gatekpr

I've been in the security industry for quite some time since my father owns and runs a company. He never really did much CCTV though, and ended up having me handle that for him. Even then, it wasn't much. At the company I work for, I manage our security so have had the opportunity to handle bigger systems. I finally decided to start my own business since I've been getting many requests. I've been researching a lot lately, especially around the various rebranded equipment. Since most of this seems to be fairly midrange, that leaves me wondering, what is the BEST? In that respect, I'm talking about what do the major corporations use? Government? Or of course the big Vegas casinos that we always see on TV? I've seen a lot of Sony and Samsung cameras that seem horribly overpriced for the specs, same with big brand DVRs. But, are these really better than our Dahua and other gear, or is it really just about the name (if that is even what the big dogs use)? Sorry for the rambling, I've just been very curious about this. Thanks for any input you might have! Bryan

I kinda figured you were going to mention KVMs. I really haven't had any luck with remote KVMs, we've used a few here at our office and they just weren't that great. $300 is well within reason for the controller to me as long as it works!

That just seems so weird to me that they aren't used that commonly. I mean, I totally believe you of course, but it seems like a good use of simple technology. I'll hit up Sean and see how much they might be, it may actually be worth it to me. As for the distance, the plan is (was anyway, hopefully still can be) to have a couple monitoring stations, these would range from 15-60ft away from the DVR. Since the controllers are supposed to be able to slave, I figured that would work. The biggest point here is to keep it off the network, i.e. CCTV needs to be completely standalone. Thanks! Bryan

Well I found the model on Dahua's site, but I can't seem to find anyone that sells it. How many here use a serial/network controller hooked to a DVR? I would think it would be pretty common, but maybe I'm wrong? Thanks, Kosch

Thanks tomcctv this has been VERY helpful. Yes we just have 1 DVR but will be soon upgrading that to a 16 or 32 channel. That would be great if you could send me the pinout, please do! Do you know where to get one of the controllers that work? I've been hunting around just now and cannot seem to find a place selling them. So now can I connect multiple controllers to the DVR? I think I've seen that you connect one, then others connect to that controller as slaves? I really appreciate the help! Thanks, Bryan

what is it you are looking at doing. do you have PTZ cameras or are you just looking at controlling each dvr at 1 location. Oops, sorry I guess that wasn't very clear. So I have the DVR mounted in our comm room. We have a couple locations where I would like to view and control the DVR from without needing a PC/ipad/etc (i.e. direct connections, not using our network). I want to be able control a couple PTZ cameras, as well as choosing what camera is in view, or setting back to multi view. From what I've read on some of the controllers and DVRs, this is what they are supposed to be for. So now I just need to find out what I need to make that happen Thanks tomcctv! Bryan

Do you happen to know what kind of controller I would need or maybe what this one is lacking? you also need a PC I think I may be confused here, why would I need a PC in this type of setup? If I have a controller hooked directly to the DVR, and a monitor hooked directly to the DVR..? Thanks for the help thus far! Bryan

Hello, I have one of these DVRs: http://www.securitycameraking.com/8-channel-ultimate-mini-series-59081-prd1.html and also one of these controllers: http://www.veilux.net/controllers/svk-64.html The DVR says it can use a RS-232 controller. The controller says it can control a DVR via RS-232 (in the instructions, that site doesnt show) I've had great luck with Security Camera King, both support and sales. But in this case, trying to make these work together, seems to be at a loss. I've been told that using a controller like this "isn't very common" and "doesn't always work", but, it seems like that's what it was made for? I guess my question is should something like this work? Essentially, I want to have a few locations away from the DVR with just a monitor and controller, no PC. I will still of course like to be able to control from the DVR and iphone app if needed. Does that sound like what these controllers are meant for? Thanks in advance! Bryan