Accepting DVR Technology When VCR Technology Still Works

Thursday, February 26, 2009

There is a dilemma with advances in technology. It is the cost of incorporating the new technology when earlier technology still seems to work. In the field of CCTV advances in digital recording and storage systems is forcing many to face the expense of replacing analog recording and storage. Where Video Cassette Recorders were once the rule, they are now being phased out by Digital Video Recorders as prices continue to fall and storage capacity continues to rise.

That is not to say that VCRs do not still have a place in the surveillance industry, just that there are fewer places that DVRs are not the better option. Because VCRs are so inexpensive today and so many people are comfortable with their use, they can still be a viable option for some end users. It's difficult to imagine though, large, complex CCTV installations that would today incorporate an analog-based VCR surveillance system with its complex system of tape storage and retrieval. However, in instances of a single camera and budget restraints, the VCR is still a viable option. Analog videotape is fragile, can wear very easily and deterioration occurs with each recording or with each generation of copying.

It is also slow to retrieve an event on tape even with time and date or alarm search modes. These are not issues with digital recording. Video Cassettes big advantage remains to be the prevalence of VHS machines in police stations and court rooms. The proliferation of different digital units makes it difficult for the authorities to support them all but as advances are made this issue will be addressed as well. The two most common reasons for choosing digital over video recorders are quality of the recordings and the ease of search and retrieval of events.

An industrial VCR can be set to record with small intervals between images to compress 24 hours of recording on a three-hour tape, as opposed to the continuous recording of a domestic unit. This however creates a strobe light effect when playing it back which may not be acceptable in some situations. Many end users are content with a 24-hour recording capability although some VCRs are feature-rich enough to provide 168 hour and 960 hour recordings. Customers that require recording over weekends and similarly extended periods value these options.

The greatest weakness of the VCR is poor tape management. A stock of high quality tapes must be stored and handled correctly as well as replaced daily. Such shortcomings are not the fault of the storage system itself but rather the operation. Over using a tape is in itself results in poor recordings which are not such an issue with digital recorders. Maintaining a VCR based system can be time consuming compared to that of a digital based system.

A DVR records images onto an internal hard disk, ensuring high quality, clean, undistorted reproduction. Ease of search and retrieval of an event as related to time and date or alarm. Some products allow search for motion in a camera while still recording.

DVRs are either PC based units running either Linux or Windows or Black Box units that use proprietary operating systems and have a conventional CCTV interface to the user.

As the hard disk capacity of DVR systems continues to rise, the initial high cost of a hard disk compared with a VCR tape is no longer a major issue to end user adoption of Digital Video Recorders. Users with very large storage requirements, such as banks and other financial institutions, can incorporate groups of hard drives to provide the ideal solution, capable of archiving months of easy-to-search footage or one month of higher rate recording.

The industry is obviously moving forward with digital recording and its many advantages over analog tape; i.e.: their ease of use, search functionality, network compatibility, picture quality, the security of the image and the opportunity to break free of the limit of recording a maximum of 25 frames per second. Digital recording is the ideal solution in diverse situations such as retail, banking commercial offices and industrial facilities. To date it is unsurpassed in providing evidential image quality required by police forces worldwide and the ease with which archived images may be retrieved has made DVR immediately popular with the security industry and end user. It is the obvious choice for any new prestigious installation, but also offers the perfect upgrade route for one using a VCR with or without a multiplexer. And now with Pre-Event? recording available, (the capture of lead-in views to an event), something unavailable on VCRs, there is yet one more reason to make the advance.

Partly due to the high processing power required to handle large volumes of CCTV images, the security industry is one of the last industrial sectors to latch onto PCs. High processing power has only recently become available on an affordable PC. However, since PCs are so common place many end users are having little difficulty in making the transition. Embedded software in DVR units is sufficiently sophisticated for an operator with limited PC knowledge to grasp it with ease. Simple operational controls and familiar looking drop down menus ease the learning curve as well.

A DVR really comes into its own when a rapid recall of archive image is required. Instead of investing hours retrieving an image capture, archived footage can be searched and an image retrieved in a matter of seconds. Other features unavailable on VCR are fast forward and reverse play, giving even further functionality.

The single most important advantage however, is network compatibility, which gives users the option of remote monitoring, control and access to archived images. Every communications network that supports the IP protocol is accommodated including Ethernet (LAN and WAN). Care must be taken however, to be certain that control of images accessible across a network are secured and protected from tampering. This is possible by using digital watermarking compression technology. A far cry from the physical security required to protect VHS tapes.

As with approaching any new technology for the first time, there is new terminology to understand. Training is therefore necessary, and many companies such as 2Mcctv, offer suitable courses to equip installers with the technical and product knowledge they need.

As with approaching analog systems, consider first the requirements of the installation. What am I as the end user wishing to accomplish. Is storage necessary? What would be the purpose of storing images (security, staff management)? What volume of images needs to be recorded and archived from how many cameras? Can the staff be relied upon to manage either an analog system or digital system? And, do the images need to be archived off site or accessed from elsewhere?

Whereas analog is ideal for small, single site, cost conscious installations where deterrence is the primary requirement and staff can be relied upon to keep up with tape management, digital is the preferred solution wherever the recording of high quality images is essential. Connectivity to a network, integration to other systems such as ATMs, and size and complexity of the installation are also determining factors as well as high recording capacity.

In reality, the storage device is only one aspect of a much larger installation. Storage options must consider the whole system and all its complexities before a decision should be made.

This article is provided by Yahya Allababidi, a security cameras specialist who is honored to be discussing the safety and security of this age with the world. Call 1-877-92M-CCTV now, or visit us at http://www.2mcctv.com to customize your own video surveillance system complete with security cameras.

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Leather CD Cases

Those who have grown tired of storing their compact disks in plastic containers and wish to have a more elegant way of storing and protecting their compact disks have the option to purchase leather cases. Leather compact disk cases are widely available and come in a variety of colors, leather types, sizes and compact disk capacities. Prices vary, and you can expect to pay more if the case is made of top quality leather. They are slightly bigger than the usual compact disk jewel cases but vary in thickness, depending on how many compact disks you insert in the built-in leaves or envelopes.

Some CD cases are made of Nappa leather that is supple and very soft to the touch. Nappa cases cost more compared to the other kinds of leather, but their elegance is quite impressive and is preferred by those with sophisticated tastes. Cheaper leather cases are also available and are made of top grain leather. Still elegant, these leather cases offer the elegance and contemporary look that appeal to the budget friendly shopper.

These leather compact disk cases come in a variety of colors including the usual black, brown and beige. They also come in hues as vibrant as red, yellow, orange or any other color that fits not only the consumer's taste but also favorite color schemes.

Leather compact disk cases that are similar to folders are also gaining popularity due to the number of compact disks that can be stored in them. They may be secured through the use of a zipper or clasps that hold the leather hinges in place, thus, securing the compact disks.

CD Cases provides detailed information on CD Cases, Jewel CD Cases, CD Carrying Cases, Blank CD Cases and more. CD Cases is affiliated with CD Label Makers.

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Three Popular Ways To Incorporate A Kitchen TV

Having a kitchen TV is growing in popularity. While having a TV in the kitchen has been around for decades, the idea is really gaining popularity. Many believe this is because the kitchen is now becoming the hub of the house. People are congregating and hanging out in the kitchen and it just seems beneficial to incorporate a television in the room.

Having a television in the kitchen can serve several purposes. One such purpose that many find helpful is in the morning as you are getting ready for the day you can listen and watch your local news. This gives you the opportunity to hear weather reports and hear whether there are any traffic delays which allows you to make alternate travel plans if necessary. Another way it can come in handy is that you can go to the kitchen even during your favorite shows and not miss anything. It is definitely an asset to have a TV in the kitchen and here are the three most popular ways that people are incorporating them.

The first way that they are being brought into the kitchen is simply by setting one on the counter top. This is the way that many people have done it because there were not many alternative ways available. This is a simple way to do it but it can be a bit cumbersome as you will now lose valuable countertop space. You could always move it if necessary but there is better ways to work the TV into your kitchen's atmosphere.

Another way to get a TV into the kitchen is by purchasing a refrigerator that has one built in to it. This is becoming a new trend in home appliances, including electronics into them. It is relatively new technology so you will probably pay a bit more to have it. If you really want one of these kitchen TVs you may want to consider waiting another year or two when the prices will come down. If it is on your "must have" list you can find them at any home improvement store or appliance store.

The most effective way to incorporate a kitchen TV is to have it built into your actual kitchen design. This is simple to do if you are remodeling or building a new kitchen. Just talk to the cabinet people you have hired and let them know where you want the TV. They will need the specifications for the television so that they can custom make the cabinet that will hold the TV. You can ask that the cabinet have retractable doors, this allows you to hide the TV behind the doors when you are not watching it, and when you are watching it the doors retract so they are not in the way.

As the kitchen evolves more and more becoming the meeting place for the family many are starting to add televisions into their kitchen. Here are three ways that can help you accomplish that. As this trend becomes more popular you will see manufactures make more kitchen TV models to accommodate their popularity.

Craig Thornburrow is an acknowledged expert in his field. You can get more free advice on a Kitchen TV and under cabinet kitchen TV at http://www.kitchentvsolutions.com

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