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Home > What are the steps required to set up your own video surveillance and home security recording system?
February 08, 2008
By: Lynn Bryant
DVR recording devices have been around for quite some
time. They have completely transformed the entire video
recording and storage industry. Consumers can now manage,
store, and review much large quantities of video more
efficiently. Initially, stand-alone DVR devices were the
popular choice. Now, more than ever, consumers are turning
towards PC-based DVR devices for the added functionality and
convenience they provide. The purpose of this article is to
take a closer look at what is needed to implement your own
PC-based video surveillance and home security recording
system.
Before we look at what is required, we will briefly
review some of the advantages of using a PC-based, home
security video DVR over a stand-alone model. PC-based DVRs
give you the ability to record video directly to your
computer's hard drive. This makes it easier to manage
storage events as well as provide a convenient vehicle to
monitor video feeds. In addition, PC-based DVRs offer more
flexible expansion options. If you need to add additional
cameras to your surveillance network, expansion cards can be
easily added to accommodate the extra cameras.
The entire process of setting up a PC-based video DVR
device is surprisingly simple. There are three basic
components you will need before you can set up your system.
These include a PC, video capture card, and a DVR software
package. The video capture card is the hardware that is used
to convert the video from your surveillance cameras into a
digital format that can be recognized by your computer. The
software package on the other hand is what provides all of
the added functionality and control features that you can
use to view and manage your video once it is stored on your
PC.
Several online retailers sell quality video capture cards
and software packages. A store called EZWatchStore.com sells
PC-based DVR kits that come with both the video capture
card and corresponding software package. Their kits contain
all of the necessary components and instructions you will
need to set up your DVR system. They sell several different
kits ranging from a base package that can accommodate up to
four video surveillance cameras to a professional grade
system that can accommodate up to 32 cameras.
Once you have the necessary components, the setup process
is rather straightforward. All you need to do is put the
video capture card into your PC, and then install the DVR
software package. There are some setup and configuration
steps involved, and they vary depending on the software
package you purchase. Most are intuitive and come with all
of the necessary instructions that you will need to complete
the process.
With the right video capture card and software package,
it is very simple to turn your personal computer into a
fully functioning DVR. The functionality and convenience you
will gain from being able to utilize your personal computer
will allow you to get the most out of your video
surveillance system.
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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