An image showing a 4-wire analogue video entry system

Think landlines, televisions, and door entry systems. Why are 4-wire analogue systems still so popular?

In the age of 4K streaming and super-fast internet speeds thanks to fibre optics, analogue television largely seems like a relic of the past—yet analogue systems are here to stay!

As early as the aughts, many countries began to transition away from analogue television broadcasting. Analogue systems, with their limited average 6-megahertz bandwidth, were increasingly outmatched by the emerging demands of contemporary digital applications. As the world embraced digital technologies requiring higher data transfer rates, the need for analogue television became irrelevant.

A visual depicting blue light traversing a fibre optic cable. Fibre cables facilitate rapid data transmission across networks, enabling advanced networking and internet technologies.

While we all know about traditional television, analogue 4-wire systems are not entirely obsolete, especially in the context of door entry.

A 4-wire communication system uses continuous electrical signals to transmit data.

“4-wire systems require four cores for the entire system. This is a popular cabling type for basic kits and some door entry systems,” says our technical team.

It employs the following four wires:

  1. Positive power
  2. Negative power
  3. Data transmission
  4. Data reception

Analogue systems do not make use of discrete binary (0s and 1s) like digital systems, but rather transmit information using electrical signals of varying amplitudes and frequencies.

The 4-wire arrangement of these systems enhances signal clarity and reduces interference by providing separate paths for sending and receiving data. This separation minimises signal distortion and loss.

Since analogue systems can manage a wide range of frequencies, they support the transmission of various data types. From voice and video to data, analogue systems can accommodate a broad spectrum of information, making them versatile in various communication applications.

From ringing loved ones via landline to watching satellite television after a long day’s work, analogue systems have been a part of our daily lives for decades. While digital technologies have replaced them in many areas presently, analogue systems continue to hold a significant position in the door entry industry.

The enduring popularity of these systems in 2024 is a testament to their benefits, despite their inherent drawbacks. So, exactly what are some of these advantages, and how do they compare to the disadvantages of these systems?  

 

Advantages

Disadvantages
Simplicity: Analogue systems can be simple to install and maintain, helping you streamline your installations and save time on your projects.  Susceptibility to Noise: Analogue signals are more susceptible to noise and interference than digital signals.
Wideband Capability: They can support a wide range of frequencies, allowing for the transmission of diverse types of data. Limited Bandwidth: Compared to modern digital systems, analogue systems may have limited bandwidth, which can affect data transmission rates.
Professional Table

Analogue, 4-wire systems have been a cornerstone of communication technology for decades. While they have been largely replaced by digital systems in many applications (farewell, fax machines), they still have a place in door entry, and of course, are some of the most affordable and reliable systems available. 

Our Brands

We stock reputable brands that you have come to know and love to rely on for your installations. Choose from a wide range of analogue door entry solutions (including many 2-wire options), featuring top brands like Fermax, GDX, Aiphone, Bell System, and Hikvision. No matter your preference, you can count on exceptional quality and performance.

At Door Entry Direct, we are your partner in innovation. Spanning traditional systems to advanced options, we are always ready to be of assistance—ensuring that you have what you need when you need it. 

Willing to dive in? View some of our analogue door entry options below, from audio and video handsets to vandal-resistant entrance panels. Remember to log in to your trade account for accurate pricing.

 

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References


Majid, MD. 2023. Difference Between Analog TV and Digital TV. Available: https://www.tutorialspoint.com/difference-between-analog-tv-and-digital-tv#:~:text=Digital%20television%20(DTV)%20is%20a,binary%20(0s%20and%201s). [Accessed 01 October 2024]