AMI 0 Posted August 30, 2005 Ok here goes, I'm building my first system and I am stuck on what DVR to buy. The end user likes the Digiflower interface. They were really impressed by the timeline at the bottom that shows when the system recorded data. Unfortunately I wasn’t entirely impressed with the software as a whole. I was set on the I-View software, but have heard it is quite a bit less user friendly. I did really like the remote viewing demo. I’ve heard great things about Geovision but for what I am looking for, it’s a good $200 more. I was told that the timeline is a feature in many of the cheaper software/dvr setups but not in the more expensive ones, seems kind of stupid to me since it really is a good feature. I need a software suite that is fairly user friendly. This particular end user is in her 60s and only uses a computer to collect dust. Rumor has it she cant has trouble remembering how to operate her TV. The timeline feature would be nice but isn’t necessary. Good remote access is an absolute must! I need to see it as if I were sitting down at the very same desk. I don’t have time to sit in their office 24/7 but I do have an extra monitor here that I could throw the live view on. Quite honestly if I could set it up to send me a text message when there was motion or something of that nature after hours that would be really neat too. I’m thinking the Geo GV-800 will get the job done nicely, but since I have never physically used any software but Digiflower I would love some advice. Regards AMI Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rory 0 Posted August 31, 2005 The Iview is the best ive seen for remote video, using the manufacturers software. It is actually easier to use than the others, very simple in fact, just doesnt have the playback features, meaning its not as complicated. One job i have them on is 2 stores, the owner views both stores through a VPN in the remote video software from his office in the main store, in a multi site multi view, and leaves it running mostly all day long. Ive almost got this Iview demo set back up, just gotta grab a network card tonight from someone ... will let you know when its on. One thing, the Geo is more complicated, but both the Iview and the Geo you can set up a user with limited use, leave that in full screen and they can just click on cameras and click back to multi view, so that pretty much leaves it like a normal type CCTV view. Digiflower is a pain to set up users and user levels, the remote video itself needs seperate users set up, i hate it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMI 0 Posted August 31, 2005 Thanks again Is the I-View easy to go back and watch a range of footage? That is the important part. She needs to be able to go back and watch a selected range of time to check in on her employees while she is out. They are a fairly lazy bunch and like to sit on their backsides if she isnt around. Theft isnt an issue because it rarely happens, and when it does, nothing is ever done about it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMI 0 Posted October 5, 2005 got my DVR board and software about a week ago and hooked up this old B&W pile of crap I have here its AWESOME This software is FAR more then I expected and was worth every penny If anything beats Geo I would be amazed Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
C7Installer 0 Posted January 13, 2006 Does anyone have any new input on this topic? Also, what about the "Eyemax" systems. I've seen a few of these out in the feild recently. I've used a number of Geo systems and have been happy with them. Aside from a somewhat "antiquated" looking interface, they seem to be stable and work as advertized. I'm not really looking to switch unless there is a clear benefit in doing so. I guess what I'm asking is: Is there an all around, all-purpose PC-based DVR that people have found to be "the best"? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eyeonutech 0 Posted January 13, 2006 We used to use Eyemax (Unix CCTV is the distributer.) They are at a really good price point. However, Eyemax is having problems with their boards recently. If I were you, I'd stay away until they get their problems resolved. My friend installs Eyemax (Unix CCTV) for his company. Put in 5 last week, pulled the same 5 this week. Not kidding. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rory 0 Posted January 13, 2006 my friend had similar problems with the Eclipse PC systems, they only seem to work on windows 2000 as on XP you get an error, they lock you out of the bios (easy fix I know) and dont send any of the software that comes on it, also once you open the PC the warranty is voided! They have so many different boards and software for each different board, its just a mess. And the Linux PC version is too overpriced for what it is... ive been testing it and though its okay and well very very basic, just should be 1/2 the price. Im happy with the Geo for now, especially since i dont have to use the antique interface Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
compuexpert 0 Posted January 14, 2006 I have good experience in digiflower cards & software and i like the interface.I had some compatibility problems with some hardware parts but with the latest software versions its getting better & better. Below 8 inputs almost any mid range computer can run it flawlessly,above 8 you need a good computer and above 16...hi spec super computer.The remote viewing is good and you can remotely playback the videos although i havent manage to do so with more than 1 cam. Generally its good but not the best,it needs more development but you may want to give it a try. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jasper 0 Posted January 14, 2006 Welcome to the forum. Curious, what would be your specs for the Super Computer? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
compuexpert 0 Posted January 14, 2006 intel 915 and above mb p4 3.4 fsb800-> at least 512ram atix550 256ram-> sata 7200 8mb cache 200gb and above,raid would be better or raptors. And a couple of system fans for good airflow. these are the minimum for a rock stable system. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rory 0 Posted January 14, 2006 hardware only makes up 50% of a stable system, the other 50% is software and tweaking. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jasper 0 Posted January 15, 2006 intel 915 and above mbp4 3.4 fsb800-> at least 512ram atix550 256ram-> sata 7200 8mb cache 200gb and above,raid would be better or raptors. And a couple of system fans for good airflow. these are the minimum for a rock stable system. Okay I was thinking maybe a Cray. A good SATA usually has a 16 MB buffer. The new Western Digital 400 GB SATA as a top performer now for 7200 Rpm Drive. Prior to that it was the 500 GB Hitachi. The Hitachi gets very hot though I would not buy another one. I like those raptors but you still have to pay a pretty hefty premium. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
compuexpert 0 Posted January 15, 2006 You are right rory,but software and configuration is not that much of a problem, you can always figure it out after spending some time with it. If you don't have the compatible hardware then its more time-consuming to find wich part is not the suitable. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
