Delta 1

Hi, Can anybody solve this riddle? I work in a department store which has 60 digital cameras (50 PTZ's & 10 Statics). All cameras are wired back to a 'Checkpoint' analog matrix & then through six multiplexers & finally to six VCR's. Recently 10 cameras have gone down & are in need of replacement. Because of the work needed, i have decided its time to upgrade to DVR's & also replace the current camera controller (the current system is exactly ten years old!) however i am faced with the following dilemas: 1.Can i have the ten cameras replaced and intergrated into the old matrix? 2. Is it possible to buy a controller that can operate both old/new cameras? 3. Is it possible to install DVR's that intergrate the old/new cameras? Any suggestions in terms of makes/brands of matrix,cameras or DVR's that can help with I have recently had a cctv engineer attend the store who has advised me that it might not be possible to introduce the new cameras to the old system/matrix & may have to be controlled on a stand alone system! Furthermore a new controller may not operate both new/old cameras! I was advised that i may have to purchase a new matrix or replace ALL 60 cameras! At £650 each this is simply not cost effective! Is this guy full of BS or is this genuine advice????? NOTE: An IP system would not be possible in the store as internet access is restricted/not available. Any advice would be really appreciated, Thanks, DELTA 1

Soundy....your knowledge intimidates!!!!! By now you may have realised im not an expert in the field. But as security manager for the store i work, in its my responsibility to resolve this kind of thing. Anyway, I'll take some pics of the cctv setup & get back to you! Thanks.

Guys thanks for all your tips & advice....a bit more info for you... Firstly the system in the store is exactly ten years old & the ten cameras that have gone out have dropped off one by one over the years not all at once. Ive tested each cam at the source, using a test screen & found that ther is power available for each one but no image from the cam's. The matrix is is a 64 way video matrix ECTO1323 that has all 60 cameras (sited over two floors) wired back directly to it (using cat-5 cable) in the cctv room on the ground floor. Ideally i want to incorporate the 10 new/replacement cams through the current matrix & then to the new DVR's. I also want one controller that can operate both old & new cams. SOUNDY: Your point about Pelco D or P protocols....how do i establish this? Because of the age of the system i dont have any manuals for it. Furthermore, after removing the domes to gain access to the actual cams they have no markings on them!!!!! I imagine your thinking this is a real hillbilly system! but ten years ago this system was probably the balls! Added to these difficulties, the original company who did the install, Photoscan (UK company) have merged with siemans so thats another dead end! JUST TO RECAP: I feel better knowing its more likely any new cameras introduced can be run through the current mpx providing they speak the same language. I just have to find a controller that also speaks that language too! Any further advice is very welcome. DELTA 1