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Home > How can DVR security systems improve the effectiveness of your video surveillance and security operations?
May 17, 2008
By: Lynn Bryant
Adding a DVR security system capability to your video
surveillance plans will greatly improve the effectiveness of
your surveillance operations. DVR security systems provide
numerous features and functionality that help transform your
surveillance operations into a more interactive process. The
purpose of this article is to review some of the pros and
cons of the different styles of DVR systems, as well as
review some of the popular choices in each category.
When selecting a DVR video surveillance system, keep in
mind that you should have a clear understanding of exactly
what you wish to accomplish with your surveillance
operations. Many of the features and benefits some of these
systems offer may be unnecessary if your security plans do
not dictate the need for them. On the other hand, if you are
just getting started with the selection process, carefully
reviewing the options available may help assist you in your
planning process.
There are two basic kinds of DVR devices, stand alone,
and PC-based models. We will review selections from each of
these categories, as well as explore another viable option
of building your own DVR device.
Option #1: Stand-alone DVR models
These DVR devices contain all the necessary software and
components built into a single compact unit. They are very
similar in appearance to a DVD player, and are extremely
reliable and easy to use. They are a very popular recording
option to use in conjunction with video surveillance
systems. If you are going to be operating a small
surveillance network in and around your home or small
business, a stand-alone model is a simple and inexpensive
way that will more than adequately meet your needs.
Surveillance-Video.com offers a wide selection of
stand-alone digital video recorders. They have DVR
models that accommodate one to as high as 64 input video
channels, and they even offer a few 16 channel real time
DVRs that are capable of recording and displaying 480fps.
Useful features either included or available as an option
for most of the units include hard drives of various sizes;
CD and DVD rewritable disk drives for additional storage;
TCP/IP connectivity for remote viewing and control; multiple
recording modes for alarm, scheduled, and motion detection
conditions; and audio recording capabilities.
Option #2: PC-based DVR board & software
This style of DVR is designed to work in conjunction with
your own personal computer. A PC-based DVR consists of a
video capture card and corresponding DVR software. In
general, PC-based DVRs have more advanced features than
stand-alone models, and are better suited for upgrades and
system expansions. If you are looking for a DVR recording
system that provides many unique advanced features, a
PC-based DVR device is definitely the more configurable,
flexible choice.
PCI DVR Cards for PCs are also available at
Surveillance-Video.com. They carry the best manufacturers of
DVR cards like Digivue, Netpromax, and Geovision at prices
between $100 and $1500. The Netpromax NDRX948 is an example
of one of their higher end offerings. This model can display
and record up to 16 video cameras at real time rates of
480fps (30fps recording per channel), provides motion
detection based recording, allows PTZ camera control, and
will display video from all 16 cameras on one split screen
using the included multi-site/multi-camera client software.
Option #3: Build your own DVR system using DVR kits
If you are particularly adventurous, you may want to
consider building your own DVR recording and monitoring
system. This will give you the ability to customize a system
to meet your exact specification. The process itself is not
as daunting as it may sound. Several companies on the market
provide DVR kits that make the process relatively simple.
A popular vendor for this is the EZWatchStore.com, which
provides kits to accommodate from as little as four to all
the way up to 32 security cameras. It comes complete with
dome and/or bullet cameras, matching PCI DVR capture cards,
DVR software, and all the required cabling, connectors, and
other accessories to complete the system. The PC and monitor
can also be included in the kit for a complete turnkey
system or the kit can be purchased without one. Click on the
following link to see their entire selection of
DVR kits.
There are many more options to choose from for each of
these categories. This guide is not meant to be an
exhaustive list of available options. It is simply designed
to provide some basic considerations for each category
described. Whichever style of DVR device you choose; you
will be adding valuable functionality to your surveillance
network.
About the Author
Lynn Bryant is a successful freelance writer and
contributor to Video-Surveillance-Guide.com. Your
definitive guide to video surveillance equipment, CCTV
cameras and wireless security systems for home and business.
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