Top 5 Best CCTV Testers 2020: Reviews & Buying Guide

Whether you’re a hobbyist or an expert technician, you cannot do without these impressive tools. Meanwhile, without the best HD CCTV testers, challenges that users face include decreased frames per second, blurred images and videos, poor video compression, and buffering. However, this comprehensive CCTV tester guide will provide answers to typical questions that installers and users face.

So. That’s all with the basics of CCTV testers, let’s now start exploring the top 5 best CCTV testers reviews with pros, cons, and comparison. Also, to read the best CCTV tester buying guide first, please skip the best CCTV tester reviews section.

Top 5 Best CCTV Testers Reviews With Pros, Cons And Comparison

Best CCTV Tester Buying Guide

Read on this CCTV tester buying guide to know everything and then buy the best one from above best CCTV tester reviews section.

What Is A CCTV Tester?

As a technician, a CCTV tester allows you to set up, configure, and fix challenges that arise in the process of putting up security cameras. Other names for these tools include field monitor, camera tester, and IP tester. You can adjust the angle, focus, alignment, and the quality of image and video signals. Besides, you can carry out different tests, such as the PING and Ethernet cords check. Moreover, they have several features and functionalities to improve color saturation, contrast, and brightness.

Furthermore, the most prominent highlight of the best CCTV camera tester is the display screen. It offers technicians the chance to see the camera signals during installation. Typically, their diagonal length varies between 2.5 and 3.5 inches. In addition to this, you can ascertain the intensity and strength of the video signals, adjust the color qualities, and verify the video patterns.

In the same vein, certain models of the best CCTV testers can accommodate both PAL and NTSC video signals. Some have 12 V, DC output that serves as an external power source for the camera. While installing, you can adjust the settings to get the camera into the ideal position before placing the power cables.

Why You Should Buy The Best CCTV Testers?

⏩ Verify The Video Signals With The Help Of CCTV Testers

Before you run the cables and seal them, it is important to test the strength of the image and video signals. This will help to prevent buffering, video compression, and blurred images when you are done. Besides, the best HD CCTV testers have large LCD screens to showcase all the incoming signals.

⏩ Configure The PTZ Controller With The Help Of CCTV Testers

The best IP CCTV tester is perfect for zooming in and out inbound video and image signals. Furthermore, it helps to calibrate the directing parameters such as communication jack, baud rate, and protocol. Furthermore, you can adjust the tilt or pan degree, and adjust the preset location.

⏩ Connect Multiple Cameras With The Help Of CCTV Testers

With the best CCTV tester monitor, you can connect as many as 100 cameras. Moreover, it has three different ports to plug these security gadgets. For instance, you can use the BNC output jack, Wi-Fi connectivity, or the RJ45 port.

⏩ Crosscheck The Audio Capabilities With The Help Of CCTV Testers

When deploying a CCTV system, you need its audio output feature at peak levels. As a result, all in one CCTV tester provides the platform to test the sound before running all the cables. Moreover, it comes with an audio cord for this purpose.

⏩ Store Video Files Securely With The Help Of CCTV Testers

Due to our best CCTV tester reviews, we found out that these security gadgets have large internal memory up to 10 GB. Moreover, they have provision for an 8 GB external SD card. Besides, you can create a directory to store these files in chronological order.

⏩ Supply Power To The Camera With The Help Of CCTV Testers

While installing, you need to cross-check the camera focus, intensity, and alignment. However, since you are yet to lay the power cables, this might be challenging. Notwithstanding, the best camera CCTV tester has a 12 V, DC, 1 Amp power output, which serves as an alternative power source. It is suitable for demonstration and testing purposes.

⏩ Prompt IP Address Scan With The Help Of CCTV Testers

For digital security cameras, IP addresses are critical to their smooth functioning. If lost or unclear, these surveillance devices might malfunction. However, detecting the addresses of both individual and connected cameras becomes quick and hassle-free with an all in one CCTV tester.

⏩ Conduct The PING Test With The Help Of CCTV Testers

One of the most important setting up verifications to carry out is the PING test. It is a rapid network debugging procedure. It has two major uses. Firstly, it helps to ascertain the working condition of the Ethernet jack of the connected camera. If it is still inadequate, you can quickly fix it before completing the installation. Secondly, it helps to verify whether an IP is correct or not.

⏩ Quickly Detect Faults With The Help Of CCTV Testers

Faults are bound to happen during installation. When this occurs, it can be somewhat challenging to find the precise fault locations. Notwithstanding, with the best IP CCTV tester that has a wavelength of 650 nm, emits red laser lights, and you can easily trace bends and breakage.

⏩ Save Time And Energy With The Help Of CCTV Testers

Without essential tools like the best CCTV tester monitor, you will waste time and energy trying to ensure alignment and detect faults. However, these devices eliminate guesses and trials. Rather, they make installation straightforward and exciting.

What Are The Types Of The Best CCTV Tester?

Although designs and models look similar, these field-monitoring devices differ in their functionalities and components.

➡ NTSC And PAL CCTV Monitor Tester

When it comes to cross-checking analog surveillance cameras, this model is the most popular. Thanks to its hybrid nature, it works with either of the NTSC or PAL networks. For example, in most parts of North and South America, the National Television System Committee (or NTSC) is the most preferred technology.

However, in the West, notably Australia, Asia, and Europe, the Phase Alternating Line (or PAL) is frequently used.  Besides, some of the parameters revealed in our best CCTV tester reviews include image quality, video resolution, color properties, frame rates, and sound characteristics.

➡ Signal Transmission CCTV Monitor Tester

If you would love to examine the strength and working condition of the network cables, this signal transmission device is your ideal choice.  This best CCTV tester helps to highlight issues such as bending and breaking of the cords. Besides, it is suitable to carry out predictive maintenance to keep the system in excellent condition.

In addition to this, you can use it to trace the cables and isolate specific portions for deeper analysis, especially for larger surveillance networks. Furthermore, it highlights areas where miswiring has taken place.

➡ IP CCTV Camera Tester

When it comes to monitoring IP addresses of different surveillance gadgets, it is imperative to get testers and field-monitoring devices designed for that purpose. Essentially, it is suitable for different camera models such as analog, SDI, CVI, TVI, and AHD. Besides, you can identify the individual characteristics, quality, and focus of each image and video signal.

Furthermore, you can perform some simulations and analysis with this best IP CCTV tester. For example, you can vary the light input, image resolution, and the speed of streaming.

➡ Combined HD CCTV Tester

This is perhaps the best of the pack since it merges the characteristics of other models into itself. For instance, you can perform various forms of tests such as Ethernet cable assessment, PTZ control verification, IP camera cross-checking, video quality assessment, and TDR cable testing.

Due to this hybrid functionality, technicians and engineers can optimize their operations, save time and energy, and minimize the cost of subsequent maintenance. Besides, when you compare with other designs, it has a higher initial cost but cheaper over its useful period.

Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best CCTV Tester

✅ Network Type

The model of the tester to use depends on the type of network that the surveillance system uses. For example, you might have an analog, IPC, or TVI network. Consequently, you must use a corresponding tester to prevent issues relating to compatibility. Besides, you can only get the best results when the network synchronizes with testing equipment.

✅  Network Size

Another characteristic to consider is the number of cameras in the network. The higher the number, the more sophisticated the tester should be. It helps to prevent the overloading of the testing device. Otherwise, the integrity of the output cannot be trusted. Furthermore, each test has its limits and capabilities.

✅ Compatible Protocol

Some of the common protocols include ONVIF 2.4.1., RTP, and RTSP, amongst others. Take note of the protocols that the surveillance system uses to ensure smooth assessment and evaluation. Moreover, if both devices are not compatible, you should not expect a flawless result.  Therefore, ensure that you use appropriate and compatible devices and protocols.

✅ IP Setup

Like the aforementioned, you should check the IP setting of the CCTV network to ascertain the type of configuration it has. For instance, the system might have a DHCP client or static IP setting. Failure to cross-check this might lead to false results, wasted time, energy, and money.

✅ SD Signal Type

It becomes necessary to ascertain the SD signal type when the surveillance network contains analog cameras. Moreover, there are three popular encoding technologies, namely PAL, NTSC, and SECAM. For instance, PAL is quite popular in the West (Europe, Australia, and Asia). Meanwhile, NTSC leads the pack in several parts of North and South America. However, in Russia, France, and some African countries, SECAM is the preferred format.

Tips On How To Use The Best CCTV Tester In The Best Way!

• Make sure you comply with the rules guiding utility usage in your locality. Besides, it is important to avoid certain areas like a gas station and a hospital.
• Do not sprinkle the gadget with water or any liquid to prevent damage or faults. Moreover, do not wipe or dampen with liquid.
• Keep the tester in a safe place during transport to prevent vibration and interaction between components of the tester.
• The maximum charging time for the best HD CCTV tester is 8 hours. Disconnect and keep in a dry place.
• If you discover the battery overheats while charging, disconnect, and leave it to cool naturally. Meanwhile, keep an eye on the tester during charging.
• Do not use the gadget in humid environmental conditions. Else, you stand the risk of moisture getting into it.
• It is advisable to send the device to a recommended technician to prevent burns and injury. Home dismantling is dangerous.
• In addition to this, do not use a CCTV tester in areas with high electromagnetic influence such as radiation or radioactive environments.
• Make sure that your hand is dry before touching or using the gadget. Failure to adhere to this might lead to electrocution or electrical shocks.

FAQs Related To Best CCTV Testers

❓ Are Best CCTV Tester Monitors Compatible With Browsers And Search Engines?

Of course, You can connect your testing equipment to browsers such as Firefox, Chrome, and Google Play Store.

❓ Can You Download Generic Apps From The Google Play Store For CCTV Testing?

It depends on the encoding technology of the tester. Some devices allow you to install third-party apps while some will not. Besides, check the proprietary software for compatibility.

❓ What Format Does The Best HD CCTV Tester Save Recorded Video Files?

The main format is H.264.

❓ Why Can You Not View Recorded H.264 Video Files On Windows Media Player?

Typically, media apps like windows media player are incompatible with file formats such as H.264. Moreover, if you first convert this file format into MP4, it will. However, advanced applications like VLC can play such formats.

❓ Why Can You Not View The Video In A Chrome Web Browser?

For CCTV cameras to show live video in traditional web browsers, you need to install the ActiveX add-on. Moreover, this add-on is incompatible with the Android OS. Meanwhile, ONVIF and RTSP functionalities will allow you to view the video.

❓ How Can You Move Photo And Video Files From The CCTV Camera Tester To Your PC?

There are three major ways to transfer files. Firstly, you can move files over the internet with email or Dropbox. Secondly, you can make use of the FTP server function. Thirdly, simply click the “copy to USB” icon to move files from the JOBS folder to an SD card.

❓ Can You View The CCTV Testing Equipment Screen On A Projector Or PC?

Certain models come with an HDMI port, which you can connect to a projector or PC. To adjust the settings, locate the HDMI feature under the “setup” icon. Select an appropriate resolution and turn “ON” the output.

So, that’s everything for today. We hope you enjoyed reading this best CCTV testers reviews and CCTV tester buying guide post. Stay tuned with The Keen Hunter for more such product reviews and buying guides. Thanks for reading this post here.