16 channel DVR Security Systems: Top 3 Recommended Spec’s

by Ray Jacobson

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!


16 channel DVR Security Systems: Top 3 Recommended Specs

Right now there are more mom-n-pop outfits liquidating their ill equipped multi-channel DVR systems than you can shake a stick at. You don’t need the latest ‘bleeding edge’ technology to get quality surveillance.  However, there are 3 specifications that your 16 ch DVR security system will need you for long term security, usability, and possible expansion.

Below are the top 3 recommended, must-have options you’ll need for your 16 channel DVR system along with the companies that equip these critical options in their multi-channel DVRs.

TOP 3 Recommended 16 Channel DVR System Spec’s:

1. High Camera Resolution

Resolution is important to the degree you don’t have it.  Poor picture quality is one of the biggest regrets DIY video surveillance customers consistently voice. Your surveillance cameras should at the very least be able to capture clear video outside of 10′ in light and dark environments.

Unfortunately, most budget CCTV systems don’t offer enough camera resolution beyond 10′  to identify a criminal should you need to make the playback usable in court.  You’ll need at least 480 TV line camera resolution with your 16 channel dvr to be able to make out anything over 10′.

Those who complain about visibility problems bought into believing that 420 TV lines of camera resolution is “high resolution”.  It’s not.  You’ll have to hunt this spec down to find it but don’t miss it

2. Best DVR Compression

One of the primary goals of your 16 channel DVR will be to preserve your video in the smallest file size possible while maintaining clear video and audio.  Your  DVR CODEC choices  are MPEG-4, MJPEG, and H.264.

The best DVR compression depends upon your intended use and distribution of the video.  For normal home or small business use MPEG-4 compression isn’t “bleeding edge” technology but it very close to it and way better than most of the older technology out there that uses MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 or MJPEG.  Use MPEG-4 and you’ll get clear video without spending a ton of money.

MJPEG or JPEG compression is another not so familiar format which that compresses each video frame as a JPEG images before interlacing them.  It imposes lower processor and memory requirements but video quality is inferior to MPEG.

Currently H.264 (i.e. MPEG -4 part 10) compression offers the best technology for any 16-channel DVR.  If it’s important to preserve optimum video quality without using up a lot of storage space then a H.264 DVR system is your best choice.  (I would suggest a  high resolution camera to match).

3. DVR Hard Drive Capacity

Don’t want to get to specific here other than to say a minimum of 500 GB of hard disk space for a 16 channel DVR will keep your CCTV recording months of non-stop video.  I like the ability to customize this option prior to purchasing since some applications may warrant several terabytes.

Summary:

Having said all that you’ll get a more than adequate yet affordable 16 ch DVR that offers:

  • High Resolution cameras with a minimum resolution of 480 TV lines. (assuming you need cameras)
  • Minimal MPEG-4 compression or if you’ve need it H.264 (not MPEG-1,2, or MJPEG)
  • Hard Disk Space that you can customize.  I recommend a minimum of 500 GB for 16 channel DVRs.

Best 16-Channel DVR systems:

Keeping quality support, price, and the above 16 channel DVR spec’s in mind right now I highly recommend the company below.

Feel free to add your comments and recommendations for the benefit of the community.

Technorati Tags: , , ,

{ 0 comments }

8 Channel DVR Security Systems: Stand Alone Compared to PC-Based.

by Ray Jacobson

8 channel DVR h264 video security ystem 300x199 8 Channel DVR Security Systems: Stand Alone Compared to PC Based.Your multi-channel or more specifically 8 channel DVR will be the most important component you will add to your security system.  There are a number of options to consider but this post will help you get more clear as to what type of  8 ch DVR system will best suit your particular application.

There are two types of security DVRs to think about: Stand-alone DVR versus a PC-based DVR.  Which one is best will be determined by your security application right now and years down the road.

1. Standalone DVR systems:

Most DIY’s are familiar with stand alone digital video recorders as it looks similar to your home TV DVR.   Here, you basically have a dedicated machine consisting of one main CPU that offers all the software you will need to get going.  So, it digitally records, compresses, and stores i.e. manages all your surveillance video.

Installation isn’t difficult.  By simply plugging in one or all eight of your security cams into a standalone 8 ch DVR and then plugging it into either your TV or PC monitor you can quickly view LIVE or pre recorded surveillance video without the need for ‘bleeding edge’ sophistication.

Pros:  Multi channel Stand Alone DVR systems are good for DIY’s as they’re easy to install.  Also, great for home or small business applications where future expansion would either be  over kill or unlikely.   Finally, you can buy a quality 8 channel DVR  for under $1,800 and don’t take up much space at all.   As a word of caution most DIY’s tend to get too cheap here and end up costing themselves more long term.

Cons: Stand alone DVRs are great for DIY’s who’s security application won’t demand  too much expansion in the future.  If you think you’re going to need 4-6 cameras you might find an 8 channel DVR will give you more flexability later on.  However, if you think you might upgrade your home or business in the near future then a PC-based DVR might serve you better.

2. PC-based DVR systems:

PC based DVRs are built around your PC and will utilize attachments that include a separate CPU, monitor, mouse, keyboard.  PC-based systems will have more feature rich software technology that will enable you to easily upgrade or expand you security system in the future.

Generally larger businesses that demand or more security features or foresee a need for additional expansion, and storage space elect for PC based DVR security systems.  Also, with the more advanced controls comes the need for a more advanced user or trouble shooter.

Pros: PC based DVRs can grow right along with you as your surveillance needs change and expand.  Features often include the ability to attach additional CD writers. hard drives, and DVD burners but make sure features are worth the price.

Cons: Can take up a little more space and best suited for larger security applications.  You may not want to tie up your main home PCs resources just because you can add a PC capture card.   Added flexibility comes at a price.  A good price for a quality PC-based 8 channel DVR model cost you around $2,200 to $2,600.   But you can  justify that expense now for easy and less expensive expansion in the future.

I’ve looked at about every 8 ch DVR security system out there and if staying within a budget is a priority I recommend the one below.  Feel free to add your ‘do follow’ comments for the benefit of the community.

Technorati Tags: , , , , , ,

{ 0 comments }

Compare 16 Channel DVR Software | Security DVR Cards

January 18, 2011

Most 16 channel DVR software cards will enable a PC to record video from as many as 16 cameras or more.   By setting up your home or business computer you can have a pretty impressive surveillance system simply by using DVR software as opposed to a stand alone DVR system. The big advantage of [...]

Read the full article →

16 Channel DVR Security System: How Much Storage Capacity?

January 14, 2011

Whether you’re wanting to secure your office building, cafe or restaurant, convenience store, retail shop, or even your own residence more owners are wisely electing to install their own multi-channel DVR security system.  A  quality 16 channel DVR security system is one of the more popular set ups due to its current pricing and flexibility [...]

Read the full article →

16 Channel DVR Card Options and Reviews

January 11, 2011

PC based DVR surveillance offers you the ability to expand at will.  Simply by installing a 4, 8, or 16 channel DVR card (or more) into an available PCI slot on your computer you can use your home or work PC as an impressive expandable surveillance system. The more camera input channels you buy the [...]

Read the full article →