groovyman

I'll answer some of your questions. 1. DHCP ON Every device connected to a network needs an address, called an IP address. This can either be manually typed into the device or assigned automatically. When assigned automatically via DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), the device (in this case, the dvr) sends a request out on the network saying "I need an address". The router is the device that hands out those addresses - might be your cable modem or a router connected to the modem. In any case, when the request is received by the router it sends an address to the device that requested it. 2. IP 192.168.0.7 3. Netmask 255.255.255.0 4. Gateway 192.168.0.1 5. DNS 24.159.64.23 This is additional information the router sent to the dvr when the dvr requested an IP address. It helps the DVR communicate over the network and Internet. If you connect to the dvr from a computer on the same network you would use 192.168.0.7 in your web browser (such as Internet Explorer), or the dvr viewing software that came on a CD with the DVR (if you have the CD) or you can download the software from the manufacturer website. The Netmask, Gateway & DNS provides information about the network, router and how to communicate via the Internet. Don't worry about the Netmask - to explain it will take too much time and is not really relevent here. The Gateway is actually the internal IP address of either the Cable modem or Router (if one is connected to the Cable modem). DNS is short for Domain Name Server which translates domains like cctvforum.com to an IP address so information can be routed properly.

I want to start out by saying that Soundy, please don't take anything I write here as starting a flame war or a personal attack. I have too much respect for you and your knowledge of CCTV. I think I watched too many presidential debates and I just have to respond This is intended as just a rebuttal This has happened many times over the years, from IE6 to 7, 8 and now 9. Technology changes all the time and not all manufacturers, even responsive manufacturers like Dahua, will make all of their product compatible with newer technologies. At some point manufacturer support will stop. You're right. Let's take Dahua for example. I have some ICRealtime and Mace DVRs that were installed around 2005-2006. I came to find out that these DVRs were actually manufactured by Dahua. With both of them the web viewer was extremely buggy in IE6, a pain to get working in IE7 and will not work with IE8 or IE9. The stand alone viewers worked better, but when 64-bit Windows OS became the norm they wouldn't install properly, and forget about running the software on wide screen laptops when they became the norm - error messages up the wazoo (talk about things changing, people getting confused & frustrated - whooo boy). By this time support for these DVRs in terms of updated firmware and software were long gone. Same goes for some Dedicated Micros and GE Kalatel systems some of my clients have installed. Getting them to work with Windows 7 & IE9 is a challenge (Virtualization & XP mode to the rescue ). Most don't have smartphone support either, and I doubt they ever will. I agree that any recent DVR should be compatable with IE9 and I would like to see compatability with other web browsers and operating systems as well. But, do you really think that in a few years from now when future generations of browsers hit the market the systems being sold today are going to be supported? What's going to happen when the DVR installed today is not compatable with IE10, 11, 12, etc? How long do manufacturers provide updated firmware for their models, especially after they discontinue them? Manufacturers are always coming out with new models and discontinuing support for older models - that's just the way things are. I'm going to use your words against you here. If a person doesn't want the hassle of installing the thick client and just wants to pull up a browser to remotely view their DVR, how sophisticated are they going to be to know that updated firmware exists, then look for it, download it, install it or even have the guts to take a screwdriver to the case and swap out the hard drive? This isn't something for the casual user. This is something for the "$100/hr. rent-a-nerd." Do your clients do this themselves or do they call you? Do they even know when new firmware becomes available? Do they even care? I'm sure some do, but do you think the average home user has a clue? I don't care what is bought today. At some point manufacturer support will stop, computer operating systems and applications will be updated and people are going to need the "$100/hr. rent-a-nerd" to help solve issues. It's just the nature of technology - it always changes and those with the knowledge are called upon to correct any issues that arise. I'll go out on a limb here and state that every installer here has run into the same issues with systems installed 5+ years ago. Manufacturer support has stopped, clients have since updated their computers and problems arose when connecting to their DVRs the way they were used to. Then, you get a call, make it work and charge a fee for your service. So, I agree that any new DVR should have IE9 compatability. But, if a DVR does not have IE9 compatability there are other solutions to enable remote viewing. As time goes on and operating systems and browser versions change, those solutions become more complex, especially when manufacturer support stops, and at some point it will, I don't care who the manufacturer is.

Having them shipped to Canada won't void the warranty, but purchasing via Ebay will. http://www.vivotek.com/wheretobuy/wheretobuy.php?area=North America&country=Canada VIVOTEK USA Inc. only sells wholesale products through authorized dealers to ensure that customers obtain proper support and service. If a VIVOTEK product is purchased from an unauthorized reseller, VIVOTEK USA Inc. may not be able to ensure that the proper service, warranty and support has been performed by unauthorized resellers. The following websites are UNAUTHORIZED RESELLERS of VIVOTEK products: Securitybestbuy.com spytown.com surveillent.com buy.com ipcamwarehouse.com ipcamera-store.net nextwarehouse.com ebay.com

You may need to install some codecs. Download & install the K-Lite Codec Pack 8.7.0 Full from here: http://free-codecs.com/K_Lite_Codec_Pack_download.htm Please keep in mind that the QSee software may not be the correct software to play back and convert the file from your DVR, but if it is your computer might need those codecs.

Just wanted to add that since this was originally posted Jun 20, 2011 and the OP hasn't been back since Jun 21, 2011, I think recommending a DVR for him at this point is kind of pointless. But, maybe it can help someone new looking for recommendations.

I'm in Florida too and run into the same concerns - they are very real. What I tell my clients is to get a good alarm system with motion detection that will alert the police when triggered, to test it monthly and to make sure it's cellular based also. Here's a relevant story - and in this case offsite video storage may have been of no use. Last month a check cashing store was burglarized (located in the same plaza as a client's business). The burglars cut the communication lines outside before entering the store. Offsite video storage would have been useless at this point, as was the alarm system. Alarm was triggered w/ a siren, but they ripped the siren off the wall. They took the surveillance DVR so no video was available. My client has an outside analog camera capturing his front door and part of the parking lot, so we were able to establish a timeframe of the burglary (2AM), but that's about it. After this incident my client asked what he could do to save video if the same thing happened to him. Storing off-site was not an option (DSL with 350K upload), so we installed a second DVR, mounted in the drop ceiling and split the video signal from 4 key cameras. Nobody knows it's there except for me and the store owner. As far as hurricanes are concerned, well, I think power & communications will be lost before damage is done to the building. We usually have plenty of warning before a hurricane hits, so preparations can be made to swap out the hard drive, or make a backup, if the historical video is so important. Hope this provides you with some ideas to present to your client.

That's too bad. Didn't come with a software CD either? Did it come with any type of manual or other documentation with an indication of where the software might be obtained? Hopefully the software Dan recommended will help.

A few years ago I bought some IR domes with the same results you have. I never purchased that style dome again - too much trouble. I spent more time trying to eliminate the reflection than running cable, mounting and focusing combined. I ended up with a peephole view in order to eliminate the reflection.

The DVR should have come with a CD that has playback and conversion software. If not, maybe you can go to the manufacturer website and download the required software. What make & model DVR?

See, this is what happens when someone puts some thought and extra effort into what they're doing - a very nice install the first time around.

10.0.0.0 – 10.255.255.255 172.16.0.0 – 172.31.255.255 192.168.0.0 – 192.168.255.255 There are all known as Private Address Spaces and are typically used for private Local Area Networks (LANs), such as homes & offices. Different manufacturers can use different private address ranges, but the most popular are 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x. You can actually change these settings in most routers, but my advice is to leave it alone. Now, the computer's IP address is 10.0.0.2. You cannot give this same address to the DVR. The last number must be different and must not be used by any other computer or networked device. Try setting the DVR IP Address with 10.0.0.200, Subnet Mask of 255.255.255.0 and Gateway of 10.0.0.1. Then, in the Cisco Router, forward the necessary ports to 10.0.0.200. From here you should be able to type 10.0.0.200 into a web browser (Internet Explorer) and access the DVR. By using 10.0.0.200 you are accessing the DVR on your LAN (Local Area network). If you want to access the DVR over the Internet, you first need to find your WAN (Wide Area Network) IP address. You can easily find this by going to a website like http://www.ipchicken.com. Then, use that address on a computer that is outside the LAN - like a computer connected to the Internet at a different location. If you try using that WAN IP Address from within the LAN it may not work. So, when inside the network (on the LAN) use the local IP address of 10.0.0.200. When outside the network, use the WAN IP address. A quick and easy to to test this is with a smartphone connected to a 3G or 4G network that is not connected to the wifi router.

Bob, you are a very wise man! " title="Applause" />

Thanks Adam & Tom. Your feedback is very much appreciated. Tom - thanks for the screenshot. That's just what I'm going after. Once I get the cameras installed I'll post some after pics.

I was in a store today where the front faces directly West and it's all glass. When the afternoon sun starts to come in the video is terrible, so I think WDR cameras are the solution for this environment. I contacted my CNB supplier and they recommended: DBB-34VF INDOOR DOME: BLUE-I TRUE WDR (72dB), DAY/NIGHT - 580TVL - or - DBB-24VF INDOOR DOME: BLUE-I XWDR (60dB), DAY/NIGHT - 580TVL which is a few dollars less, which is inconsequential. I'd go for the better camera for the environment. Does anyone have an opinion on either of these cameras or can provide other recommendations for under $200 per camera? Here are some screenshots from this afternoon, taken after I played around with contrast & brightness trying to get the best possible image with what is there now. Thanks in advance for your opinions and advice.

It's actually a busy store. I took those screenshots in between customers. When someone is standing at the register around that time of day you can't really see their face because of the brightness behind them. It's also difficult to see the employees, cash drawer & safe, which is the whole purpose of the register camera (we have it from the opposite side also). Right now it's 8:40PM and the video looks good, but is too bright in certain areas because I had to turn up the brightness this afternoon to be able to see anything behind the counter. It's unacceptable to me and I'm looking for a solution to correct it.

Oh, I've been there.....more than once. I imagine everyone else has too. Things can be going smooth for a long time, then that one little thing pops up that can drive you insane and you end up with a Homer Simpson "DOH" moment

Yes, it's possible that disconnecting then reconnecting the cable can cause a loss of video signal if the cable came loose from the connector.

Maybe try connecting the camera 1 cable to other channels on the dvr. Do you get an image? Also, if you connect camera 2 cable to channel 1 do you get an image?

Just need to ask - are you accessing the DVR menu on the DVR itself, or through the remote software? It's been my experience that not all DVRs give access to all menu options via remote software. Some options are available only via the DVR itself.

Hard drive - I'm thinking 500GB should be large enough for your purposes, but the answer is yes, you can replace the hard drive. Supports 1 SATA HDD up to 2 TB. In the DVR setup screen, under Disk Manage, there's an option to format the hard drive. So, just swap it out, format it and it should be good to go. Instructions on swapping the drive are on page 83 of the product manual: http://qsee.custhelp.com/ci/fattach/get/48580/1334086153/redirect/1/filename/QT%20Manual%20v3-0_web.pdf For the MAC issue, maybe reinstall the Safari Client &/or reinstall the firmware on the DVR. Here's some info to help: Using Mac Safari to view your cameras online: http://www.q-see.com/files/RightNow/how_to_connect_to_QT_dvr_with_fw_3.1.9_from_MAC_10.pdf Mac Safari Setup: http://www.q-see.com/files/guides/QT-Safari%20Setup.pdf Firmware version 3.1.9 for QT428, QT454 and QT504: http://qsee.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1277 As for cameras, I'll let others chime in.

These screenshots are from different locations, but the same camera - CNB DFL-20S. It's a 600TVL 3.8mm fixed Mona Lisa camera. Seems like a rainbow effect is being picked up by these cameras with certain lighting conditions. I've also seen it with other CNB Mona Lisa cameras, but the DFL-20S is the most pronounced. Does anyone know why it happens and what can be done to eliminate it? This doesn't seem to happen with any other cameras installed at these locations. NOTE: Images cropped and zoomed in to show detail.

When that happens to me it's usually one of a few things: 1 - Loose connection at the DVR or camera, so check both ends 2 - The camera isn't getting power, so, again, check both ends 3 - The camera failed 4 - Someone was playing around with the DVR settings and somehow set a channel to not be displayed either globally or per user.

Not sure that can be done with a schedule. You can schedule times of day for recording, but you'll have to confirm if the dvr of choice allows for scheduling the type of recording to change via a schedule. My guess is you'll have trouble finding that option. You're probably looking at either motion recording full time or just full time recording 24/7. I'd keep it on motion 24/7, in which you'll still benefit from motion recording even during a busy day at times and absolutley benefit from less activity throughout the night. The specs of the 16CH Dahua says it can record Continuous or Motion on a schedule. I would read through the manual, or talk with someone who's used the system to be sure though. I personally really like being able to set recording on a schedule between always and motion and I use it very often. But, straight motion detection tends to drive me nuts during multicam playback - sometimes single cam playback too. That's why I looked for a DVR that has a "smart recording" feature that will record continuously, but at a lower framerate when there's no motion and a higher framerate when motion is detected. To me, that's the best of both worlds.

Additionally, after converting to AVI, get the Any Video Converter software: http://download.cnet.com/Any-Video-Converter/3000-2194_4-10661456.html?tag=mncol;7 This program can convert the AVI file to other formats, such as mpg, wmv, flv, mp4, etc. I use it all the time to convert and send video clips to people with smart phones.

I'm very familiar with that as that's the file name output on some QSee DVRs a couple of clients have. What you need is the avi generator program. You can get it here: http://qsee.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/918/kw/qr414%20playback Click on the Download AVI Generator link. Even if you don't have a QSee branded DVR I believe this program will work. Once installed and running, choose the .264 file as the source, then choose an output folder & filename. If you can't play back the avi file, then you may need to install the K-Lite Codec Pack. Instructions are here: http://www.q-see.com/files/HowToFiles/E-K%20Lite%20Codec%20Pack%20Install.pdf