phochief

Yes, I'd like remote access too. I'd go with the Argus in a heartbeat if I knew the quality of the video was going to be good. I can get it with 4 decent cameras for about the same price as I was going to spend for just the Vitek-8 DVR.

Hi...was looking back over some of our messages and see where someone recommended the AVTECH 4 channel DVR over the Argus because it uses Wavelet compression. First, I'm wondering if anyone has a link to an online retail dealer where I can buy an AVTECH? I've done multiple searches and can't anyone who actually sells them (other than to dealers). Secondly, is wavelet really noticebly better than the Jpeg compression of the Argus? I want good video but want to keep the cost down. I've given up the idea of spending so much money on the 8 channel Vitek and now just want a 4 channel DVR so I can buy a couple cameras to go with it. Thanks for any advice, David

I live in south florida and don't know of any dealers in my area. I like that remote software so if it's what comes with the 8 channel Vitek, that would be good. I would assume the local quality is better than the remote, right? I couldn't tell by looking at the specs whether each camera's pps can be set individually. Anyone out there use a Vitek DVR?

Hey AVCONSULTING, Those are great links, thanks! So those are all Vitek DVR's and that's the Vitek remote software I'll be using?

Hi....me again, thought I'd make a new topic since my other one is a little ragged now. The more I read and the more I look at the mindboggling varieties of DVRs, I keep adding to my expectations. Now, I'm seriously looking at the Vitek VT-DVR8080 DVR. Any thoughts about this one? Has several additional features and the company appears to have been around for awhile. I'd be over my budget but it might be worth it (about $1200). Only thing I couldn't find is an online demo so I don't know how good or bad the remote software is. Thanks guys, David

I must apologize, I'm probably not making myself very clear. The DVR's I'm looking at buying are for *my* home and I'm not in the video security business. If I've accidentally jumped into a dealer forum I really didn't mean to. I was just looking for some help comparing a couple of DVRs that I can afford. On my budget I really can't buy a top of the line unit for 5-6 cameras around the outside of my home. As it is I'll only be able to buy the DVR first and after a month or so maybe add a camera or two. So, I need to keep the initial cost of the DVR under $1000, but I want the best unit I can buy. David

I found a link to the Appro DVR, but it's about a thousand more than the other ones I'm looking at. As it is, I'll only be able to buy the DVR with no cameras at this point. But seriously, are the online demos of any value at all in the selection process? Is it the DVR or the camera that makes the most difference in quality of the image? Some of the cameras look low contrast and a bit fuzzy, others look sharper.

Hi guys... I'm not sure if I'm getting closer to finding the right DVR for my house, or just getting more confused. I've got it narrowed down to the orginal Argus DVMR-8 -or- the EverFocus EDSR-900 http://www.123securityproducts.com/9cheddivire.html. I've been told not to make my decision based on looking at the TCP/IP demos, but the EverFocus definitely looks sharper with better contrast. Is this because the EverFocus is better or is it the cameras? The DVMR-8 is a little cheaper so I'd rather go with it, but for a hundred bucks more I could get the EDSR-900. I really need some opinions between these two DVRs from you pros who know what this is all about. How can I make a decision if the only reference I have are the online demos? HELP! David

>First, who makes the DVMR-8? It looks like the Argus. Here's where I'm thinking of buying it: http://www.intellicamspy.com/dvr-series.htm

Lot of questions about the DVMR-8 unit I might purchase for my home. Do I need the optional VGA card? I thought I might be able to just connect it to a 19" TV monitor I have in the bedroom. Would that work? Would the visual quality by so bad on a TV monitor? If so, that means I would need a regular PC monitor at the location of the DVMR for monitoring and setup? Next question, I have a home network and DSL. If I add the DVMR to one of my router's ports will I be able to see a high-quality display of the cameras on one of my networked computers using the remote software? I would assume (correct me) that the quality would be very good since it would be through my 10/100mps router, right? Better than using the remote software through the internet. Since it's a 60fps DVR, I would divide the number of cameras into that to get the max for each camera, correct? So, 7.5 fps if I have 8 cameras. What's the frame rate normally needed for each camera to provide reliable security? Appreciate your advice, David David

uh....ok...but, can anyone offer some advice to my original question? Thanks again, David

First time here....I'm looking for a good video surveillance system for my home that I can install myself *and* afford. I've been reading several messages in this forum and am pretty split between a standalone DVR and a PC card. I like the apparent ease of installing the standalone and they seem to cost a bit less. I'd rather not have to build or buy another dedicated computer for a PC card but will if it's within my budget. So wifey doesn't strangle me, I'm limited to an initial cost of around $800 (even if that means I can only buy one camera at first) If I go with a standalone 4 channel DVR, I guess there's no easy way to add more channels is there? (in case I later find out I need more) I have lots of questions, but first, can anyone tell me if this looks like a decent quality DVR? http://cgi.msn.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5705980088&category=14957 Thanks, David