Home Security Camera System-Why is a digital video recorder the right choice?

Home Security Camera Systems Home security camera system is a combination of cameras, DVR and an optional monitor. Most of the home security camera systems include all the necessary wiring, adapters and connectors to get your system running in a flash. Home security camera systems are reliable and affordable security solution for the safety of your home. These plug and play systems are easy to install. These security systems leave you with complete peace of mind. The cameras can also be viewed from almost anywhere in the world via the Internet or via dial up from another PC if the system comes with a remote surveillance feature. Home security camera systems use a DVR to store recordings from all the cameras and the same can be retrieved later. DVRs provides recording for possibly many years, with a variety of quality and performance options and extra features such as motion-detection and email alerts. The recordings stored in the DVR can be viewed using a monitor. Digital Video Recorders Digital Video Recorder (DVR) is a device which has ability to records video in a digital format to a disk drive or other memory medium within a device. DVRs include includes stand-alone set-top boxes, portable media player and software for personal computers which enables video capture and playback to and from disk. Digital Video Recorders provides more flexibility in storing and retrieving data. DVR not only allows live media playback, but also stores media and allows you to view it, as many times as you want, at a later date provided you have control over playback speed and playback direction. DVRs basically work like a VCR and records events at the click of a button. The only difference is that DVRs use a Hard Disk Recorder and digitally records your events. The DVR system records programming in real time. This allows you to pause or rewind any event at any point during the program. Hardware Features of DVRs Can be desktop configured or rack mounted Includes single or multiple video outputs with connector types consistent with the analogue or digital video. The most common number of inputs are 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32. Controlled outputs to external video display monitors. Front panel switches and indicators allow one to control the various features of the machine. Allows connections to external control devices (such as keybords), external pan-tilt-zoom drives that position cameras and external storage media Allows connections to internal CD, DVD, VCR devices typically for archiving video. Alarm event inputs from external security detection devices, usually one per video input. Alarm event outputs from internal detection features such as motion detection or loss of video. Software Features of DVRs User selectable image capture rates on all input basis or input by input basis. It may be programmed to automatically adjust the capture rate on the occurrence of an external alarm or an internal event Selectable image resolution either on an all input basis or input by input basis. It may be programmed to automatically adjust the capture rate on the occurrence of an external alarm or an internal event Provides motion detection on an input by input basis which detects motion in the total image or a user definable portion of the image and usually provides sensitivity settings Input, time and date stamping. Alarm and event logging on appropriate video inputs and Alarm and event search One or more sound recording channels. Key Features of DVRs Storage Capacity Storage capacity is the main feature and the key selling point of a DVR. The capacity to record digital programming totally depends on the storage capacity. Larger storage capacity allows you to record more. Most of the DVRs come with a 30 GB's of storage or about 30 hours of storage capacity. This extends up to 200 GB in case of larger DVRs. The cost of the DVR increases with an increase in storage or hard drive capacity. High Definition Compatibility Some of the DVRs come with a High Definition Compatibility so as to watch any recorded show in high definition on any High Definition TV. High Definition is the best available format that provides extremely high quality video and audio. Dual Tuner Almost all DVRs allow you to record an even while you are watching another. But a DVR with Dual Tuner technology allows you to watch a live TV show while recording a new TV program on a different channel. DVR with Dual Tuner technology comes with two built in tuners, one for tuning into the program that you are currently watching and a second tuner to tune to the channel that you would like to record. Benifits of DVRs Records video in digital format on the DVR's hard drive. Allows to watch Your Favorite Programs On Your Own Time. Records hours and hours of TV programs and also records surveillance video for viewing later. Treats any recording as a DVD movie wherein you can replay a recording, or just freeze the screen Provides a relief from handle bulky video tapes and offers better quality digital images Practically makes security surveillance hands−free with no need to change out video tapes all the time. Helps Share and Display Digital Media between home network and Television Can be hooked to your home network or home media center for viewing digital photos and other digital media on your TV. Types of DVRs Standalone DVR's Standalone DVR's such as TiVo are the most popular DVRs. They offer large storage capacities, usually coming in either 30 or 60 GB's along with fully functional TV viewing guides enabling the user to easily and effectively record their favorite show. Many of the standalone DVRs come with a setup wizard allowing you to setup a TiVo service or similar, enabling you to take advantage of the DVR technology available. This type of DVRs also include self built standalone boxes where the tech savvy build their own devices to escape the restrictions of a manufactured box. MythTV is a good example. Some standalone DVR's come with built in memory whereas others allow you to upgrade the memory as per requirement. PC Based DVRs One of the latest ways that many people used for recording and watching their favorite events is PC-based DVR. PC-based DVRs are created around a computer and come with attachments like the separate CPU, keyboard, a USB mouse and monitor. PC-based DVRs come with advanced features such as improved screens, improved motion detection facilities and Internet viability. These DVRs require specialized computer knowledge. PC-based DVR features as much as 7 times more storage than standalone DVR because of a larger CPUs and memory. These DVRs also offer better reception of playback programs, colored bars for easy search, four times better speed, CD-ROM burner, DVD burner and easily attachable hard drives. PC-based DVRs are ideal for malls, movie theatres, departmental stores, hospitals and industry units. Portable DVRs Portable DVR's also known as portable media devices are growing in popularity as they can not only transfer and store videos but also music, photos and other types of media. These DVRs consists of just a small function screen, USB port and hard drive. Some also include a LCD screen to watch video directly on the unit. Portable DVRs are lightweight and compact in size which makes it a perfect solution to on the go undercover surveillance and mobile video. Some of our mini portable DVRs have built in camera for all in one unit. Others allow you to plug in any hidden or security camera of your choice into our portable unit. Spy DVRs also fall under the Portable DVR category. Commonly seen Standalone DVRs Commonly seen PC Based DVRs Commonly seen Portable DVRs