Enhancing CCTV with WDR, BLC, HLC, and HDR

When it comes to getting the best possible video footage quality out of your CCTV, differing visible light levels can be an issue. As we’ve covered recently, advancements in wide dynamic range are helping to curb problems with light like low light, glaring, and more, but that is not the only solution built into your IP security cameras. BLC (Backlight Compensation) and HLC (Highlight Compensation) are two technologies that have been in network CCTV for a while now, along with HDR (High Dynamic Range). With any of the above technologies being available in each of our security cameras, varying light levels become much less of an issue.

That said, some of our customers have had some confusion about each technology. Some questions we’ve gotten include what each does, how each works, and which is better. If you ask any of these questions, we’ve got you covered with this article, starting with a quick summary of each!

WDR, BLC, HLC, HDR: What do they do?

Wide Dynamic Range: As explained in our previous article, WDR is a technology that balances out light levels to a balanced level. With the modern iteration being true wide dynamic range, cameras with this technology are built with two different sensors. With each sensor, the camera then captures two different versions of the same frame at different light levels, combining the best parts of each to create the clearest quality frame.Backlight Compensation: As mentioned in our A1 glossary, BLC allows you to adjust exposure to a preferred level manually. Instead of an IP camera automatically focusing on sources of harsher light, this setting reduces the amount of incoming light to avoid over-exposure. When done, this may reduce the visibility one can see from sources of light (windows, doors, etcetera).Highlight Compensation: HLC reduces the glare most often associated with stronger light sources like headlights, flashlights, and more to allow greater detail. Unlike BLC, HLC is automated when turned on.High Dynamic Range: Better known for being the technology used in modern touch screen cell phones, HDR and digital WDR are the same. Instead of taking multiple shots of the same frame, HDR takes one shot per frame and adjusts the light levels of the shot digitally. While the technology is improving with time, it still does not achieve the same quality as true WDR.

How to adjust each technology

Adjusting each WDR, BLC, HLC, and HDR in your respective camera is as easy as checking a box in your settings. For example, as you can see in the video, checking the box for WDR leads to drastic results in image quality. If your camera has any of the other three settings, the process will be the same. Additionally, there may be a sliding bar to adjust the levels to your preference.

What is the difference between BLC and HLC?

BLC and HLC actually have opposite functions to each other. Increasing the brightness of the overall image increases the backlight compensation, while reducing it increases the highlight compensation. Depending on your environment, one may be better than the other, but neither is necessarily better than the other. However, while either may be unnecessary with true WDR, both may be used with HDR.

Is WDR or HDR better?

The majority of technicians and professionals in the CCTV industry agree that true WDR is better than HDR. Simply put, true wide dynamic range features software and built-in hardware to achieve a better picture. That is opposed to high dynamic range or digital WDR, which features only software to improve each frame.

Get cameras with WDR, BLC, HLC, HDR, and more from A1 Security Cameras!

With so many advanced features available in current security cameras, now is the best time to improve your security camera system or start from scratch. With so many options available through our online store, you can quickly get everything you need. Plus, get everything installed by our security camera system installation in DFW team if you live in Dallas Fort Worth. Improve your surveillance today with A1 Security Cameras!

AXIS M5525-E

AXIS M5525-E is a great deal. The affordably priced camera is packed with the kind of top-of-the-line features you’d normally expect in high end cameras. It’s particularly suitable for stores, schools, building lobbies and other open areas, both indoors and out.