Multiplexer is a device that basically allows the transmission of several signals into a single channel on one device. It’s an important thing to consider when setting up a CCTV surveillance system. Multiplexers let you view all the footage of your CCTV cameras on one monitor, so it’s a great choice for consumers who want to install multiple cameras in their property for surveillance.

Simplex multiplexer and duplex multiplexer are two most common types available on the market. It is important to know the difference between these so you can make an educated decision when shopping for a CCTV system.

Simplex Multiplexers

Simplex multiplexers allow you to view full-screen video on a single monitor. It is suitable for continuous recording. However, this type of multiplexers can’t display multi-screen images (i.e. 4-way, 8-way, 16-way split, etc.) when the video is being recorded. This is the major difference of simplex multiplexers that they can only perform one multiplexing function at a time. That’s why they are best suited where recording only is your top priority.

Simplex multiplexers are commonly used in unmanned sites; the places where you usually don’t need multiple cameras. The process of simplex multiplexers is similar to that of a quad processor. Which means it will not record with all cameras in full screen mode when it is displaying them on one screen.

Duplex Multiplexers

Duplex multiplexers can record using multiple cameras on a single monitoring device as well as display footage of up to 16 cameras on one screen. In short, duplex multiplexers integrate various monitoring devices into a single package. They are more suitable for one operator to monitor up to 16 cameras. What primarily makes duplex multiplexers different from simplex multiplexers is that they can display cameras both individually as well in multi-screen formats. You can record full size images using multiple cameras and monitor them on a single monitor. Each frame of the footage is sent to the monitoring device by time sharing technology.

Because of the reasons mentioned above, duplex multiplexers have become quite popular in the last few years. These multiplexers are the ones you often see in movies. They allow you to zoom in or out and also provide better footage quality.

The price difference between simplex and duplex multiplexers is not very huge and because of this, duplex multiplexers are considerably more popular.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both simplex and duplex multiplexers are great choices depending on your requirements. Simplex multiplexers are relatively less expensive and are well-suited if you are using fewer cameras (four or less) and don’t need to simultaneously record and view multi-screen formats. Duplex multiplexers on the other hand, are relatively costlier than simplex multiplexers but are an ideal choice if you are using more than four cameras in your CCTV surveillance system. Furthermore, the latest duplex multiplexers offer more inputs for future expansion, so they are worth it in the long-run. In a nutshell, it all comes down to your requirements and budget.