DVR’s, NVR’s, Monitors

Digital Video Recorders (DVR) and Network Video Recorders (NVR) are the heart of a CCTV surveillance system.

During this period of crossover from analogue (low-res) to digital (high res), some manufacturers have released ‘hybrid’ NVR’s which incorporate some analogue camera inputs, whilst also providing many of the IP capabilities found on a NVR.

Digital Video Recorders (DVR’s)

DVR’s have multiple inputs (channels), one for each camera connected. Each channel can be set-up for specific recording resolution in order to ensure the most important cameras record as much information as possible. DVR’s are the traditional format recording camera footage at VHS resolution  – approx 600 horizontal lines of information.

Apart from the obvious recording functionality, DVR’s provide many useful features such as;

• matrix screen views
• movement detection
• alarm triggering
• text overlay for integration with point of sale equipment
• remote viewing
• event reports
• footage review and archiving
• audio recording
• pan tilt zoom controls

Network Video Recorders (NVR’s)

NVR’s on the other hand are more like computers, in that they are connected through a network (dedicated or public) to IP cameras using the TCP/IP suite of protocols. Each camera has a unique IP address and in most cases, are higher resolutions that their analogue counterparts. Typical resolutions are 1-10M pixel.

Apart from the obvious recording functionality, NVR’s provide many useful features such as;

• matrix screen views
• movement detection
• alarm triggering
• text overlay for integration with point of sale equipment
• remote viewing
• event reports
• footage review and archiving
• audio recording
• pan tilt zoom controls
• video analytics & behaviour monitoring

Surveillance Monitors

Surveillance monitors are designed specifically for security applications are are an important element in any quality surveillance system. The advantages of surveillance monitors over any standard LCD monitor include;

• Higher resolution
• Multiple input and output connections
• Variety of input types and resolutions
• Wide viewing angle
• On-board sound
• Unique aspect ratios to suit surveillance e.g.5:4
• Picture in Picture feature

Uninteruptable Power Supplies (UPS)

A UPS is a critical part of any reliable surveillance system. A UPS ensures that the recording equipment works even throughout a power outage.

Self Driven Remote Off-Site Monitoring

Our systems come with free software to enable remote off site monitoring of your CCTV Surveillance system. There are some fundamental IT requirements required like broadband internet access and a static IP addresses, however in all the installations are a breeze. We will commission your computer and software to enable you to quickly and easily dial-in to view either live or pre-recorded footage remotely. Pictured right is a sample of the application window that will run on the remote PC.

See our Case Study on a recent CCTV Surveillance installation which incorporated remote off-site access here.