DVR RECORDERS
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OTHER TECH ITEMS
DVR RECORDERS / DVR CARDS:
In putting together a DVR system you need to look at more than just the cameras. The DVR recording device can make or break your system. The first thing you need to figure out is how many cameras you wish to use? If you are going to only use 4 cameras then get one for 4 cameras. However, if you eventually want the ability to run 16 cameras, then get a recorder that meets your requirements now. It is better to add cameras to a recorder than having to purchase a new one later. In paranormal investigations, we have different needs than someone purchasing a system for security. For instance, while recording at real time, you will able to rewind back to see what is going on without stopping the recording. I have used a DVR recorder that prevented you from rewinding to review what was recorded. To make matters even worse, I had to start watching it from the beginning! This is not fun. I then upgraded to a system that enables me to view recorded video while still continuing to record. Plus, I can start viewing at anytime during the recorded video. No more fast forwarding from the beginning of the recording to see what happened five minutes ago.
Typical information from the manufacture for specifications:
- 16 Channel Video
- Each Camera 30FPS 480 FPS total in display and recording
- Triplex operation for Playback/Record/Network in same time
- Support H.264 and MPEG4 Compression
- Support up to 2 Cards, Total 32 Channels
- 640 X 480 high resolution
- Timer/ Motion/ Sensor/ Scheduled Recording
- Live Playback in real time by Day, Date and Time
- Perfect motion detection function
- Easy Video Color Brightness and Contrasts controls
- Pan / Tilt / Zoom Control
- Multi user and level protection Management
- Video/audio Data Backup Management
- Manual Back-up to CD or DVD media.
- Automatically email a photo to user when a motion is detected
- Build in Web Server
- IE Remote Viewing over the internet with internet explorer
- Remote playback, Recording, and PTZ Control
What I feel is a must for a DVR recording:
- FPS requirements - Get a recorder that can record 30 fps (frames per second) for each camera. There are cameras that can generate more than 30 fps, but they are usually quite expensive and not worth the extra hundred per camera. Example- 8 cameras you would need 240 fps DVR card. If you get a card that is 8 cameras at 120 fps you will only get an extremely choppy video with all 8 cameras running.
- Number of TV lines - Make sure that your DVR can record in at least the number of TV lines (see below in cameras) that your camera can view. This way you are not spending more money on a camera that you cannot benefit from!
- Ability to label each camera’s view - It is nice to label the kitchen camera as “kitchen cam” and so forth. That way during review you will know exactly which room you are looking at. A house with 3 room cams may all look alike!
- Ability to view while recording - This is a must if something actually happens during an investigation. You can review it in order to determine what really happened so you can debunk or confirm while still at location!
- DVD burner ability - This way you can divide up your cameras as you leave the location for the team to review, or even burn to save a hard copy of the investigation.
- Having large enough hard drive to store enough recording for the whole investigation is key. Just remember, eventually you will have to delete the recording off of the hard drive to make room for more.
- Connector type – Make sure that cable connections are the right connector type. The better quality cameras use BNC connectors, as apposed to RCA.
- Software compatibility - Some of the cheaper DVR boxes have a format that will playback on a monitor, but you have to convert the video format first in order to edit. Getting a DVR box that states Windows/Mac compatible will be more appropriate. MPEG, AVI are certain terms used for video format. Make sure the video format is adequate for your software!
- Big issue! Do you want a separate DVR recording Box or use a DVR card in your computer. The benefit of a DVR box and ease to carry and set up. Most have their own hard drive, DVD burner and you can connect a monitor, mouse and keyboard. The downside is the cost for a box that does everything you want it to do over the cost of a DVR card. The benefit of a DVR card is cost for what will work for you. Most people already own a computer that will run the card, so the only extra cost is the card itself. The downside of a DVR card is that you need to cart along a complete computer system to the investigation. The cost difference is approximately $100-$120 for a DVR card set up as opposed to $300-$600 for a DVR box.
For a quick check off for what you should look for:
- How many cameras?
- How much fps? Look for 30 for each camera total. (8 cameras 240 fps minimum)
- Able to record, playback and broadcast at the same time. Some call this triplex operation
- Adequate TV lines recording! Look for greater than 520 TV lines.
- Hard drive memory is adequate! The larger the better for DVR boxes.
- Proper recording format! MPEG is great, MPEG4 is better, AVI takes up the most space.
- Ability to save via DVD or USB.
- Connector type is appropriate for your cameras. I would suggest BNC connections
- Software support fits your editing capabilities. If using Mac make sure it will be compatible with Mac!
- Ability to modify screen views with labels.