Understanding the Different Surveillance Technologies
There are 2 types of surveillance recording technologies to consider. They are:
- PC Based Systems
- Hardware Based
- BNC: Fitting used to connect coax cable to cameras and equipment.
- CCTV: Closed Circuit Television
- DVR: Digital Video Recorder
- Mux: A four, nine or sixteen camera analog video multiplexer.
PC Based Systems:
PC based DVR's are available in 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 32 & 48 camera configurations. PC based DVR's are programmed and operated with a keyboard and mouse. The video is recorded to the computers hard drive in a compressed format. This compression allows a huge amount of video to be stored. On average, a four camera system recording continuously should record at least 30 days of video for all 4 cameras on one single 80 gig hard drive. To double the recording days simply add another 80 gig hard drive.
These systems are designed so they do not require any scheduled action to maintain the video recordings. They record video to the hard drive until a certain amount of disk space is left. Then the system will delete the oldest clips and record the new video. This provides a continuous 30+ days of recordings at anytime.
The video is played back on the computer monitor or is saved to a floppy or burned to a CD. Some systems such as the EZWatch Pro system save the video so it can be played back on any PC with Windows Media Player (a real nice feature). You can also print or save a jpeg image of any specific video frame. These systems allow you to view and playback any combination of cameras without interrupting the systems recording process. Systems such as the EZWatch Pro Series offers the following features:
- High-Definition Recording
- Live Video Viewing
- Custom Recording Speeds
- IP Camera Support & Integration
- 30-60 Days of Video Storage
- Multi Camera Viewing & Auto Rotation
- Custom Users Settings & Passwords
- Motion Detection Recording & Alarm
- Automatic Email Alarm Notification
- Automatic Recording Schedules
- Pan/Tilt/Zoom Camera Control
- Auto-Tracking
- Audio Monitoring & Recording
- Operates on Windows 2000, XP, Vista**
- Multi Camera Playback
- Pre-Alarm Recording
- Remote Access
- Remote Alarm Monitoring
- Web Browser Access
- Multi Site & Multi Camera Viewing
- Remote Audio Monitoring
- IO Control
- Dual Monitor Display
- DVD & CD Backup
- Multi-Drive Recording
- EZ Backup
- Digital Picture Adjustments
- Snap Shot
- Missing Object
- Watermark Verification
- Foreign Object
- Remote Dynamic IP Access
- Log Viewer
- Triplex Operation
- Counting Application
Hardware Based Digital Video Systems:
A hardware based DVR is built specifically for video recording. These units are built from the ground up to perform one specific function, record video. While they do operate some software internally, the video processing is hardware based. It is this hardware which provides the live viewing and high resolution recording.
The newer version of a hardware based DVR such as the Armor Pro brand is quite innovative. A high quality PC monitor is equipped with the DVR hardware and a hard drive built right into the back of the monitor. The cameras, internet and other connections are located on the side of the monitor. This design saves space, reduces cost and completely eliminated the need for a PC or old style DVR case. These units are programmed and operated with the buttons on the front of the monitor or with a hand held remote. While they are considered easier to operate than the old style hardware DVR they do have some pros and cons. The technology right now only supports a maximum of 4 camera inputs and 1 audio input for recording, and if the monitor goes out the entire system may have to be replaced.
The system feature:
- 640x480 High Res Recording
- Live Video Viewing
- Remote Access via Internet
- Motion Recording
- Automatic Schedules
- Multiple Audio Recording
- Password Protection
- Saves Space
- Cost Effective
- Optional Wall Mounting
Hardware Based Digital Video Recorder Benefits:
- High resolution digital video recordings (640x480)
- Live Camera Viewing, No delay.
- Programs with handheld remote, much like a VCR.
- Little or no maintenance
- Saves Space
Limitations:
- Harder to program and operate than PC based DVR's.
- Non-expandable
Choosing the Right System
The following is intended to help you choose which system will best fit your needs and goals.
- If cost is your #1 concern: Consider the PC Based DVR systems. They cost about the same as Time Lapse systems but they provide 200% clearer recording. Kits that install on a computer you provide are the most cost effective.
- If performance and video clarity is you main concern: Consider either PC based or Hardware based DVR's. PC based systems are the most desirable unless you are uncomfortable using computers. Average PC skills are required. Hardware based systems do not require computer skills but can be fairly cumbersome to program and operate (much like a VCR).
- If you are not
comfortable with computers: Consider either Time Lapse or Hardware
DVR's. Both systems program similar to your VCR at home.
- If
you want the best performance for the money (Value): Consider PC based
DVR's. PC based DVR's have developed into very reliable systems which
match the performance of the best Hardware based systems and they cost
less. PC based offers more features and are very easy to program and
operate. Average computer skills are required.
- If
remote viewing of cameras is your main concern: Consider either PC
based or Hardware based DVR's. Both offer remote viewing and playback
through the internet (Cable or DSL). PC Based also offers dial-up
remote connection.
- If automatic recording
schedules and motion activated recording is your main concern: Consider
PC based DVR's. They offer the best programming and motion detection
options to customize the automatic operations to your specific needs.
- If remote viewing and remote playback of multiple sites is your main concern: Consider PC based systems. They offer the best flexibility for remotely viewing and managing multiple sites.
