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Greetings: I need advice asap. I'm not well versed yet in wireless hi res video and removable storage media. At a client's construction site, materials are disappearing, possibly during the day as well as night. Disclaimer: I have yet to see the site. The customer described the following scenario, and I need to know what is possible. I will visit the site very soon. Ultimately he'd like 2 exterior hi res cameras that would enable him to 'read a license plate from 30 feet'.. in actuality he doesn't want to solely capture plate #'s.. he wants to be able, if there is an event, to zoom in on the recorded material, capture some details on a license plate if possible, but at least get enough details of a person and vehicle to be able to present decent images to authorities to follow up. Obviously doing so at night is much more difficult, if not impossible, than during the day. He said there's electricity at the proposed cam locations, but that video transmission back to a recording device would need to be wireless. And he'd like the recording device to have swappable storage format, so that he could go to the site and quickly remove a recorded drive on a daily basis, and insert a fresh one while he takes the recorded drive back to his office to view. Of course storage capacity is dependent upon data size which is affected by bit rate, frame rate etc. So I'm of course not asking anyone to spec a system.. obviously the variables are too great at this time. I am needing info on current technology capabilities. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has done something similar or truly knows the current capabilities of the technology. Thanks Jeff

Greetings: I've been installing non-PTZ cams for over a year. Now I need to learn about PTZ domes. Client currently has an older Videolarm motorized heated dome housing, with a Honeywell mini box cam- wide dynamic, day/ nite, 1/3"CCD, 3.8-11mm lens. This setup uses a problematic coiled connection cable that I replaced once. All the unit does, and all the client wants it to do, is pan back and forth 24/7 between 2 manually adjustable stops. Cam composite video output goes directly to DVR. Noone monitors cams or operates the PTZ function. Time for a current model unit with no dangling coiled cable. So far what I've heard is that most PTZ domes need to be programmed via a controller or DVR that has PTZ control features, and that an RS-485 connection needs to be made between controller and dome.. I also was told that most PTZ units utilize 1/4"CCD's, not 1/3". This cam pans a ground level parking garage.. the current varifocal lens produces adequate image. There is currently no control cable run to any camera locations. I'd like to get an outdoor PTZ dome (temps reach below 0'F). What are the programming options? Is there a PTZ dome I can program via laptop once its in place, using RJ45 IP or 9pin serial or usb connection or something? What are the different remote control and programming protocols in use currently? Can any PTZ dome be connected to any DVR- control wise? i.e. if DVR has RS485 connection, will it control any PTZ dome that uses 485? Or do I need to consider proprietary protocols? Is 1/4" CCD the standard for PTZ domes? If so, why? Why not 1/3". Suggestions for decent (not extravagant) units? The bottom line is: What is the most practical replacement for the old videolarm housing/ camera setup?, and is the a PTZ dome that can be programmed at the camera location without needing to invest ina separate controller? Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

You can use a USB-to-RS232 serial adapter, readily available for cheap, to connect a laptop to the camera, set up your autoscan, and then leave it run. As in the disclaimer, this may depend on the particular camera's autoscan capability. You'll need some appropriate software as well; I regularly use one called PTZ Controller, available from http://www.serialporttool.com There are too many to name, as most manufacturers have their own proprietary protocols. However, most (almost all) professional cameras support Pelco D and/or P protocols, as do the vast majority of controllers, software, and PTZ-capable DVRs. I wouldn't say "ANY" but the vast majority will work. Some DVRs will have RS-232 instead of RS-485, in the form of a standard DB9 male connector; this can be wired directly to most cameras that support RS-485 and will work just fine over shorter runs. Learning here: afaik, RS232, in its most basic form, utilizes PINS 2, 3 & 5 for Transmit, Receive and GRound respectively. afaik, 485 uses 2 wires, often labeled A + B. Are you saying that, for short runs, between and rs232 and rs485 device, wire connection can be made between rs232 pins 2&3 and rs485 pins A&B? If so, does 2 go to A and 3 go to B? For the exact WHY you'd probably have to ask the designers, but some possible reasons: - PTZs are more expensive overall, so using 1/4" sensors keeps costs down a bit. - A smaller sensor allows a smaller camera and a smaller lens with a greater overall zoom factor. - A smaller assembly allows for a more compact camera. - A smaller assembly is also lighter, which allows the camera to be more responsive while using cheaper, more efficient motors. There are 1/3" PTZs, like the Pelco Esprit, but those are generally a similar design to what you have now - a standard housing with a box camera inside (although they don't use the troublesome coiled cable). These also tend to be SUBSTANTIALLY more expensive than their smaller dome counterparts, as they have larger cameras, heavier housings, and thus require more powerful motors. Try finding a used Pelco Spectra II or Spectra III, or perhaps a Capture FasTrax II. These are solid cameras that I've used, and they work fine with Pelco D/P protocols. If you want something smaller, look for a Capture MiniTrax. One other thought: if your DVR supports it, and depending on the area to be covered, consider a 3MP or larger IP camera with a wide-angle lens, or something in a multi-lens panoramic camera (see Capture OmniScape or various Arecont offerings). Then you don't have to worry about something happening in one area while the camera is pointed somewhere else... you just record the whole area, all the time, and zoom in later. Thanks again for info.

WHile I am certainly no expert, and am in the learning stages of this technology, it has been made apparent to me that iPhone and Blackberry must utilize specific viewer applications on the phones. And different OS versions on the phones require apps made to work with that particular version. Your post is a bit confusing and vague. You state a cam model # but no manufacturer. You state image quality concerns but you don't state what exactly the problem is. You state concerns about image quality when viewing on a PC, which is different than mobile device viewing. Observed image quality is a function of, among other factors: the light content in the scene; the capabilities of the camera; the network onsite; the network where you are viewing from; and the video rendering hardware/ software on your viewing device. Have you do downloaded the required apps in order to view your video on mobile devices? If so, which apps are you using? Also, it sounds like you are not using a DVR, but rather just IP cameras on a network. Can you confirm that the cameras you are using are in fact capable of being viewed via mobile devices? Apparently, DVR's and IP cameras themselves must contain the components necessary to support mobile video viewing. A way around that is described in a previous post utilizing the slingbox- however I don't believe its applicable in your situation as you are using IP cameras, and as far as I can tell the Slingbox accepts only analog video input signals. Please be more clear. Jeff

Hi there. I'm trying to catch up on current technology regarding viewing DVR cams (and archived footage if possible) via iPhone, Blackberry and mobile windows. Can someone explain it or point me to a resource, white paper, expalnation ala 'remote viewing of DVRs on iPhone, Blackberry, smarthphones- for dummies'? I have ended up calling various DVR mfr's and asking for info, incredibly, (though not surprisingly I suppose), even customer service, and sometimes tech support, at a mfr often has a hard time answering questions about their products. Any info is greatly appreciated. Any inof on who's DVR is compatible with these mobile devices will be greatly appreciated also. Thank you

Greetings: For a network in a small business, which just has 1 work PC, I just installed a stand alone DVR. normally I'd set up the router myself, however here the IT person set it up. When remotely accessing the DVR, commands (i.e. activating cam images, searching recorded video, accessing configs, etc) seem to activate rather slowly. The IT person says he set up router QOS to prioritize the DVR video. I'm not familiar with setting QOS on a router, and have not b4 encountered the slow response time I'm encountering. Also, remotely pressing the 'play' button for a searched recording yields no result. Might these symptoms be related to QOS settings in the router? Any info is appreciated. Thanks Jeff

I should state that the unit has a lot of features and the one's that I've put in the field have been operating happily. For the price, the unit has more inclusive and flexible feature set than most: dual stream, FTP backup, etc. The unit is Intellicam G4-XLA series. The firmware upgrade they sent, which I uploaded, is in 'test' mode, and is dated 12-25-09.

Turns out that there was a firmware glitch that prevented remote playback, and the supplier apparently knew about it, and never issued a notice about it. They sent me a firmware upgrade and that has solved the remote non-playback problem. However, the system is a bit slow. A 'friend of the family' is their system admin, and he 'works for the gov't' so whatever he says, goes. He wants the QOS set.. so be it. They are happy now that they can playback video. I am having a hard time imagining how/ why a DVR supplier would know about a firmware glitch concerning such a salient feature of the DVR as remote recorded video playback, and sell the unit and never say anything about it until a complaint arrived. When I spoke to the tech on the phone, he acknowledged that it was a known issue and sent me the firmware upgrade Auuugggghhh! (maybe HE could go work for the gov't)

I have no experience with the JS-XLA series. I have installed multiple JS-RTA units in which all functions operated normally. If you do have probs, I have found their tech support folks 2 be quite helpful.

Greetings: On a recently installed networked unit, I can search for and play back recorded video while connected directly via cross connected patch cable. However, when logged in remotely over web, the searched files show up, but when trying to play them, clicking the 'play' button produces no response. Even when allowing a long wait period. Three router ports were configured in typical fashion- 2 for TCP and 1 for UDP. I'm using an admin account which indicates that all functions are enabled. All other features appear operational. Can anyone shed light on this condition? Rsvp Thanks Jeff

Hi- unit is G4-XLA. Yesterday tech support acknowledged a known glitch and sent a firmware upgrade, (dated 12-25-09) which corrected the prob. The firmware is in the test stage I'm told. So I guess my customers and I are beta testers for the mo'. A cool feature that I hadn't seen work b4 is the ability to capture desired video segment from a recorded file being played back in the browser client window.

Greetings again: I don't have data here for the site's speeds. At my 'remote' home here, 'speedtest' results are Download: 22.17Mb/s & Upload 1.04Mb/s. I can access other sites fine from here . Same DVR model. Site service is via Verizon Fios with Actiontec/ Verizon FiOS router. Internet is used for transmitting business #'s at various points in the day. Occasional web-surfing .It's a haircutting establishment w/ about 5-6 employees. PC is at reception counter. Attemp to accessing recorded video has occurred after biz hours. There's not a bunch of network traffic (in that shop, anyway) Once cam images fire up, all 6 display ok.. D1 @ 6FPS.. nothing huge. Playback worked with cross connection cable at DVR. Will need to test again inside network with browser.

bpzle-thx 4 response remote via internet. This is what the IT guy wrote: <> This is the 1st time I have heard of this setting being configured for DVR stream. I googled QOS, and it mentions that QOS settings let certain packets through first while holding up other packets. To me, this sounds like it may cause control data (button pushes) to be held up or lost. But I am not a network guru. I'm experiencing very long wait times for system responses, and I can't get recorded video to play atall.. the 1st frame displays, but presssing the play button yields no response. Any ideas? Of course I could have a defective machine. Will try to verify router config via IT person.. I don't have access to their router. Thx Jeff

-------- Slingbox.. cool alternative idea.. will look further into both Slingbox and Geovision. Which DVR's that you know of support motion priority plus sequential on spot out?

Greetings: I always spec a day/ nite wide dynamic cam when targeting entryways etc. having lots of daylight component. I'm not fond of the images I get from Honeywell's HD4U cam, and they can be a bear to properly set up the DSP. Although Honeywell's camera bodies/ enclosures are excellent from an installation, durability standpoint (IMO). I'd appreciate recommendations based on experience with Day/ nite wide or 'ultra-wide' dynamic indoor analog domes. Thanks

Hi. Can you state why you are recommending this camera? Thx Jeff

Thanks for info. Yes, I use a similar device currently in other applications. I see no indication of compatibility with mobile phone platforms, but perhaps that is my ignorance. I have seen 1,2 and 4 channel servers that are accessible over web, where you would see a single, dual or quad screen image via IP. Remote view via mobile phones uses different protocols yes? I'm talking about a box with at least 8 looping bnc inputs, that a mobile phone- iPhone, Blackberry, etc- could access, similar to how they now access mobile remote view compatible DVR's: Ability to select the cams to view 1 at a time.

Thanks for replies so far. In my research i see mention of iPhone, Blackberry, Symbian and mobile windows. The Raysharp website says their DVRs are compatible with iPhone, Symbian and mobile windows.. Blackberry is not mentioned. Will look at Exacq. Does anyone know of a separate networked server box (not a DVR) with looping bnc inputs that will accept analog cams, digitize the signal for network transmission to mobile phones? That way, the box could be inserted ahead of any analog cam system DVR and provide live cam video over mobile devices.

Hi. I have the same questions. Hopefully some folks will show up with useful info. Jeff

Thanks for suggestions. Will look into them. Unfortunately its difficult to know how a unit will perform until one buys it and installs it.

Greetings: I'm very grateful for this forum and the knowledgeable folks who provide information. I have been successful in configuring DVR's and routers for remote connection via Internet Explorer over web. I'd like to know what needs to happen in order to use a DVR's client software. In other words, the customer would need to somehow log onto, from a remote location, the network containing the DVR, then launch the the DVR client software. How does this get setup? I mostly understand the browser based stuff: I forward the router ports and then the url is the router's outside IP address followed by the forwarded port #. After adjusting active x settings, I'm able to log in. What/how needs to be configured in order to connect using client software remotely? Sorry for repeating myself. Hopefully what I am asking is clear. Any (correct) info is appreciated. Thank you Jeff

Hi there- Not being a PC whiz, I'm wondering what are the best settings for Active x controls (in the Internet Options security tab) in situations where the DVR is networked, and local network PC's access DVR via IE browser? Once the DVR's IP address is listed as a trusted site, do the Active x settings still apply? I'd like customers to be able to access their DVR's and stil be protected from virus threats etc. Any info is appreciated. Thanks

Thanks for the info. I had inadvertently changed a parameter which caused many nuisance 'prompts' to pop up and ask me if i wanted to run active-x controls. Now I know better. Thanks again Jeff

Greetings: I installed a few weeks ago an Intellicam standalone DVR in a restaurant. THe DVR is on the network and 3 router ports are forwarded to it, all set to both TCP and UDP. 1 PC on their network has DVR client software installed (non-IE browser based). Remote access is via IE browser. Customer claims that the PC caught a virus and now has 'streaming porn' and that all his payroll data has been 'wiped out' (payroll application is on that PC. PC is networked to other PC's in building). He yanked the network connection out of DVR and is blaming the DVR. I am not a PC network expert or a PC systems guru. But i know that some of you guys are. Is this a feasible scenario? Could placing the DVR online have somehow invited this disaster? Has anyone experienced something similar? Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks Jeff

so.. what was the outcome of this endeavor? Were you able to implement the wireless connectivity? What did u end up doing. Thx Jeff