I bought 4 cameras and a dvr and had it installed at my house a few years ago by some "security guy" and it is complete rubbish. The dvr is so confusing, and the cameras are such poor quality. Recently I have been researching cameras and dvrs for so long now and just keep getting more and more confused with all of the options. What I want to know is the difference between pc based and non pc based? the basic pros cons etc. Will all of them allow you to view the video on the internet? And which kind let you transfer your video to a pc for editing? The dvr I have now is terrible I can't even view the video, it just keeps saying the files are "not formatted" I have no idea what this means. I would very much appreciate any help at all. Thanks somebody
PC Based CCTV - IP CCTV - Stand-Alone DVRs ?
Hello there,
to your question regarding the difference between PC Based or Stand-Alone DVR's a few definitions.
PC Based: This could be a normal computer ( like at home or in an office) that has a DVR-Card, or also known as Video-Capture-Card installed in one of it's slots. Available software will then allow you to record video streams of Security Cameras onto your Hard Drive. PC-Based can also mean... --->
IP Network CCTV: This is also PC or Server based. We are not talking about running any CCTV (Coaxial ... like for TV etc) cable from the CCTV Camera to the PC. In this modern technology the Networked IP Cameras have a small socket for network connection. They plug into any Data-Point of your Home-Router or LAN and then find their way to the Computer through the installed Computer Network at your premises. This Network can be a LAN Local Area Network, Wireless LAN, the WWW Internet, or even 3G Wireless Mobile Broadband.
Stand Alone DVR: Ideal CCTV only install CCTV DVR's with DVD recording resolution. They are very easy to operate - just like a video recorder. The main difference between the former VHS Tape Video Recorder and the Stand-Alone Digital Video Recorder is the high recording quality and the fact that one does not need to change any tapes! Yes - Just like in a PC, there is a Hard Disk installed, which will easily store 30 Days of recordings.
We offer the Installation of any of those Security Surveillance Systems. The best choice for you depends on whether you do have a properly working Network at your premises. If you do, the an IP System might be best value for you. If not, at this time in the market we still recommend a Digital Stand-Alone DVR System.
I hope it helps?
Kind Regards - Technical Support - Ideal CCTV