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Why should I replace my VCR?
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Conventionally, video surveillance and security camera monitoring has been recorded to VCRs (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, repeatedly overwriting cassette tapes deteriorate picture quality and resolution.
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A VCR records 24 hours on one tape. How long will a DVR record for?
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The storage media in a DVR is the hard drive. Therefore, the bigger the hard drive the more capacity there is for storage. Most DVRs have sufficient storage capacity to provide for at least one week. A record time calculator is often available from the manufacturer to estimate the storage capacity you need for given number of days of recording. Total storage capacity requirement will vary depending on system configurations and features used in the actual installation.
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Will the number of cameras connected to the DVR affect the storage time available?
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No. The storage time does not change if more cameras are connected. 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. An ADT consultant will help you to find a balance between a high frame rate per camera (so you do not get ‘jolty’ footage) and storage onto the hard drive.
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What is involved in changing my system from recording on a VCR to recording on a DVR?
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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 provides for a neater installation because it takes up less space.
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How can I provide copies of an incident to the police?
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All DVRs 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.
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Can I view the cameras from a remote location?
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Yes. All the DVRs 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.
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How complicated is it to use digital CCTV?
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Your system is installed with default settings which makes the method of searching for information easier than performing a search on a VCR. Instead of having to rewind your video tape to search for an incident, you can simply enter the time of the incident and the DVR will find it for you.
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Does changing to a DVR affect compliance with the Data Protection Act?
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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.
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