Avtech AVC792 DVR

[g4hfg 0]

This DVR is fed by just two cameras. I wish the DVR to scan between the two cameras, i.e cam one (three seconds), cam two (three seconds), back to one again etc.

 

However, the DVR will only sequentially scan through four cameras. Problem- Because there are only two cameras fitted, the scan goes; cam one 3 seconds, cam two 3 seconds, cam three blue screen (loss of video) three seconds, cam four blue screen etc.

 

My question is, how do I inhibit the DVR from scanning non-existing cameras 3 & 4?

 

In the menu, camera 2 & 3 are 'off'

 

Your help is appreciated. Thank you.

 

Graham

G4HFG

[scorpion 0]

Sorry!

 

I do not know why the manufacture does not create a circuit to do as you ask!

 

It is cheaper for them to install a single chip that is a built in sequencer. They do not spend money for the engineers to create the right circuit to control the chipset.

 

Less engineering, and cheaper retail pricing.

 

You can put the video loop out of camera one to channel 3 video input, and camera two loop out to channel 4 video input. It will appear that you are sequencing two cameras.

 

What do you think?

[g4hfg 0]

I thank you for your response sir. I must admit to feeling a little disappointed with the lack of response on this forum until now!

 

Yes, I put this into action over the weekend. Looping cam 1 to cam 3 input and cam 2 to cam 4 input via a T 75 ohm conx provided a work around solution. I can now sequence effectively between two cameras.

 

An impedance mis-match at RF is always apparent. And frequently expensive! A mis-match at 37.5 ohm cctv using a short length of coax correctly terminated does not appear to have had any impact.

 

With regard to the AVtech. One month ago we installed a new model # AVC791. Within two days we experienced constant re-sets, freeze on play back etc. Finally, the 791 was returned to the supplier, who diagnosed 'a faulty hard drive'. Within a day of it's return the same problem re-occurred.

 

Our contractor returned the 791 to his supplier and it was replaced at his insistance with a new 792.

 

However, yesterday we discovered that the USB backup was not working. Upon investigation we found that there was a bent contact within the USB socket. We stripped out the USB socket and repaired it.

 

Other than the USB issue, the 792 has proved to be reliable since it's installation four days ago.

 

We are quite disappointed with the build quality of the AVtech products and the lack of customer care or support by AVtech.

 

Despite the good quality of the playback when the device is working satisfactory, we would be very reluctant to recommend AVtech products to anyone.

 

We shall keep this forum updated with regard to the 792 model.

 

Regards, Graham

[scorpion 0]

AVTech support is an issue. They are distributor tech support, and the distributors are supposed to have their own tech support, and tech support staff. Many of the companies short change the system by not doing the tech support.

 

Imagine if every car owner called Chevrolet in Detroit? They would be over run in 5 seconds flat. You go to the local dealership for tech support, and they refer to detroit to track the vehicles with the computer tracking system for warranty, and damage.

 

I am sorry to hear that you are disapointed in AVTech. They do shoot themselves in the foot. They come up with a price point to sell the product then design them to meet the low budget.

 

I have had people come back with the DVR with no valid compaint as they were only returning it because of something they read somewhere. They ask for a particular feature, and then I am forced to hand them an another company product then they keel over with a heartattack after they see the price tag.

 

I tell them to wait as we have not got in to the pro models yet.

 

They happily leave with the AVTech cradling it like a prized baby!

 

LOL! OK maybe I exaggerate a little!

 

You get what you pay for but why buy a hard core machine when something simple will work around the house.

 

Blue ray can cost $1000, but everyone buys the $200 models.

 

People complain about the $50.00 DVD players a wally world, but what can I say about a $50.00 DVD player. If it works then it works.

[g4hfg 0]

In a previous mail to this forum we indicated that we would post any relevant updates concerning the Avtech DVR.

 

As the saying goes, no news is good news. Until recently.

 

Our replacement Avtech DVR was installed on the 28th of January 2010. To date the 792 has displayed a freeze frame and locked-up on three seperate occasions, which in turn caused the DVR to re-set on each occasion.

 

Hardly much to loose sleep over and in relation to the 791 which failed several times per week, the 792 is an improvement.

 

However, we shall be monitoring the reliability of the Avtech AVC792 with interest and we will report back accordingly.

 

Rgds,

Graham

[scorpion 0]

Are you running these DVRs on inverters?

 

I only ask as inverters do not make a perfect sine wave to generate electricity.

 

Sounds more like a power company issue.

 

Do you have a battery backup / UPS with line filtration?

 

I would test that.

[g4hfg 0]

Thank you for suggesting some reasons for the intermittant failure of this DVR.

 

The mains quality here in the UK is consistenly good. Dips, troughs, brownouts, or spikes rarely occur. Mains surges are equally rare and electrical apparatus designed for use in the EU must be tested and certified as EMC compliant. The test standard does address immunity, a component of which is the mains quality testing.

 

However, the fault which is consistent to both Avtech DVR's, only occurs when it is executing a command from the remote control, i.e, when selecting 'an event' to playback and view. Unless the button pushing is done slowly, both DVR's would lockup and eventually reset. THe 792 is less prone in that regard.

 

My two cents diagnosis suggests that the microprocessor doesn't have the horsepower for the job, or at the least, it gets pretty stressed out when it is called up to perform an action!

 

To sum up the Avtech and I agree with you, it is built for the job as a domestic DVR. But only just fulfils that requirement!!

 

Rgds,

Graham