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 utilizing PC based DVR software compression multi channel DVR systems is the flexibility that software offers.  Depending on the DVR software manufacturer a feature rich 16 ch DVR card will allow you to grow your surveillance system up to as many as 16 or 64 cameras.

It used to be a problem for older PCs to perform software compression (SWC) due to the amount of stress and load day in and day out.  However, the latest DVR software cards utilize the best compression technology has to offer which is currently H.264 hardware compression.

If you need 16 channel DVR software that is flexible for later upgrades and pretty quick to install.   Before you buy a 16 channel DVR card you’ll want to first find out how many frames per second (FPS) of real recording it will support.   Ideally, I like cards that support 480 fps which is 30 frames per second.  You could save money with as little as 120 fps or 7.5 fps per channel but video quality will get choppy to the point you could potentially skip over important footage.

So how much FPS is enough for your surveillance application?  Check out this video that gives you 4 comparison vids: DVR Software Card FPS video comparison

You’ll also want to make sure your multi channel DVR software is compatible with your PCs operating system i.e. Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7.

Also, think about not only the cameras you have now but the cameras you might want in the future.  If your surveillance system currently utilizes analog CCTV cameras most 16 DVR software cards will give you the option to immediately or later install a hybrid set up of both CCTV and/or IP camera technology.

There are quiet a few different 16 channel DVR software card suppliers and brands to choose from.  Some of the best and most popular security software comes from:

Compare 16 Channel DVR Software:

GeoVision DVR software

AVerMedia DVR Cards

16 Ch Lorex DVR software

16 Channel DVR software comparison

Feel free to leave your input should you have any recommendations for the latest multi channel DVR software.

Compare 16 Channel DVR Software | Security DVR Cards is a post from: 16 channel DVR

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 to implement more security cameras in the future.

Buying your own DVR security system may cost a couple thousand up front and a few hours of install time but over the course of a few years it’s a considerable savings versus committing to a 3 to 5 year contract with a security company.

A well balanced and expandable stand alone or PC based 16 channel DVR system should consider the following:

How Much Storage Capacity for 16 Channel DVRs?

Currently DVRs are the most popular option for video management systems.   And storage is one of the primary considerations.  There’s no one quick answer here.  Video takes up lots of space even when compressed.   The amount of storage you need depends upon your unique application.  Questions to consider are how long you will need to keep recorded video archived?

Typically businesses will archive video for 30 to 60 days.  Of course if your a bank then you’ll need several months of footage. On the other hand with your home paying for more storage outside of a week may be over kill.  That’s for you to decide.

Realize that the more storage you want to have the more cost you will incur.   For a 16 channel DVR system with 500 to 750 GB of storage you’re looking at around $2,500 minimum.  You can pay less if you don’t mind losing recorded video.  If you figure you’ll only need to review a recorded video a few days earlier than (assuming your using a 16 channel DVR that uses H.264 compression) you can get by with less.

If you already own a 16 or multi-channel DVR you can always utilize existing technology to optimize your current storage capacity.  One such measure is to select a video CODEC that offers the most efficient compression technology.  Currently MJPEG, MPEG 1 or 2 are common but dated and inefficient at compression while MPEG-4 and H.264 represent the best CODEC technology has to offer and can free up over 50% more storage capacity compared MJPEG

16 Channel DVR Security System: How Much Storage Capacity? is a post from: 16 channel DVR

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 more you can upgrade later on as your budget allows.  You can buy a 4 to 16 channel DVR card for your home or small business giving you plenty of room for future expansion.

DVR cards are necessary to store video onto your computers hard drive then records or captures the video for later playback or for real-time viewing.  The great thing is that you can monitor your home in real-time anywhere in the world you can access the internet whether it’s your desktop, laptop, smart phone, iPhone, or iPad.

Although it’s best to use a dedicated desktop computer  as the main source for monitoring your surveillance since laptops will have limited resources.  You can also burn the video recorded for your dvr card onto a CD or DVD for quick playback later.

Best Options to Consider for any 16-channel DVR Cards:

1. Cards frame rate per second expressed (FPS) is sufficient at 15FPS, optimal at 30FPS and at the very minimum 7.5FPS.  For 16 Channel DVR cards you will find FPS expressed in total typically from 120FPS to 480FPS.

2. Lean towards more ports or channels should you opt for more security cameras in the future.

3. DVR cards using H.264 or MPEG-4 video compression CODEC (COmpresssor/DECompressor) software offers maximum storage use with minimal loss of quality. H.264 is the best compression for any multi-channel dvr system.

4. DVR Card manufacturers/suppliers: GeoVison and Avermedia are two of the most trusted.

Compare and Review best 16 channel video cards:

Amazon offers the best prices and real reviews of most 16 channel DVR cards.

16 Channel DVR Card Options and Reviews is a post from: 16 channel DVR

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.

16 channel DVR Security Systems: Top 3 Recommended Spec’s is a post from: 16 channel DVR