When it comes to choosing a home security system, there are tons of features you’ll get to choose from. From wireless camera systems to motion sensors to all-weather capabilities, these features allow you to customize your system to best suit your home or business.
But one big decision you’ll have to make before any other is which resolution is right for you; 1080p, 2K or 4K?
The names 1080p, 2K, and 4K refer to the number of pixels recorded or displayed to form an image. Keep reading to learn the difference between these resolutions, and why one might be a better choice for your home security system.
1080p Resolution
Also referred to as Full HD, 1080p is an abbreviation for a resolution of 1,929 pixels by 1,080 pixels. This resolution provides more than 2 million pixels per picture. Especially when it comes to security, the higher resolution a camera is capable of recording, the better. Even if you plan to view your security footage on a smartphone or computer monitor, 1080p will provide a crisp image and lots of detail.
Another benefit of 1080p resolution is that it requires less space to store footage. If you plan to record and save data from your security system, choosing 1080p can help you do so more easily without also having to upgrade your hard drive and storage options. If you’re looking for a good deal on a security camera system,1080p cameras come with a lower price tag than higher-resolution systems.
2K Resolution
The abbreviation 2K stands for a resolution that is 2,048 pixels by 1,556 pixels. But while that may be the resolution that 2K technically stands for, the term gets thrown around in place of several other resolutions.
Just a few years ago, 2K wasn’t a mainstream resolution. Instead, it was largely used by digital cinema projectors. The vertical resolution, 1,556 pixels, isn’t a standard for home televisions or computers, so true 2K footage isn’t easily displayed in the home.
When 4K resolution started entering the market, many people began referring to 1080p as 2K instead. While true 2K is a bit stronger resolution, on a standard TV or monitor, the quality would be tough to distinguish.
4K Resolution
Unlike 2K and 1080p, 4K offers a much higher ratio of pixels (4,096 pixels by 2,160) for an even more detailed, crisp picture. Compared to 1080p’s 2 million pixels per image, 4K offers over 8 million pixels in every image. While even higher resolution displays are becoming available, 4K remains the standard for high-resolution recording and viewing.
When you want an image that is as highly detailed as possible, even from a distance, a 4K security system is the way to go. 4K pixel resolution is great for digital zooms while reviewing footage. Because there are so many more pixels, you can zoom in and the details will remain decipherable for longer, even if you’re viewing on a 1080p TV.
While it is true that 4K video takes additional digital storage space, High-Efficiency Video Compression can help you save space without sacrificing quality.
Choosing the Right Resolution
When it comes to choosing the right resolution for your home security system, 1080p, 2K, and 4K each offer its own benefits and drawbacks. If you’re looking for cost-savings and want a clear picture, 1080p or 2K can help you save money and digital storage space. But if you want an ultra-crisp, detailed image and have a TV or monitor capable of displaying it, 4K resolution is the best picture available today.
