What is a Quad Splitter ?

The Video quad splitter is a very important component of close circuit television systems. Quad splitters were developed to eliminate the not so cost effective way of one camera per monitor and time lapse recorder design. A Quad enables the user to view up to four cameras on the same screen simultaneously. It displays all cameras on the screen two on the top quadrants and two on the bottom quadrants. This gives the user a tremendous advantage over security camera systems using video sequential or manual switchers. Using a quad, the system operator will not miss any activity he or she would have if they were using a sequential or manual switcher. However there is a slight drawback to the quad splitter. Its images can sometimes be to small to distinguish any specific details on an image, especially when using small cctv monitors. While viewing a live feed this drawback can be overcome since the quad allows full screen viewing of any camera with a simple push of a button. However the same can not be said once a picture has been recorded. When a quad output is recorded, it is recorded the same exact way as it is seen on the screen. Therefore if a quad view is being displayed while recording that’s the only way it can be retrieved on playback. And if an operator has switched to a full screen camera view while recording that will be the only camera that could be viewed on playback. As you can see this could pose a problem in many applications and is also the main reason why many people upgrade theirs systems from quads to video multiplexers. It must be noted that there are several types of quads available for depending on the applicaion. Monochrome quads designed for use with black and white cameras can also be used with color cameras but the picture on the screen will always be displayed in black and white. Color quads are designed for use with color cameras but can also be used with black and white cameras. Dual page quads are equipped with 8 video input to allow for up to 8 camera connection. The picture is displayed in two separate groups of four cameras. The switch between the two groups can be done manually or it can be set automatically at a predetermined switch time.