The typical way of displaying IP surveillance video is dedicating a PC and loading a network viewing client. In the analog world, this was simpler as many DVRs had 'spot monitor' outputs that connected a display to the back of the DVR. Unfortunately, in the IP world, this is harder. We recently had a PRO member discussion on IP video display options that lasted more than 35 comments and ended inconclusively.

In the last few months, NLSS has released an HD Decoder that aims to provide an option in solving this problem. This appliance differs from traditional IP decoders in 3 key respects:

• Open to 3rd party cameras: Most traditional IP decoders only supported the manufacturer's own cameras (e.g., Pelco decoder, Pelco cameras, etc.)
• Decodes HD video feeds: Most traditional IP decoders only decoded SD feeds.
• Decodes many feeds: Many traditional IP decoders only decode a single SD feed

Because of the NLSS HD Decoder's novel positioning, we've seen quite a number of comments and questions about its use. In this test, we attempted to better understand what the HD decoder can do. We found it interesting. While the NLSS HD decoder can do a lot of things, users will need to carefully consider what their monitoring objectives are (these vary greatly) and if the NLSS HD decoder can meet them. Inside the PRO section, we dig into these aspects.