Metal Shaper Man

I’m sorry for confusing the issue here. Tomcctv mentioned the CNB camera and I had just purchased one. I found it to be a very good camera for my situation. His description of the settings were right on. Nevertheless, for a bar situation, I don’t think a day night camera would be the best choice. Depending on the lighting, wouldn’t it be on B/W all the time or in color all the time? The day night may even switch back and forth. Personally, I think B/W would be the best choice. B/W cameras provide better picture quality in lower light levels. I might put color cameras in normal or well lit exits, entrances or hallways to identify clothing color. For sure I’d put a good day night to cover parking lots. As for DSS, I find that it’s totally useless. Slow shutter speed may have its place in regular photography but not in CCTV. The local bar I dealt with uses what I described above and it works very well.

I just purchased a CNB-D2815NVF. I’ve had it on bench test for 7 days now and I’m very impressed with the camera so far. The DSS was a concern at first. However, you can turn the DSS off, eliminating any smearing from movement. Like tomcctv said, you have total control over the functions which enhances environmental solutions. This camera is going on location shortly. I’ll give an update when the camera is in place.

I’ve not seen anything in the manuals in regard to a factory reset method of any kind. Though I wouldn’t try it, I wonder what the little pin hole is for on the front panel? I’d recommend calling Panasonic tech support and see if they are willing to help.

I have a WJ-HD316. Therefore, I don’t know if the same thing applies to the WJ-ND300 Series. I went to the Panasonic web site and found that there’s a WJ-ND300 series and a WJ-ND300A series. If it’s like the WJ-HD316, which is the early model apposed to the newer WJ-HD316A, the newer update may not work. At the time, I spoke with a Panasonic tech and he told me not to make that mistake with the WJ-HD300 series. Again, I’m not familiar with the WJ-ND300 or the WJ-ND300A, or the difference between the two, if any. Nevertheless, it’s something you could look into. Panasonic Tech support was very helpful when I called in regard to my WJ-HD300 series. I hope this will help.

I have a WJ-HD316. Therefore, I don’t know if the same thing applies to the WJ-ND300 Series. I went to the Panasonic web site and found that there’s a WJ-ND300 series and a WJ-ND300A series. If it’s like the WJ-HD316, which is the early model apposed to the newer WJ-HD316A, the newer update may not work. At the time, I spoke with a Panasonic tech and he told me not to make that mistake with the WJ-HD300 series. Again, I’m not familiar with the WJ-ND300 or the WJ-ND300A, or the difference between the two, if any. Nevertheless, it’s something you could look into. Panasonic Tech support was very helpful when I called in regard to my WJ-HD300 series. I hope this will help.

You might find the update at the link below under software downloads. http://www.panasonic.com/business/security/home.asp

Thanks Rory, I value your opinion. I’d like to go with some of the Panasonic WV-CP480 series cameras but, I don’t want the look of camera enclosures all over the place. The cameras you suggest look very nice. I think I’ll try one of each brand. Thanks again.

If any, what brand bullet or cylinder camera would you consider as a hi end camera?

I’ve also noticed that navigation slowed down quit a lot over the past few weeks. Not being much of a computer guy, I thought it might be something going on with my setup. But, like you CCTV-Suppliers, I don’t have that much trouble with other sites. I also noticed that things that were centered before are now to the left.

Seeing as you have the 220 as well as the 316, you could loop out from one to the other giving you more monitor outputs. Or, you will have the option of adding more cameras. Anyway, good luck with your system. Like I said, I think the 316 will work out just fine.

Yes, it’s a VGA. Like I said, I tried about four CRT’s and the old Compacq won out. I think that’s just the way it is. One of the others may have worked better on another system. Also, matter of opinion plays a part as well, some will like it, and some will not. As for the LCD, I may have given off the wrong impression. I said it was the worst and, it was. The truth is, the screen size is large, therefore, pixelating the 480/288 picture. Nevertheless, I have balanced the overall system pretty good with what I had to work with, and of course, the amount of money I could afford to spend. I really enjoy playing with this stuff, therefore, learning more about it everyday. And I must say, thanks to the FORUM, much of the learning came much quicker.

As for monitors, I have an old Compaq CRT that gave me the best picture out of four I tried. Then there’s a Sony 24â€

I shut mine down for a few minutes just to check for sure. I then turned the switch on. The green operate light came on and nothing else. After about 15 -20 seconds, the fans came on and the within moments the little blue system check and check disk screen appears and runs for -well - over a minute. It then displays system check complete and camera one displays on all monitors. Once the fans came on, they did not go back off. Nevertheless, I really don’t think there is anything wrong with your boot up. It simply seems like it takes this thing forever to get going. I must tell you, I’ve had absolutely no trouble with this unit over the past four years. It has run flawlessly, 24/7. I’m running at just shy of 24000 hrs after changing the first HD and adding the second. I can say that I have over 30,000 trouble free hours on this thing. It’s like the old saying goes; you get what you pay for. Yes, all three fans run 24/7.

Yes, I am into old cars. In fact, I had an antique car restoration business for several years along with teaching applied music at three universities. As for the old cars, sheet metal shaping was a big part of my business. I fabricated many old car body parts using the English Wheel, sand bag, hammers and all the rest. Most of the cars I worked on were highly collectable, rare and expensive, hence, one of the reasons for my interest in surveillance systems. And yes, I’ve been to Carlise, Hershey, and many other car shows. By the way, I fabricated the left front fender on the 32 Studabaker you see in the avatar. I really enjoyed the people in Canada. I found Windsor to be a very pleasant and safe place to be. I also find most people in Michigan to be very nice as well. However, there are some areas one likes to stay away from if, you know what I mean? If any one of the three fans stop for any reason on the 316 it will generate an error. Therefore, I don’t know what to say about all the noise. Hopefully, you can find some compatible fans that will suit your needs.

Personally, I think the 316 is a good choice. It has many options you may want to use in the future. At least you’re not left without the choice. Anyway, it sounds like you will end up with a real nice setup. I have my unit set to Field (720 X 288). I like having the extra frames per second. Moreover, I don’t think you gain that much more picture quality when using FRAME 3D ON (720 x 576) w/ cam shake compensation or FRAME 3D OFF (720 x 576). The only disadvantage for some people would be the amount of disk space the above settings use. For me, I only need a few days of recording anyway. I see that you live in Ontario Canada. I used to teach at Windsor University some years back and enjoyed it very much. How close are you to Windsor? I’m in the US and not far from there at all.

I have no experience with the HD 220 at all. However, I am a Panasonic fan. If the HD 220 is anything like my 316, you’re looking at a very durable product. As for the difference between the 316 and 316A, I don’t believe there is much difference. When I spoke with the Panasonic techs about it, I got the impression that one difference was a 5400 RPM HD for the 316 and a 7200 RPM HD for the 316A. They also didn’t suggest that there were any big software differences. By the way, there is a Manual Addendum which describes the added features after downloading the most recent update for the 316.

It sounds like the box, draw or part for holding the two HDD’S is missing. After removing the front of the unit, one can slide a draw out containing the HDD’S. On the back of the draw, I think there’s a circuit board type plug in that reconnects the HDD’S once you slide the draw back in. Anyway, on the link below you can download a copy of the operating manual. Under the Disk Management section, you will get a good idea of what holds the HDD’S in place. http://service.us.panasonic.com/operman/ If needed, the link below is where you can download the most resent software updates. Just make sure the updates are for the specific model you have. For example, the WJ-HD316A updates will not work on the earlier WJ-HD316. http://www.panasonic.com/business/security/softwaredownloads/index.asp The following link is where you will find the links above plus, other helpful links for the Panasonic security products. http://www.panasonic.com/business/security/home.asp

I have a WJ-HD 316, (not the A). Though I‘m not an expert on this, your boot up time sounds normal to me. There is a few seconds before the system check screen comes on. Then, the system check runs for quite some time. Also, the auto login being on or off has something to do with how long it takes before a picture comes up on the monitor. In the manual, they talk about this under Operating the Unit For The First Time in the Advanced Menu Set Up section. Oh, and yes, the fans are noisy as hell.

CCTV_Suppliers Wrote That is a good point. I know for sure that the first and second HD is set to master on the WJ-HD316.

Yes, please let us know. I would be interested in the final result. Thanks,

I don’t know how important it is but, there is something else to consider. The WJ-HD316 (not the 316A) came with a 5400 rpm hard drive. I believe they upgraded the newer 316A with a 7200 rpm HD. I remember speaking with a tech from Panasonic when replacing one HD and adding the other. He said he wasn’t for sure but, didn’t think it would bother anything. Yet, by switching from a 5400 rpm HD and or using two 7200 rpm HD’s might create a heat problem. To date, I haven’t had any noticeable problem. By the way, the WJ-HD316 only came with one 160 GB HD and the option of adding another 160 GB HD. The updated WJ-HD316A came with a 250 GB HD and the option of adding another. To add further storage, they offer extension units at several $$$$ each. Hopefully, you can find something helpful from my little bit of experience.

You can find the latest firmware updates for the WJ-HD316 here under Recording Solutions… http://www.panasonic.com/business/security/softwaredownloads/index.asp As for how putting in a larger hard drive other than that recommended by Panasonic, I don’t know. I only added a second hard drive which doubled the capacity, using the recommended hard drive. I don’t like pushing the issue with something that cost that much.

If you don’t have the composite connectors on your TV that Sir Flannel points out I, believe you can use an RF Modulator between your DVR and the TV. You can find a RF modulator at a place like Radio Shack for example.

After doing more research, it almost sounds like your VMD mode setting is set or stuck in Vector mode or Duration, mode and not to Any Area. I believe what you say but, maybe it’s set one way in Quick Setup and different in Advanced Setup. I’m not sure if that’s possible but, it’s something you could check. I would have to agree that going back to default and starting over may be your best bet.

In my manual the default settings are listed on page 158 also try page 143. Note: that all the manuals are not printed the same, therefore, the page number may very. Anyway, it’s listed under PARAMETERS AND THE DEFAULT SETTINGS OF THE SETUP MENU. As a short cut, check the record priority in the advanced setup. The default is (1. Event Rec, 2. Manual Rec, 3. Schedule Rec. It really sounds like you have the settings off. This thing is a Bear to setup. Moreover, the manual will confuse the hell out of you. My reason for mentioning checking the priority is, that’s, where I had a similar problem early on.