security DVR
Information about security DVRfrom XJA Systems & Consulting.
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The first thing you must learn about security DVR's is that they are not all alike.
Each security DVR has a different quality, performance and reliability level.
With a little help however, you would be able to find the perfect security DVR for your needs.
Before you could get a security DVR, all surveillance video was recorded on VCR's. The problem with that is that video tapes are very limited in how much they can record. Additionally, VCR's have to be monitored so you can change the tape when they run out of recording room. Besides that, machines could jam or break easily because of all the moving parts. Last but not least, you had to be in the same room as the tape to view it and you might have to fast forward through hours of video just to find one little thing. A security DVR has none of these limitations. With the security DVR came the ease and convenience of both the desktop computer and the Internet. A true security DVR is a sophisticated system with specialized hardware, software and sub-assemblies with built-in checks and balances. It is essentially a highly specialized computer. The security DVR can also be operated and viewed remotely via the Internet or a close local network, just like a computer. Storage - Gone are the limitations of video tapes. Now your security DVR can store as much video as you have hard drive space. Computer hard drives can be chained together to create an almost infinite amount of recording space for your security DVR. They will never jam, they are completely automated and they can be backed up automatically. That way if one fails, your security DVR data is never lost. PC or not PC? - A security DVR can either be PC based, or non-PC based. The primary difference between the two are their interfaces. A PC based security DVR will usually be easier to use for a non-specialist. Additionally, a PC based security DVR will be easier to upgrade in the future. The Heart of the System - The most important part of any security DVR is the video capture card. The card's quality will determine the the quality of video your security DVR will record. It's like the engine in your car. Prices for a security DVR will vary quite a bit based on the quality of the card inside. As with any product, there are consumer quality, economy cards for your security DVR and industrial/commercial grade cards. This card's job is to compress and decompress all video your security DVR processes. If you've got one security camera, you maybe able to use a lower end security DVR. If you've got one-hundred cameras, you'll want something bigger and better that can handle the strain your security DVR will undertake. Image Smoothness - Your security DVR will likely have a stated FPS, which will tell you how quickly it records video. A general rule of thumb is that the higher your security DVR's framerate is, the smoother the video will look. IE, less jumpy video. Please keep in mind that the framerate will not impact the actual quality of the video recorded by your security DVR. It will only comment as to how smoothly the video will be recorded. Image Resolution - This however will speak to the image quality of each security DVR. The higher the resolution, the more detail you get. The image resolution of your security DVR could mean the difference between being able to read a name tag on someone's shirt or not. Storage - How much storage will you need for your security DVR? Great question. There are several factors that will contribute to your security DVR storage needs.
Software - Aside from the video capture card, your security DVR will live or die by its software. The security DVR software is what controls, monitors, searches, views and replays your audio and video. Your security DVR software will determine if an hour worth of video takes up 1 MB or 1 GB of storage space. The security DVR software is your key to using your security DVR. This is by no means, a complete primer on security DVR technology. It is however a small guide to help you on your way to selecting the best security DVR for your needs. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions and we'll be glad to help. |