Standalone DVR Pro Review: AP-FD Series
Filed under: CCTV Articles, General Technology, Reviews, Security DVR
Having been a technician in the CCTV camera industry for several years now, I’ve been asked over and over: “Which is better, a PC based or standalone DVR?” The answer pretty much depends on the application of the DVR; there are several factors to consider when selecting a DVR system that will suit an individual’s needs.
There is one feature that is presently not available from standalone DVRs, and that is the support of IP cameras. So far we have not seen any standalone DVR that will support an IP camera.
For the purpose of this blog, I am going to cover the feature-rich AP-FD series of standalone DVRs, which come available in 4, 9 or 16 channels.
On the image above you will see that there is a DVR burner on the machine. These machines have the option to add the DVD burner or a 2nd hard drive. The video quality on this DVR is very good and offers D1 image and H.264 recordings. Image quality, size and frame rate are customizable for each channel on the DVR. This is a feature that was not available in past standalone DVRs.
If you use a 2nd hard drive you can set up a mirror RAID for added reliability. This is another feature that was not available on past DVRs. You an add several PTZ cameras on this machine as it comes with several available protocols and a RS485 connector built into the back panel. The DVR uses a mouse to navigate, this is a feature that most of the newer standalone DVRs have but 2 years ago, they were very hard to find. On all of the models, you can have up to 4 channels with audio.
This machine has the best Central Monitoring Software I have ever seen for remote connections with remote administration. The program can be used to connect to one or multiple FD DVRs at one time. In the shop, I have connected up to 16 machines at one time.
One of the highlights for me is that fact that when you burn video from this machine, it creates a self executing file that needs no conversion to play on a PC. This is a very good feature because all other standalones I have ever seen require burned video to be opened in a viewer supplied by the manufacturer and then converted so it will play on a PC.
Since I have been in this industry, I have seen more than 30 different models of standalone DVRs, and the FD series is the only one I have recommended to customers that are using PC based machines. The DVR is very easy to use, video is easy to control, the quality is great, and the machine is very reliable. I have recommended and converted 2 restaurant chains to this DVR, and the customers have been very happy with the new machines.
What is your Security Solution
Filed under: Access Control, Cables, CCTV Camera, CCTV Glossary, CCTV Security Camera Lenses, CCTV Security DVR Cards, General Technology, Networking, Reviews, Security Camera, Security Camera Packages, Security Camera System, Security DVR, Software
Determining your security needs on a complete solution basis is crucial. A good question to ask yourself is one of: “Is my security system up to homeland security standards”? Often times we run into poorly outfitted applications and an upset end user. Let’s talk about this…
Best place to start is locating a vendor or manufacture that has a software/hardware solution that meets the applications challenges. For instance if you are covering a lot of distance a wireless solution may be the best solution. One thing to keep in mind when looking at hardware and software from a vendor is to establish a relationship with them. Get a feel for them as a company and even take it as far as checking references.
Outfitting after a vendor is selected can be tricky. I recommend always trying to keep it simple while leaving the ability for upgrades or expansion. There is almost little to no disadvantages of using PTZ cameras outside of cost.
Installation needs to be considered when setting all of this up. I always recommend using an outside source or someone your supplier recommends. Typically these guys have a vast knowledge of the capabilities and industry
GeoVision vs. AVerMedia Surveillance Software Overview
Filed under: AVerMedia, Comparisons, GeoVision, Reviews, Software
There are several clear differences between the GeoVision and AVerMedia central monitoring software suites. Here are a few key points that will hopefully help you decide which system you would like to utilize for your next surveillance installation.
GeoVision Central Monitoring Station
From the standpoint of an experienced technician, it feels like more thought has been put into designing GeoVision’s Products. The graphical user interface (GUI) is much more attractive and clean, and you have a different login for each user. If an administrator logs in, he or she has admin rights and does not have to enter a username and password time and again.
There are also many more advanced options for fully utilizing the GeoVision software. The average user should have no difficulty using it for simple monitoring purposes, though. For more advanced applications, such as projecting different security cameras onto separate monitors, repairing archived video footage, having more control over your GeoVision DVR Cards, or integrating IP cameras into your existing system, the possibilities are numerous.
When it comes to tying in different manufacturers’ products, however, GeoVision is not quite “user friendly.” Unless you are using one of GeoVision’s products with your GeoVision DVR Software, you will have to pony up a significant amount of money to integrate non-GeoVision security cameras and other equipment.
AVerMedia Central Monitoring Software
The AVerMedia digital surveillance software is built with a larger focus on the average user. Once setup, software is relatively self explanatory and somewhat painless to work with. Both software suites are menu-driven, but accessing options within the AVerMedia CMS is a cinch.
Like GeoVision, though, AVerMedia does have its drawbacks. You have to type in a password several times when you are accessing setup menus, minimizing or closing the software, etc. Also, some of the tweaks and tricks readily available in GeoVision’s software are not easily accessible in AVerMedia’s.
I will give kudos to the engineers at AVerMedia, though, because their system is not nearly as proprietary-minded as GeoVision’s. Without buying a special device to incorporate non-AVerMedia products, you can easily augment the software with various other security cameras and equipment. From IP cameras to POS devices, adding non-proprietary products to AVerMedia’s software can be easily and cost-effectively accomplished.
Depending on your level of technical sophistication, either of these products is perfect for the average user. However, if you are a “techie” or like to tinker, Geovision may be the better choice for you!
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