Consumer grade VS Professional grade - Whats the difference?

[Toaster 0]

I know you guys are gonna hate me for asking this, but I have now used (played with) 3 consumer grade stand alone DVR's from Q-see and Clover. None have the perfect set of options or features, just like buying a car... Each had its positive points, and negative points. I doubt any one device has every option for every user.

 

But I know there is a lot of consumer grade bashing on here, and I respect that from a professional point of view - but I don't understand it. I'm curious to know what make's the "Professional" grade stuff that much better than the cheaper consumer grade stuff... Try to answer with specifics if possible. I'm not trying to start a debate, I'm trying to educate myself in this... I have now realized 4-5 weeks in, that this is like all my other hobbies (obsessions) - you can throw money at this to no end! There is always something bigger, better and cooler around the bend.

 

I look forward to reading your posts. THANKS IN ADVANCE.

[rory 0]

What do you mean? Professionals are using the same DVRs now

 

Really it just means some of their DVRs they are using are of better quality than they use to be.

They do sell budget DVRs, if thats what you mean. Do you mean High End DVRs?

Really Ive used some for years (GE) and used others on and off and they even lack features the Dahua DVR has for example. I just didnt get it in the end, for example a 1/4 the price of the high end stand alone I could build a rock solid PC DVR with a ton more features - though still alot more then these budget stand alone DVRs. I swore by the high end stand alones for years, but as the PC software got more advanced, I switched and never looked back. However with PC hardware advancing so quick that can be a PITA also as if you just build them every now and then, when you goto spec parts and then the next day those parts could be discontinued already!

 

That Qsee though for example is a very budget unit from Dahua, not even listed on their site. For years actually many of the Consumer DVRs were for example from AvTech. Lots of professionals use them also, for their budget clients, although these Dahua DVRs blow away AvTechs.

 

I will let the others argue over warranties as that means little to me.

[Toaster 0]

So you think the PC cards to build a DVR are better than a stand alone dedicated DVR?

[SEANHAWG 1]

I have dealt with commercial grade DVR's that have come out of retail stores and consumer grade DVR's imported from China. I try to put myself in the shoes of a consumer when I am looking for something to sell. Sure there are differences in quality and userability between the 2 "grades" but that gap is starting to narrow as these inexpensive DVR's continue to increase in quality. Sure you are going to get a better DVR from a brand name pro-grade DVR, but then again, you are going to get a better car when you buy a Mercedes compared to a Ford. But most people will go for the Ford because it makes more economical sense for them and it "gets the job done"

 

The only real price increase that I see that would be "worth it" are for DVR's that can record in D1 resolution at 30 FPS per channel but as previously discussed on most real world scenarios this is not needed. Specs like that are only needed for certain scenarios such as Casino's.

[loop 0]

There are differences:

- Reliability of hardware and software design, motion detection that can be trusted.

- Storage expansion capabillities (eSata, NAS, Proprietary)

- Storng CMS software that can handle lots of systems together, in a usable way, and other features like multi-monitor support, automated networked backups, etc..

- Better GUI design with multiple channel playback.

- Higher level technical support for complex applications.

 

But as said, most of these are only required for specific applications, or specific clients, and the gap narrows over time.

[Soundy 1]

^loop is probably the closest to noting the actual differences...

 

One of the big ones, to me, is that "professional" equipment is usually directly supported by its manufacturer... and you usually know who the manufacturer is. As Rory points out, Q-See just re-brands other makers' DVRs, and those makers may change from time to time.

 

Features is a big one... "pro" systems will tend to have features that are applicable only to "pro" applications... like POS integration, and to some degree, even PTZ support (consumer models may allow you to drive PTZs... pro versions will give you controls to access the menus and advanced features like preset programming).

 

Pro units tend to have more flexibility overall... consumer machines are meant to just be plugged in and left alone, usually with little support for expansion or esoteric installations.

 

The other big one, as loop says, is reliability, and this one in particular applies to almost any type of equipment and tools: pro equipment is typically well-constructed from solid parts and will endure a lot of abuse (be a harsh environment, heavy usage, etc.). Compare a "pro" cordless drill to a "consumer" unit that sells for less than 1/4 the price, for example.

[rory 0]

I dont know guys, most of that which was mentioned is already available in these cheap DVRs now such as from Dahua - also sold under names like Intellicam. CMS, POS, PTZ, Alarms, HDMI, etc. As they use the same software etc as their more expensive models, same stuff some of the big brands are just rebadging. As mentioned extra customizing is done in alot of the bigger brand names for certain applications, but that doesnt mean they are more professional, just geared more towards certain apps. Ive had this DVR now going non stop no reboot for like 5 weeks .. and its HOT in here, and ive been pounding the network server all day and night messing with the SDK from the manufacturer - my computers been crashin for sure with all kind of memory conflicts as I make errors in code, but the DVR still ticks along. I think its definitely passed the test of reliability, so far. Also motion detection video is unreliable no matter where it comes from. Yeah they have their cons but so does a $5000 DVR.

 

But yeah the consumer DVRs are budget DVRs anyway so dont expect much to begin with.

And there is still alot of junk out there in the consumer world also, but they are getting better.

 

On that note I tested some Samsung software lately and it sucked, supposedly for some expensive gear also, but it was some of the most awful software Ive used in a long time.

 

 

Oh yeah another thing, some manufacturers are making special lower priced units of their more budget models, just for the consumer market, but even with those they are the same thing but for example minus POS, Alarm, and HDMI. As a dealer I can buy both, for example with the 4 channel unit from Dahua, its only a $50 difference. But the consumer market is stuck with just the basic unit. But hey most home and small business users dont need POS, Alarm and HDMI anyway.

[Toaster 0]

I really like the MERCEDES vs FORD comparison. LOL.... " title="Applause" />

[SEANHAWG 1]

And there is still alot of junk out there in the consumer world also

 

That would be along the lines of a Chevy.

[danger_e 0]

There are some companies that even separate "Consumer" as standalone/embedded DVRs and "Professional" as PCDVRs. Or sometimes simply as their commercially available DVRs vs enterprise solutions.