DVR Recorders and Camera's

DVR's

DVR stands for "Digital Video Recorder". This unit is the main control and storage part of the camera system. It is usually capable of connecting to 4 / 8 / 16 / 32 camera's. Hybrid DVR's are also capable of IP camera video storage. NVR's are Network Video Recorders and are for network Camera video storage. All camera's are connected back to the DVR, where it stores all the video footage on single or multiple high quality hard drives. The DVR can be set up to record the footage on a time schedule, or on motion activation. Motion activation is preferable as it prevents recording of unwanted footage.

Playback of the footage can be done by selecting the events, or selecting a date and time frame. If there is footage that needs to be saved for further use, this can be done by transferring the data to either a USB flash drive, a write able CD or onto a computer via a direct link or network connection.

The amount of footage a DVR will store depends on the size of the hard drive, the amount of camera's, the amount of activity, and the frame rate and quality that the recording has been set at. You should usually get over 4 weeks recording before the DVR overwrites the oldest video footage.

Most DVR's can be configured to connect to a local network. This allows the DVR to be viewed and/or controlled from within that network, as well as from anywhere else in the world via internet. This requires specialized router configuration.

Camera's

The following is written in order to help you to understand what different types of CCTV Cameras are being used in Security Camera Installations today and how we at Hiltron Systems determine, which one to use.

These are the main types of CCTV Cameras:

• Bullet Camera's
• Fixed Dome Cameras
• Body CCTV Cameras with or without external housings
• PTZ Dome Cameras
• IP Camera's, HD Camera's and Mega Pixel Camera's

These Cameras can be incorporated:

• Day/ Night-Vision
• Infra Red Night-Vision
• Vandal Resistant

High resolution vari-focal day/night bullet camera

The compact size of this high resolution colour bullet camera makes it an ideal choice for home and business security installations. It has a high quality 1/3" Sony Super HAD CCD with 480 TVL (colour)  resolution, providing a crisp clear picture quality both day and night. The camera's field of view can be easily adjusted utilising the 4.0mm-9.0mm vari-focal lens. The durable aluminium weatherproof housing allows it to be used both indoor and out. Available with infrared as well.

High resolution day/night infrared armoured dome camera

This camera has a high quality 1/3" Sony colour CCD with 420+ TVL resolution providing outstanding picture quality. It also has infrared LED's providing a crisp clear picture quality both day and night. The camera's field of view is set utilising a 3.6mm wide angle lens lens. The vandal resistant weatherproof housing allows it to be used both indoor and out. Ideal for all installations where picture quality counts.

High resolution dome camera

This camera has a high quality 1/3" CCD with 560 TVL resolution providing outstanding picture quality. The camera's field of view can be easily adjusted utilising the 2.8mm - 10.0mm vari-focal lens. Available in vandal resistant, Day/night as well. Ideal for all installations where picture quality counts.

High resolution full body colour camera

This high resolution colour camera utilises a 1/3" CCD image sensor, which can capture images at 560TVL. It has an electronic iris, with automatic shutter speed control, AGC (Automatic Gain Control), auto backlight compensation, auto white balance. Used in conjunction with a DC drive auto-iris, varifocal lens- chosen for the specific application. Available as Day/Night and Wide Dynamic which allows for viewing in 0,0002lux lighting conditions.

High resolution PTZ dome camera, external day/night.

This camera is a high quality 520 TVL unit with 30x Otical zoom, 16x Digital zoom, 360deg. Continuous rotation range. Tilt range of -5deg. To 185deg. It has 256 Preset positions with 3 auto modes. resolution providing outstanding picture quality. This is a high spec camera which can be controlled from DVR or a joystick/keyboard controller.Ideal for installations where flexibility and positive identification count.

Megapixel Full HD Network colour camera.

This camera is a High Definition camera with approximately 9 times the amount of pixels than a conventional VGA camera. This allows it to cover 9 times the monitored area with the same image quality. Costs can therefore be cut by using fewer camera's in open area's. This camera makes use of a new or existing network for viewing or connecting to a Hybrid DVR unit, or NVR.
It incorporates the most advanced technology available in CCTV camera's today.

Comparisons and Applications of Camera's:

Housed Cameras Vs Dome Cameras

Housed cameras (CCTV Cameras in Wheather-Proof Housings) are used, when the camera needs to have a very far zoom, or better quality picture is needed, or when a very high deterrent effect is desired. Static (not rotating) Dome Cameras look neater and are not as obvious. Professional Dome Cameras have almost the same picture quality and specification as Housing Surveillance Cameras, but are generally easier to install and slightly cheaper to purchase. Keeping cost in mind, we recommend static dome cctv cameras in most locations - unless a very high deterrent effect is desired.

PTZ Speed Domes

These are also dome shaped CCTV Cameras, but include pan, tilt and zoom capability. These cameras can be set up to follow pre-programmed routes and presets. Most applications include a joystick - keyboard, operated by surveillance personal. Hiltron Systems recommend Speed Domes for vast area projects like car parks. Generally for reliable security we recommend to stick to static (non rotating) CCTV Cameras, as very often during important incidents the Speed Dome monitored another area and no evidence was captured.

All security risk areas like gates, ground floor window rows, doors and fire exits should have their own static camera, zoomed in on the highest risk area. IR Night-Vision CCTV Cameras vs Day/ Night Vision Everybody speaks and writes about Infra Red Night Vision - but few people are aware that the majority of IR illuminated cctv footage is not usable for identification of suspects.

Common problems are...

IR too weak on distance but too strong for close up suspects, which causes over-illumination of faces and loss of facial marks. Often the face is shown as a white blurr images and video are recorded in Black and White only.

We at Hiltron Systems try to use day/night CCTV Cameras that incorporate an advanced light sensitivity chip which requires an absolute minimum of light. In some instances moon light or even star light can be sufficient to give a clear and crisp picture at night time. Ideal is the presence of a street lamp within fifty to eighty yards or the installation of one low-light source might be recommendable.