Why should I replace my VCR?

Conventionally, video surveillance and security camera monitoring  has been recorded to VCR's (video cassette recorders).  Old VCR systems require time consuming follow-up and maintenance because of the need to change, replace and recycle VHS tapes.  Furthermore, overwriting cassette tapes repeatedly deteriorates picture quality and resolution.

A VCR records for 24 hours on one tape.  How long does a DVR record for?

The storage media in a DVR is the hard drive.  Thus, the bigger the drive, the more capacity there is for storage. Most DVR's have sufficient storage capacity for at least one week.  A  record time calculator is often available from the manufacturer to estimate the storage capacity  needed  for a given number of days of recording.  Total storage capacity requirements will vary depending on system configurations and features used in the actual installation.

Will the number of cameras connected to the DVR affect the storage time available?

No.  If more cameras are connected, the storage time does not change.  However, the total number of frames per second (FPS) recorded by the DVR are now shared by the additional cameras and, therefore, fewer frames per second are recorded from each camera.

What is involved in changing my system from recording on a VCR to recording on a DVR? 

Most analogue systems utilise a digital multiplexer to allow the output of all the cameras to be recorded onto a single VCR.  A DVR incorporates a multiplexer and therefore replaces the existing multiplexer and VCR with a single box solution.  This allows for neater installation.

How can I provide copies of an incident to the police if required?

All DVR's supplied by ADT incorporate a means of copying video footage from the hard drive onto a portable media.  These include CD, DVD, or USB flash memory.  The Intellex DVR also has the capability of downloading alarm images and recorded footage over a network.

Can I view the cameras from a remote location?

All the DVR's supplied by ADT provide the facility to connect remotely to a PC over a broadband connection.  Depending on the DVR supplied,  this will allow simple live viewing of all cameras to full access to recorded images and DVR control.  This facility is usually provided by installing remote viewing software on the remote PC.

How complicated is it to use digital CCTV?

Your system is installed with a default setting which makes the method for searching for information simpler than performing a search on a VCR.  Instead of having to rewind a video tape to search for an incident, you can simply enter the time of the incident and the DVR will find it for you.  Overall, the VCR is more complicated and time consuming to use than a DVR.

Does changing to a DVR affect compliance with the Data Protection Act?

No. When a DVR is installed, a digital download kit is provided. This kit provides recordable CDs and log sheets to ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act.