C
Stainless Steel Bracket (painted)
Built-in Lens: 3.6mm / 8.0mm  

Mainland UK

We have three postage options to select from during checkout (on larger items eg kits there will be two options):

Royal Mail Tracked - Smaller / Lighter weight orders. This will be sent via Royal Mails Tracked Service.  They will send emails/SMS to inform you of the tracking events. This option won't be shown for heavier weight orders.

DPD 2 Day. Small or large orders. This will be sent with DPD Local and should arrive within two working days (if you place the order before 12:30PM).

DPD Next Day. Small or large orders. This will be sent with DPD Local and should arrive the following working day (if you place the order before 12:30PM).

Highlands and Islands UK 

We offer a 2-3 day service fulfilled with either Royal Mail Post, or Parcel Force. The prices charged are identical to mainland UK. Small orders will be sent via the post, larger orders via Parcel Force.

Outside of the UK

We shop around when selecting the best method for Europe (we avoid the cheap budget couriers due to parcels being lost). Southern Ireland is always sent via DPD. Other countries will usually be either Parcel Force, UPS, or Fedex. Please note that we require a phone number for international deliveries. Also if you are a company in Europe, a VAT number or EORI number will help speed up customs.  

We remove the UK VAT (Tax) when any country other than the UK is selected in the shopping basket or checkout. From this point all prices on the site drop down to exclude VAT. If you are from the Channel Islands, please select Jersey / Guernsey from the country list in order to remove UK sales Tax.

60 day "Change of Mind" policy

We understand that for whatever reason you may need to return your purchase.  We provide a 60 day opportunity for you to do just that.  Simply give us an email or a phone call to let us know it is due back.  You are responsible for the shipping back to us but you will receive a full refund including the original shipping we charged you for your order.  We recommend getting a signed for or proof of postage when posting back to us.

All we ask is that you return the items in the condition they were sent in, with the packaging present.  You are welcome to have temporarily tested the product and unravelled things, but if you have cut wires, soldered, glued, installed and used for a while then this wouldn't be suitable for returns under the change of mind policy.