Recording CCTV Images
Domestic VCR
The simplest low-cost solution is to use your home VCR. This will typically give 8 hours recording time and can be used in conjunction with a Video Activator to provide event-only recording. We sell wired and wireless kits consisting of cameras with built-in motion detectors plus VCR activators. Recording will automatically be triggered on motion detection.
Advantages
very low cost. Worth considering buying a seperate VCR for camera recording. This VCR can be hidden in the attic or a cupboard making it less likely to stolen by an intruder.
Disadvantages
most domestic recorders have a slow "take-up" time. (the time taken to start recording) - cannot use the VCR to record TV channel whilst camera input is selected.
Time-lapse VCR
Similar to your home VCR but with a slower-moving tape that records the camera pictures as snapshots at split second intervals. The time-lapse can be set to give 24, 240 or 960 hours of recording on standard VCR tapes.
Advantages
very long recording time, cost-effective. Added features like alarms, auto tape-rewind.
Disadvantages
will need a quad processor or multiplexer when recording multiple cameras which adds to the cost of the system.
the longer the recording time the longer the period of time between the snapshots.
tapes do wear out through over use.
DVR
Digital Video Recorders can record images onto a built-in hard drive from one or more cameras. DVRs normally come combined with multiplexer functions and are generally considered the future of CCTV recording. DVRs can generally be split into two groups - standalone black box and PC-based solutions. PC-based solutions are discussed in their own section.
Advantages
all-in-one box for recording, multiplexing, alarms and motion detect.
higher resolution than S-VHS VCR is possible
near instant access to recording from known time and date
no loss of quality when copies taken
can record events in real-time before an alarm actually occurs with "Pre-event trigger"
enhanced playback function, forward and reverse frame by frame playback
easily connect to networks/internet for remote viewing and playback.
PC-based Systems
If you already have a PC then with the addition of a video-capture card and surveillance software you have a powerful digital system. The purchase of a video capture card and software is a very cost effective method of providing a high specification system.
Advantages
easy to expand 2 ports to 4, 8, or 16 ports. Simply buy another card
remote viewing
software allows for many configurations for monitoring e.g. quad display
records in real time, simultaneously from all cameras
time and date stamping with motion detect
alert wizard, send email with photo or video clip,
SMS alert
audio alert
motion detection recording featuring different sensitivity settings and masking feature. Only movement in the masked rectangle trigger a response. By careful positioning of the rectangles you can allow for pet movement within the observation area.
a low-cost, all-in-one solution that does away with the need for separate motion detect, splitters, quads or multiplexers.
Guide ID: 10000000003511714Guide created: 06/05/07 (updated 15/08/08)
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