RickyGee

Yes, that's the V4.06.06. The CD came with V4.06 from Jan12, and the latest version on the DH site is Jan13, but BahamaSecurity shows a V4.06.08 that is not listed on the DH site, and I didn't try that. I did have to use Rory's DPIfix.exe to enable access to all the control buttons in the windows in PSS (like the device configuration screen, which wouldn't display the OK button at the bottom,,,) even in the V4.06.06.

1)Can be run on any version, but it's best to be installed on 32 version using admin rights 2)Can be run 1+2- they are not designed for a 64 arch; they will not run on an 64-only system; they rely on Windows compatibility to run them in 32 mode 3)yes and no; DAV is a file format with a header containing parts of that stream 4)same as 1,2... As an overall, these systems are not designed to harnest the power of the GPU (most modern movie players do that), so they rely on CPU (as in "software decoding"). If you wonder why, I can tell you that there are dedicated solutions to decode&display the stream - one of them is your NVR. Also, the whole system can function and can be used with no PCs at all, even if you scale up the system. Doing this using only dedicated hardware makes a robust system. Solutions are provided, as an alternative, for PCs(like PSS)&other devices(like mobile devices), but that doesn't make them a primary device/robust device. Thanks Dex. As always, your response is very much appreciated. Now I understand. I thought (wrongly) that the video would be handled by the GPU so the saturation made no sense. Now it does. Unfortunatly, that means my whole concept for this project is toast... the plan was for primary access and control to occur through the network connection and this equipment apparently can't be used that way, at least not without acquiring some much more powerful PCs than are currently available, and then I have my doubts. ActiveX controls, 32 bit apps, 32 bit IE only limitations, and the latest CPU technology just seems like a mismatch from the outset. I've never been so frustrated trying to get stuff to work. Last night, I tried to connect a camera directly to the PC with the ConfigTool. It worked once before, but it failed this time. I'm getting APPCRASH messages that webrec.ocx v 3.1.0.3 is faulting (DHsecurityCntrl) and the WEBSERVICE hangs. I believe a good, stiff drink may be in order...

I am getting a brief prompt that I cannot decipher. It was so brief and awkwardly written that I had to take a screenprint just to read it. Anyone guess what this means? "Prompt. decode ability is pool:the engrossments of CPU and memory of PSS are too larger" (SIC) I'd post a copy of the screenprint, but I haven't figured out how to do that on this forum yet. -Rick

The Turion Mobile RM-75 gets a Passmark benchmark of 1131. This is not very powerful by today' standards, and I'd expect it to struggle with multiple 1080p cameras, especially at high frame rates. My i3-540 benches at 2659, and handles 6 cameras, 6 MP total, 10 fps, using Blue Iris. When just viewing, it runs 60% CPU, and when 3 cams are recording at once, it jumps to 85-90%. Adding one more 1 MP cam causes it to max out and bog down during recording. My i5-3570k benches at 7127, and handles 8 cams at 10 MP without any issues and with room for one or two more, using the same settings as above. Benchmarks aren't completely reliable performance indicators, but it looks like the Turion is pretty underpowered for hi-res IP cams. Wow, thanks. Excellent info, very helpful. I'm going to have to rethink my approach to this project since my friend's PCs are probably in the same league as this one and there is no budget to buy new computers...we blew it all on the cameras and recorders...

I don't think that is an option for my laptop. Besides, I can't imagine Dahua creating PSS software that is supposed to display as many as 32 cameras from multiple networks simultaneously, requiring a super computer just to run. I've seen YouTube videos demonstrating PSS that appear to be displayed on typical setups, not something special. If I can live stream 1080p off the internet and my CPU is only running at 30-40%, then something has to be wrong to have just one camera causing it to go to 75%.

Maybe it would be more helpful if I was more precise with my questions, so let me give it a try; 1) Is the Dahua webrec.cab designed to run in a 64bit version of IE9? (Y/N) 2) Is the Dahua PSS (version 4.06.xx) designed to run on a 64 bit system? (Y/N) 3) Is the Dahua video stream out of the network port in .DAV format? (Y/N) 4) Is the Dahua .DAV player designed to run on a 64bit system? (Y/N) 5) Is there a better fix for the DPI skin display issues with the PSS software than Rory's DPIfix.exe? Thanks guys. I really appreciate your comments. -Rick

All Dahua from HDsecurity, specs above. PSS software version 4.06.0 (1/9/2012) and PSS 4.06.06 (1/15/2013). The PSS does the same thing; one image loaded takes 75% of my CPU capacity and 2 images saturates the CPU. The CPU handles other taskes and multiple apps and video (like BluRay) without breathing hard. For instance, it will play back a BluRay 1080p H.264 movie and use only 15-30% CPU usage (from my hard drive). A single small image in the 4X4 screen display from the Dahua NVR will use almost 75%, WEBSERVICE or PSS.

The HP Pavilion D7 Entertainment PC has an AMD Turion X2 dual-core mobile RM75 2.2Ghz, and 4GB RAM, 64bit.

Thanks for the tips. I've been offline over the weekend. Please forgive me for the delay in getting back. The cameras are Dahua HF3300 3MP box with fuji 3MP auto iris lenses and Dahua NVR3204V-P. They are set to record at 1080P within the NVR. The 3M setting doesn't work with any camera (black screen). I've played with adjusting frame rates, bit rates, and quality settings and have all other apps closed on my computer. I can make improvements in CPU usage, but 2 images will still saturate the CPU with even the lowest settings. I'm guessing at this point, but I'm thinking that my computer is running in compatibility mode and the additional processing (32bit/64bit) to make the translation is at the root of this. Does that make sense? If so, is there a better workaround? As for Blue Iris, I've considered that but have read that BI doesn't play well with Dahua equipment either. Is that true? The NVR firmware is disappointing in that you cannot review video at a fast enough playback speed, making blind searching very time consuming, and many camera settings can not be accessed through the NVR.

Hi. I’m retired and helping a friend with a small restaurant/store (50X100) add a surveillance system. My first computer was a Commodore64 and I’ve built many desktops over the years and several wired and wireless networks as a hobbyist. I’ve also repaired hundreds of electronic devices like camcorders, dvrs, Tvs, etc. But this is my first surveillance system. Yup, a virgin. I’ve spent many months and hundreds of hours learning and reading and researching. I have a new found respect for you guys that do this for a living; thousands of details to consider to do this right. I carefully considered analog systems, timelapse (game) cameras, HD-SDI or HDcctv, and network options. This application will require 7-8 high resolution cameras using PoE and the budget is very tight (my labor is being essentially donated, though I expect some good meals to come…). I have settled on a Dahua network system as it fits within the budget and meets the requirements. But I have a question. All the Dahua (and private lable Dahua) NVRs show only 4ea RJ45 camera ports on the back, and a “network” port. This makes sense for NVRs marketed for 4 cameras, especially with PoE. But it is the same for NVRs marketed for 8 and even 16 cameras. Dahua’s tech info is nearly non-existent as they pass that responsibility apparently on to their retailers like Q-See to publish instructions. Q-See shows that additional cameras beyond 4 have to be connected to the NVR via a hub/switch/router to the network port, which suggests that the only difference between an NVR designed for 4 cameras, or 8, or 16 is the firmware installed and maybe the size of the buffer memory. Is that right, or have I missed something (other than the HDD capacity)? Has anyone done this, added additional cameras via router to the network port on a Dahua NVR? All the cameras selected will be 2MP dome recording continuously during business hours and MD after hours. I find it hard to believe that one can pump 15/30fps at 2MP from 4 cameras (H.264) simultaneously through one Ethernet port without packet loss or other issues. If you have had success doing this, can you recommend the 802.11n wireless router that you used? I hope to offer my friend the option to connect to this system wirelessly using directional antennas from his house 400 yds away. I’m sorry for the length of this. I hoped to answer most questions up front. Thanks for any help or advice.

Well, all the equipment is here and I'm deep into discovering how little I know... My friend and I decided to expand the project to add an additional remote zone with an additional 4 cameras covering some parking areas, so the total project is 2 zones, 11 cameras, 3 NVRs, and wireless bridging to tie it all together. First, I'm happy with the Dahua cameras and NVRs, as hardware goes. The 4 parking area cameras are 3MP HF3300 with Fuji 3MP f1.2 auto iris lenses in EMI housings, feeding to a 4 channel NVR3204V-P. The NVR is recording all 4 at 1080P 30fps and 8192mbps CBR and the display on the monitor connected directly to the NVR is great. The other zone is 7 dome cameras, 2MP and 1.2MP feeding 2 NVR3204 recorders through a ZyXEL 16 port POE switch. Both zones will be connected to his office through Engenius ENH202 wireless bridges. I'm happy with all the hardware choices, but I'm going to close this thread and start a couple of new ones with questions that have surfaced due to the networking software and PSS software provided. Thanks to all who helped me decide how to do this project. My friend owes me about 300 steak dinners, so far.... -Rick

Guys, unfortuantly I think everyone is right. One of the very confusing things for me in this project was finding specs for units that differed from one another, for the same model number. The only thing I could determine is that Dahua made units with these same model designations not long ago (like 6 months) that did only record 30fps@1080P total. You can still find them for sale on the net. I've had to be very careful in my inquiries to ensure that I'm getting quotes for only the very latest production units that are all 120fps@1080P, or (I believe) 30fps@1080P/channel for 4 cameras or 15fps@1080P for 8 (NVR3208). There are certainly Dahua NVRs out there still for sale that won't meet my needs. But if someone is dealing from experience that is only 6 months ago, it is already outdated by these new models. It's sort of like comparing one Dell computer to another; they're not all the same.

Thanks for the info. I was concerned about the bit rate limitations too. I have decided to go with an NVR3208 with the 7 cameras to start and if it fails to record all at max res and 15fps and high quality (high bitrate), then I'll add another NVR 3204 and split them. It would only cost another $300 and represent a waste of $100 to experiment with just the one to start and possibly save the $300. I reached the same conclusion that the 4/8/16 units are identicle except for firmware. I also wish the manufacturers would be truthful in their advertising. Wading through all the marketing BS to get to the truth has been the most time consuming and frustrating part of the project so far. I learned to trust only real video footage, and reviews from folks like buellwinkle who I want to thank again for providing an excellent and vital resource, and sources like this forum to hear real experience.

Thanks. Sounds like a good idea. I rechecked the manual and that procedure isn't covered. Do you know a place where that process is discussed in detail where I can learn how to do it? Maybe a youtube video, another manual reference, paper, book or forum thread perhaps? I can probably figure it out after I get the equipment and play with it, but if I can get a jump ahead it might help me avoid struggling or going backward first before going forward. Trial and error can be fun, or it can be infuriating. So far, this project has been fun.

This is OP. Thanks to everyone for the great discussion and excellent tips. I finally got a copy of a manual and read all 167 pages, but I'm not sure how old it is since there are no dates and the HDD list doesn't show any TB drives. It was typical of most of the manuals I have read; lots of "What" and not much "How", or "Why" with many questions left unanswered. I see lots of trial and error in my future. As a risk management concept, I thought it might be worth trying a single NVR3208 and if it doesn't perform (full res 15fps), add a second NVR3204 and split the cameras between them. I was going to get 2ea 2TB HDD anyway since my buddy says 4-5 days of recording is good enough, so they could be split into the two units. The NVR3204 is only $300 so it's not a huge cost as a recovery method. But my limited network knowledge is crippling me and I have so much yet to learn. Is it possible to reuse the XyZel 16 port switch to feed both NVRs from all 7 cameras, or will I need to split it into 2 networks so as not to confuse the address recognition feature UPnP (internal router or is it L2 with MAC addresses?) or create a loop. The NVR specs say it will "find" the cameras in the order they are plugged in, but not whether it is L3 or L2. I still need a feed to the AP for the bridge to his house 400 yds away. I'm looking at the ENH202 from EnGenius.

Aver nano .....it will save him $200. To view lots of cameras on PSS it's in CIF If for NVR. Better PSS direct from camera. But then limited. I took a look at the Aver units. Interesting. The nano is a hybrid DVR but the mini is an NVR and compares well to the Dahua DH-NVR3204. But the Dahua has a built in switch and the mini requires an external switch. The Aver unit would end up costing $200 more, after buying a switch. But thanks for the tip. It was worth a look.

Thanks, I feel like a dummy having not tried that before. Thanks also for that feedback. Sounds like you have one and have set it up. Can you set each camera individually for a resolution and frame rate. Might make sense to set a critical camera at 30fps and sacrifice to 7fps on a less critical one.

I haven't figured out yet how to include the message I'm responding to in my reply, so please forgive me. Tomcctv, I'm looking at the latest version of the Dahua DH-NVR3208 and the specs show that the unit is capable of 120fps@1080P. I assumed that means 30fps each for 4 cameras or 15fps for 8. They made a version not long ago that was only good for 60fps@1080P total. Is that the one you are referring to? Not having the installation/operation manual for this NVR is a severe limitation. Anybody know where I can find one on-line? I searched hours to no avail, finding only manuals for the private party units like Backstreet or Q-See. Dexterash, thanks for your input. I thought about that and it is still an option on my table. By going with the internal switch on the 4 channel unit, the cost difference is only a few hundred bucks. If Tomcctv is right about the D1 recording, I might have to, because he is right that it makes no sense at all to have a 2MP camera that you can't record at that resolution at 15fps min.

Ahhhh. I spent so much time with the HD-SDI noncompressed digital option with individual BNC ports for each camera, that it didn't don on me that the camera ports on the NVR are simply an internal switch. But it boggles my mind that Dahua would build 8 or 16 channel units and still use just a four port switch. That threw me off. I agree with the use of the external 16 port PoE switch and thanks for the tip on the Xyzel unit. Looks good. I talked with my buddy last night and we decided on 7 cameras; 4 - 2mp at the outside corners and 3 - 1.3mp for the inside. I still think the processor handling all of those at 15fps continuous will be taxed near its limit and probably run hot as heck, maybe reduce its service life. I guess we'll see. Trying to make a purchase decision for this stuff without actually having the hardware to play with is tough, especially when the installation/operation manuals are not available on-line and you have to deal the the garbage from the marketing departments (features/specifications). That makes your advice and comments very valuable and much appreciated.

Gotcha. Thanks. Are you going to get one of those new cameras when they come out an put it through the ringer? I saw the problems with IR bleed on some of the vandal domes out there and was concerned about that. The front patio area and back of the building are pretty well lit so I thought the non-IR sensor would work okay for the limited (60') range they have to cover at night. But the project won't go forward for a month or two... might be worth waiting for. If I can ask one more dumb question, if I understand what you are suggesting, I would connect all the cameras to the PoE switch and make just one ethernet connection from the switch to the NVR via the network port, rather than using the camera ports on the NVR? (if ignorance was painful, I'd need morphine...). Thanks again.

Thanks buellwinkle. And thanks also for the excellent reviews on your site. I learned a lot from them in my quest for knowledge and understanding. Just curious why you suggested avoiding the PoE port versions of the NVR. Are they trouble, or does it just make more sense to save the money and spend it on a good PoE injector, since I'll have to get one for cameras 5 through 8 anyway. Trying to keep this simple as well as hold the cost down. I was afraid that I'd get good advice like that on the wireless hook-up. He does have line of sight, but a skinny pocketbook. I was hoping to stretch 802.11n or perhaps the new 802.11ac signal, but I haven't spent enough time digging through those weeds, concentrating on the camera setup first. So you don't see any issue with 4ea 1080p signals @15fps being fed through the switch and the single network port on the NVR?

I want to record at the camera's highest resolution possible, with 15fps minimum and a couple of locations that would benefit from 30fps due to the action. All the Dahua NVRs that I have reviewed claim that they can record 120fps@1080p, or 30fps/channel for a 4 channel system or, I'm guessing, 15fps for an 8 camera system, or 7fps for a 16. Unless I find a compelling reason to use something else, I am planning on using the HDB3200C minidomes outside (2mp 16x9) and the HDW2100C (1.3mp 4x3) cameras inside, though the recorder may force me to record at 1080p and 720p. My concern is connecting 4 cameras through a router to the single network port and what problems I might have with that. Should I be concerned? I haven't calculated the bit rates and I spose I should, but it just hits me as not good.