Let’s get digital

New compression format

MEL Secure Systems has launched its new DVR, which uses high performance H.264 compression technology, which the manufacturer claims means it will “broadcast TV quality images at around 20% of the cost of other systems.”

Equipped as standard with a 1.5TB hard disk, it can store up to 30 days of video from eight cameras, recording in real-time at 720 x 540. The system includes a CD or DVD burner and a hot swappable hard drive.

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All in one

TEB’s Digipryn DVR solution can record, view control, playback, store and transmit pictures from up to 20 cameras simultaneously. It is an all-in-one digital recorder combined with a video matrix, and uses TEB’s exclusively developed Cristal Pack Recording Function to give a clearer and sharper image.

Using the RS232 protocol, the Digipryn can be converted into a multi-site system – when an alarm activates, it automatically transmits video to the alarm receiving centre.

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Functional software

Mitsubishi Electric’s DX-TL2500E allows for PC networking and comes with 250GB of storage, along with two bays for extra internal drives. Up to 12TB of external storage can be attached via SCSI.

The system also comes with ‘Nethunter’ software, which provides additional functions including dome control, remote set-up, password authentification, image download and playback of downloaded image files.

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High-end system

The DMS 180 III from Dallmeier is a high resolution digital security recording system with up to 24 camera inputs. The company says it is ideal for use in complex CCTV installations where several recording systems are operated in the network, there is a central workstation and connection with external data sources and/or higher level managements systems is required.

It features built-in motion detection, floppy disk drive, an integral LCD display for status and information, real-time and multi-track recording, and extensive self-diagnostics and monitoring functions.

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JVC’s new models

JVC’s VR-616 and VR-609 DVRs are 16-channel and nine-channel DVRs respectively, boasting 60 images per second in NTSC format and 50ips in PAL.

Both systems have a built-in 240GB hard disk drive, and optional system controller, wavelet compression, a covert channel function, and AVI file conversion. They also feature various search functions, remote surveillance via a network, digital audio recording and playback, an image sequence function, and an automatic check and recovery function.

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Impressive performance

When LJD’s Leviathan DVR was reviewed in Security Installer in February 2004, we said its video performance was “most impressive, among the best we have seen on a PC-based DVR”.

“Live display an playback resolution is at, or very close to, the manufacturer’s claims. There is negligible picture noise and good colour accuracy.

“Using the supplied tools, it is possible to get very sharp stills, and the zoom facility does a fair job of enlarging details, without the image becoming too soft or pixellated.

“However, the star of the show is the timeline-based search utility, because it greatly simplifies the task of finding and reviewing recorded segments on a non-linear recording medium like a hard disk drive. It’s highly intuitive and easy to use.”

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Columbus goes further

Vista has added the Triplex Columbus Hard Disk Recorders to its award-winning range of Columbus products.

Available in four, ten and sixteen input variants, the Triplex Columbus units are available with single or dual hard disks pre-installed. The Columbus units are fully upgradeable from a single hard drive to a dual drive at a later date, allowing the Triplex Columbus archiving capabilities to be expanded as and when required. The maximum record rate available is 50 pictures per second.

Each Columbus unit is Ethernet ready and is issued with WaveReader software under free license. The software provides network control as well as upload and download program setting capabilities, allowing the Columbus unit to be programmed from a PC and saved to file.

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Network ready

Designed for businesses with a small number of analogue CCTV cameras at a location, the Axis 2460 Network DVR simultaneously enables digital video recording and remote access to live and recorded images from any networked computer.

“It can be used as a single stand-alone system for a small business, or as part of a globally distributed video surveillance system for organisations, such as retail chains and franchise operations, that want the ability to view global operations from anywhere,” Axis says.

The system is LAN, WAN and Internet explorer accessible, and employs Axis’ APViS technology, which it claims “recognises video sequences that are important and retains them longer than any other DVR solution, providing a self-maintaining, almost inexhaustible local recording resource.”

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Simple and efficient

TeleEye’s RM-422 is a simple to use, four channel, non-PC based stand-alone DVR. It uses advanced MJPEG compression technology, with resolution up to 720 x 576 pixels. Stand alone real time monitoring and recording rates of up to 50-60 fields per second can be achieved, according to the manufacturer.

It has a removable hard drive and features extensive alarm handling, and easy search and efficient playback capabilities. TeleEye says the RM-422 is very easy to install and to configure.

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All new line-up

Videoswitch’s Vi range of DVRs are immediately recognisable thanks to their distinctive electric blue illuminated keypad.

There are four DVRs in the range. The Vi100 Mini and Vi200 Compact are both available with a choice of four or nine camera in/outs. The Vi100 Mini is an economically priced entry level DVR with a maximum recording capacity of seven days, while the Vi200 provides up to 99 days of recording.

The Vi400 Slimline is a 16 camera input DVR that offers real-time quad recording and a zoom feature, while the Vi600 Trident offers 1200GB of storage, is available with either nine or 16 camera inputs, and comes complete with integrated dome control, S-video monitor output and a till input for retail applications.

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Compact and versatile

The Ganz ZR-DH1621P Digital Recorder from CBC (Europe) is a compact, versatile 16-channel triplex DVR, and features the added functionality to control via Ethernet and back up storage to fire wire simultaneously.

Up to 1 Tbyte of storage is installed as standard, by using four inbuilt hard disk drives. If more capacity is required, a further 20 external hard disk drives can be connected via firewire, providing a total of up to 6Tb.

Wavelet compression makes it possible to archive compact files with high image resolution, the manufacturer says, allowing events to be backed up to removable media.

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Multitasking machine

The AVE Multiview MV-DR2000(E) is a non-PC based DVR with pre-alarm recording capability and network capability.

It uses MPEG4 compression technology, and features one ‘hot swappable’ hard disk drive, one fixed hard disk, and critical image archiving via an SD card. There are multiple search and recording modes, as well as variable playback speeds.

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Two new models

Hunt Electronics has launched two new DVRs – the HDR-04MD, and the HDR-16MP.

The HDR-04MD features motion detection, Compact Flash memory card backup, alarm/motion email notification, two monitor outputs, and a maximum of two hard disks of 250GB each can be installed.

The HDR-16MP is cost-effective and features compact flash memory card backup.

It has one audio input/output, a spot monitor output, and video backup output. It allows playback whilst recording, and can be remotely controlled on a LAN network.

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Don’t be afraid of Darlex

The Darlex DVR from Tecton features up to 20 camera inputs, dual independent multiscreen outputs, fast image replays and search outputs, dome/PTZ control, constant disk checking, and replay software which allows viewing on a PC.

It includes up to 1700GB of storage, which is well over three months of recording time.

It records at 50 images a second, at a resolution of 500 TV lines.

Video movement detection masks can be set on each camera input, so that images with movement can be recorded more often than those without.

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Entry-level DVR

Bosch Security Systems has introduced what it describes as a “cost-effective replacement for traditional time-lapse recorders.”

The DVR1A has a hard disk capacity of 80GB, the equivalent of approximately four conventional video tapes. Individual frames or video can be exported to a Compact Flash card and then transferred to a PC.

It can record from a single camera input or multiple cameras routed via a multiplexer, and recording can be triggered via an alarm connected directly to the DVR, with footage recorded before the alarm, already stored in the buffer, automatically transferred to the hard disk for later reviewing.

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Sturdy machine

When we reviewed Pelco’s DX8000 in January, the Security Installer Bench Test team was particularly impressed by the super-solid build quality of the machine.

“Build quality is outstanding and well suited to demanding applications where security and reliability are a paramount concern,” we said.

“Video and audio performance are outstanding, and the alarm and search facilities demonstrate the many advantages of disc-based recording.The DX8000 has the built-in capacity to provide comprehensive monitoring and recording facilities for a very wide range of medium and large-scale installations and its networking facilities are

most impressive, with almost limitless scope for expansion, access and control.”

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Stand alone series

The Visage stand-alone series of DVRs from Security Dynamics are available in four, eight and 16 channel models.

The units incorporate two internal hard disk bays, providing a maximum storage capacity of 800GB. Features include duplex multiplexing, multiple display formats, motion detection, time, date and event search, zoom function, and network capability with TCP/IP monitoring and back up.

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Fully expandable

The DSR-3716P from Sanyo offers 520 TV lines of resolution, and has 16 camera inputs. The two integral hard disk drive bays can each offer up to 400GB of storage, and recorded images can be backed-up onto CD-R/RW discs via USB terminals, or onto a Compact Flash or Microdrive via an CF Type II expansion slot. Simultaneous recording and playback is at 25 frames a second, and there is a built-in LAN terminal to provide telemetry control of pan/tilt/zoom cameras on a network.

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CD writer built-in

Dedicated Micros’ Eco4 is now available with a built-in CD writer, providing a quick and easy way of copying relevant footage to external media.

When Security Installer Bench Tested the Eco4 in October last year, we said: “Picture quality is excellent, it is exceptionally easy to install and use, and the price is very competitive, so watch out videotape, it’s now official – your days are numbered!”

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Hybrid system

Sony’s HSR-2P has moved on from its HSR-1P model, offering a larger hard disk drive and a playback while recording feature.

“The hybrid approach from Sony offers a solution unique for video surveillance recorders by combining the advantages of using both a hard disk drive and digital video tape as the storage medium,” the company says.

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Complete digital solution

The 16-channel Eventys system, available from Bewator, is a complete digital video and audio recorder/server that replaces analogue VCR, multiplexer, motion detector and video transmission systems used in traditional analogue systems.

It features two audio channels, expandable to six or 10, up to 96ips recording speed, up to 900GB internal storage capacity, individual camera setting and scheduling capabilities, and TCP/IP network support.

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Multi-tasking system

The Safe-Core DVR410 is a four-channel digital video recorder that offers quadplex operation. It features an 80GB hard drive that will allow for 10-14 days of high picture quality recording, or 22-30 days at low picture quality.

“The DVR410 is a flexible multi-tasking system that allows multiple operations simultaneously,” the manufacturer says.

“Users can view live images, playback recorded images, archive to redundant storage, and all the while the system continues to record – ensuring critical information is not missed.

“The stand-alone system provides quick installation and intuitive operation over VCR-like keypads, and IR controller and RTOS on-screen menu.”

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New DVR from COP

The 15-VP16-CDRW from COP-Security is a 16 channel DVR system with CD writer, LAN capabilities and PTZ control.

The manufacturer says it offers “a wide range of features previously only seen in high end systems.”

It features up to 300GB of storage capacity, and remote access, both for live images and playback, as well as for PTZ control.

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Easily integrated

When Security Installer Bench Tested the Panasonic WJ-HD220 in February, we described it as “a thoroughly competent and extremely versatile digital video recording device that will integrate easily with almost any small to medium scale surveillance system.

“Network operation and features like FTP Client and email notification further extend its appeal into the rapidly expanding remote surveillance market, and as an added bonus, build quality is up to Panasonic’s customary very high standard.”

It features a 120GB hard disk, which is expandable to 240GB.

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