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Learn About DVR and Recorders
There are two basic types of recording devices for CCTV. They are:
- Time Lapse Video Recorder
- Digital Video Recorder (DVR)
Time Lapse Video Recorder used to be the standard recording device. Using video tapes, the Time Lapse Recorder can extend the recording hours of a normal video tape to store up to 960 hours. Time Lapse Recorder is fast being replaced by Digital Video Recorder.
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Digital Video Recorder
Digital Video Recorder uses hard disks to store the images and is far superior than the Time Lapse Recorder.
Unlike video tapes which can get moldy and images quality suffers with the age of the tapes, the hard disk digital storage system is completely unaffected.
As the information is digitally stored, it is much easier to retrieve and to re-produce.
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A DVR enables you to choose the exact time of recording you want to see without having to rewind hours of tape. It allows you to save special events you have recorded and edit them easily.
Controlling the DVR is simple and it offers you a variety of recording speeds. Monitoring software could always be updated and you can always add more memory space. Theoretically DVRs can record for weeks on end, depending of course on memory,
Most DVR can be linked to computers, making it easier to save and copy critical video evidence to CD-Rom for retention. |
Two Types of DVR
There are two types of DVR in the market.
- Embedded DVR
- PC Based DVR
Embedded DVR and PC based DVR are similar in its operation and functions. Their key difference lies in:
- operating system for embedded DVR is embedded whereas PC Based DVR uses Windows
- Embedded DVR presents the user with an interface very similar to the VCR whereas PC Based DVR uses keyboard and mouse
- Embedded DVR features faster recovery on power up compared to PC Based
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Which is better - Embedded or PC Based?
Both types of DVR have its strength and its weakness. Ultimately you will have to make that decision depending on
- your requirement
- your application
- your budget
For people who may not want the hassle of using mouse and keyboard, or may not be as computer savvy, or prefer to have a system installed and forget about it, the Embedded DVR is probably more suitable as it is far easier to use and relatively maintenance free.
The one key advantage of PC Based DVR lies in its flexibility and ease of expansion. However it does require a certain level of maintenance such as disk de fragmentation and the occasional virus check particularly when it is linked to a network. |
To learn more, click on the links below:
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