Digital Video Recorder (DVR)

Recording devices, especially DVRs play a vital role in video surveillance. DVRs are designed to accommodate up to a specific quantity/number of channels or inputs. Each channel or input originates from a camera connected to the system. Most DVRs increase in cost and scope based on the number of channels/inputs they support.

Common configurations are:

♦ 4 channels

♦ 8 channels

♦ 16 channels

♦ 24 channels

Although DVRs are referred to as “Digital” Video Recorders, they are technically an “Analog” device.

DVRs capture an analog signal and convert it to a digital format (such as MPEG-4) The digital to analog conversion process compresses the images reducing the quality.

Most DVRs are easily configured and usually allow customized settings for each channel, including video quality and resolution. Even though the signal may start as analog, newer DVRs offer full-HD video output with a resolution of up to 1080p. Video can be exported to a range of different formats, including DVD and USB.

One of the main considerations when evaluating DVRs is Storage. A low end 3-terabyte (TB) hard drive will store about 30-days of 24-hour video surveillance in full frame HD taken from one camera. This might seem like a lot, but when you have 10 or more cameras, you’re going to run out of hard disk/storage space pretty quick. To alleviate storage problems, popular DVRs accommodate from 1 to 4 removable SATA hard drives. Each drive can offer up to 4 TB.

ECS is an Authorized Video Surveillance Reseller located in Seattle, WA & Portland, OR.

ECS provides local technicians for on-site work installing and servicing a variety of voice/data equipment, ie; Avaya Aura Servers, Gateways, Voicemail, Telephones, Firewalls, Ethernet Switches, Low Voltage Cabling, CAT5e/CAT6, Fiber, Circuit Extensions, Wireless Networking, Video Surveillance, Point of Sale, Overhead Paging, etc. 

ECS provides services in Washington & Oregon, primarily in the greater Seattle & Portland areas.

Comments are closed.