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Exacq is NVR software you just load onto a computer... and voila! They make standalone NVRs, similar to DVRs... but you're going to pay more for one since you're essential buying a computer with an embedded OS to run the recording software... If you already have a spare PC that you can dedicate to the system, that would be a much better way to go. Gevision? Blah! Never used their "NVRs" but my gut says run, don't walk away from that. If Exacq doesn't tickle your fancey there are plenty of well known, respectable alternatives... VideoInsight, Avigilon, Genetec, Nuuo, Avermedia, Vigil, the list goes on and on...

Easy killer... I never recommended those. I was simply warning not to expect great things from the night time ability in cameras around his price range...especially those with integrated IR such as ACTi and Vivotek. But since we're plugging here and to be fair, I'm a dealer for both as well! As well as countless other brands... Thanks for the biased, worthless input though. Lol!

GREAT camera! Good luck getting one until Feb though... Sanyo supply issues. Have a demo unit for sale thouh. I'll even throw in FREE shipping to anywhere in US!

He's right... you'll need to increase your budget it you want 4-5mp. Resolution isn't everything though bud.. look at the bigger picture...no pun intended. Lol I've seen 5mp images that looked worse than 2mp ones... Also... you like to sleep every now and then, right? Night time recording IS important!! You'll need lots of light for mp cams... wether it be from IR or visible white light you'll need it, or wish you had it the frst time something happens. Undoubtedly in your price range you'll find MP IP cams with built in IR (Vivotek, ACTi, etc)... These will help but don't expext it to light up a large outdoor area, regardless of that the spec sheet says.

And by the way... some servers like what you have only require 1 license, even though that's a 4 channel server. You'd need to check with Exacq first... but if they do count that as one license, that means for VERY little money you'd have a pretty slick upgrade.

Go for the Aver NV3000. I've sold and installed countless... just can't beat it for the price. Software is excellent. Spending $20 is throwing your money away. You already know it will have problems... Why buy something at any price that you know right away you won't be happy with? Crime isn't a short term problem... Your processor will be pushing it, but do able. Ram you'll need to upgrade. I'd also recommend a graphics card.

Why not just buy VMS software (like Exacq)? You've already got all the most of the hardware.... just need a PC. This way you'll also be ready if you ever want switch to IP cams (and you won't be stuck with an analog only dvr)

Agreed... this market is saturated with inlfated spec sheets and cheap Chinese junk... It's become nearly impossible for the average consumer to make a well informed decision without unbiased, honest assitance. That can even be hard to come by on this forum.

Yikes.... good luck. That happened to me once and I lost patience quick. Labor wise, it was just cheaper to get another lens/ camera...

Agreed... I've never seen/ tested ANYTHING from Nuvico (or Everfocus for that matter) that I was impressed with.

Lots of good info on this forum... but at some point you have to just pull the trigger and try for yourself. My best advice is to do this with a trust worthy company who has a reasonable return policy. (Not something that you'll have to pay to ship back out of the country or a huge restocking fee). Sean' right...cameras are like tools and there's no single tool for every job. However for residential jobs, we've found something that comes pretty darn close... PM me if interested.

Be careful not to make assumetions based on spec sheets... Just because the DVR has "spare" fps on unused channels, does not mean they are availible for use on other channels. The vast majority of DVRs I've used have max, per channel fps limtations...regardless of what's happening with the rest of the channels. Lots of twists and turns on the road to license plate capture... are you sure you don't want my company's help?

I have a turnkey setup to do exactly what you need... Works great. PM me for details.

Sanyo is too pricey for you???

The suggestion was for the 8000 series... why the 7?

I have an Aver standalone unit and need to send the characters "095" through the RS485 outputs in order to get into an OSD menu on a box camera. Anyone have any idea on how to do this? I've got it all hooked up and if I enter the OSD from the camera, I can control it via the PTZ controls on the DVR, I just have no way to hit "enter" from the PTZ controls. The camera's manufacturer says that with a normal PTZ controller, you can punch in "095" and this functions as enter. Anyone have a clue?

I'm using a standalone dvr... No pc onstite. id like to for ease of service be able to do this remotley... play with the settings and then check back later for evaluation

Haha... well that's what Aver tech support told me in California. He was a white boy too though... lol

What are the popular rebranded makes/ model numbers of this?

Any ideas? I'm still waiting on Avermedia engineers... but with Chinese New Year and all, I may be waiting a while...

I'm working on multiple projects, nearly identical to your requirements. Even with installing this yourself to save some money... you're budget is way too low. A heated/ cooled closure for the DVR/ power supplies alone will run you 1/3 of that budget. Don't skimp on this, DVRs can be pretty fragile... You're not going to be able to use domes for everything. You'll probably need bigger lenses for the plate cameras...this means box cameras. Good quality IR corrected, day night 50mm lenses can sometimes run just as much if not more than the box camera itself... If there's lighting restrictions, you'll need lots of IR... not cheap. I wouldn't use wood posts either... Metal lasts longer and you can protect wiring inside it... Make sure it's thick enough that it won't sway in the wind and make the footage worthless. For analog cameras, 1 plate camera per lane and then an overview camera to capture make/model.

yes, don't buy chinese crap you find on ebay or anywhere else on line

Its not a ptz. Its a Messoa SCR515PRO PTZ controls are used to remotely configure OSD menu

Give these guys a call.... http://www.sennetech.net/

return it for warranty. icr is getting stuck