mistabob22 0 Posted June 16, 2012 I already bought one of those complete systems before reading here that they are not the best. I have a q-see model QT2124 that has 24 channels (not that I plan on using that many cameras but it is what came in the package deal). I realized that it only records in CIF. The 13 cameras it came with (1 PTZ) are 600 TVL. Should I be concerned that the image quality will not be good enough in CIF (I haven't hooked it up yet)? I've seen some DVRs that do D1 but at 7.5 fps. Does the reduced framerate on D1 make the image look choppy? Should I make an attempt to exchange it? I already spent $1000 on this system. Am I stuck with paying much more for a better system? Thanks for any help. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Soundy 1 Posted June 16, 2012 I realized that it only records in CIF. The 13 cameras it came with (1 PTZ) are 600 TVL. Should I be concerned that the image quality will not be good enough in CIF (I haven't hooked it up yet)? You're definitely not getting the full quality the cameras are capable of. I've seen some DVRs that do D1 but at 7.5 fps. Does the reduced framerate on D1 make the image look choppy? See for yourself: http://www.panasonic.com/business/security/demos/PSS-recording-rates.html Should I make an attempt to exchange it? I'd send it back and get something in an Dahua, personally. I already spent $1000 on this system. Am I stuck with paying much more for a better system? That depends. You're paying extra for a 24-channel machine, for starters, and you know you won't use that many channels. You're paying extra for a PTZ that may or may not be of any real use to you besides "toy" factor. You may have spent money on cameras that won't be sufficient for the various places you plan to put them. You're better off to send the whole lot back and then pick-and-choose the DVR and cameras that will suit your particular needs. It may end up costing a little more... it may actually end up costing less. But look at it this way: what's the REAL cost of a system that doesn't do what you need? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mistabob22 0 Posted June 17, 2012 Very valid points. I really couldn't see much of a difference between the 7.5 and 30. Is that the same for all cameras/DVRs or just the Samsung. I have very limited knowledge on the subject but I would have thought that there would be a significant difference between the two. And any ideas on where to get good cameras for a good price if I were to build my own or do you also suggest Dahua for cameras as well? Thanks again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HDSecurityStore 0 Posted June 19, 2012 CIF is to save hard drive space. D1 is maximum resolution for analog DVRs. Most DVRs show a D1 resolution but actually compress recordings to CIF making D1 Useless. You need a D1 recording @ 30 FPS for full benefits. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shockwave199 0 Posted June 19, 2012 You're better off to send the whole lot back and then pick-and-choose the DVR and cameras that will suit your particular needs. It may end up costing a little more... it may actually end up costing less. But look at it this way: what's the REAL cost of a system that doesn't do what you need? I agree too. How many cameras do you really need, first off? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ak357 0 Posted June 20, 2012 Most DVRs show a D1 resolution but actually compress recordings to CIF making D1 Useless. You need a D1 recording @ 30 FPS for full benefits. What DVR do YOU offer which can record in TRUE D1 resolution ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shockwave199 0 Posted June 20, 2012 n3M-oX4sAFQ L_Z1RwNzP90 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mistabob22 0 Posted June 21, 2012 Thanks guys. I've already returned it. I'm eyeing another system that claims to be full D1 recording at 30 fps. From the webpage: (Full D1 Recording Resolution: Broadcast-quality D1 704x480 pixel resolution, 480 FPS Total (30FPS per camera x 16 cameras). This about what I need? I probably won't use any more than 10 cameras at some point down the road. Thanks again for all the help. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tomcctv 190 Posted June 21, 2012 I'm eyeing another system that claims to be full D1 recording at 30 fps. From the webpage: (Full D1 Recording Resolution: Broadcast-quality D1 704x480 pixel resolution, 480 FPS Total (30FPS per camera x 16 cameras). hi 704x480 is not D1 ........... also make sure your not just looking at display resolution. which is not its true recording rate Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Birdman Adam 0 Posted June 22, 2012 HDSecurityStore's comment is kind of scary to me. Sure, D1 (or close: 704x480 4CIF) is far superior to CIF quality. Recording at 30fps is basically a useless over-working of your DVR's HD unless you -really- need it (think moving cars, casino hands). I set my home channels for 7FPS D1 (really 4CIF), and set the driveway to 10FPS. If you don't know what to do, set it for 10-15, just not 30 - thats crazy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
groovyman 0 Posted June 22, 2012 I read something on this forum a long time ago that I completely agree with: "you're recording events, not making a movie" (who originally said that here?) and I repeat it to my clients all the time. For me, 6fps-8fps seems to be a sweet spot. I don't go higher than that, but sometimes I'll set a camera or two on 3fps depending on the environment and what's being captured, such as an area where the client wants coverage, but is not critical. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nDAlk90 0 Posted June 22, 2012 Casino hands move 30fps? Recording at 30fps is basically a useless over-working of your DVR's HD unless you -really- need it (think moving cars, casino hands). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Soundy 1 Posted June 22, 2012 I read something on this forum a long time ago that I completely agree with: "you're recording events, not making a movie" (who originally said that here?) and I repeat it to my clients all the time. For me, 6fps-8fps seems to be a sweet spot. I don't go higher than that, but sometimes I'll set a camera or two on 3fps depending on the environment and what's being captured, such as an area where the client wants coverage, but is not critical. viewtopic.php?f=3&t=16628&p=100121&hilit=+not+making+a+movie+#p100121 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
groovyman 0 Posted June 22, 2012 I read something on this forum a long time ago that I completely agree with: "you're recording events, not making a movie" (who originally said that here?) and I repeat it to my clients all the time. For me, 6fps-8fps seems to be a sweet spot. I don't go higher than that, but sometimes I'll set a camera or two on 3fps depending on the environment and what's being captured, such as an area where the client wants coverage, but is not critical. viewtopic.php?f=3&t=16628&p=100121&hilit=+not+making+a+movie+#p100121 See what kind of lasting effect you have Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Soundy 1 Posted June 22, 2012 See what kind of lasting effect you have You can take all the penicillin you want, you just can't get rid of me Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Numb-nuts 1 Posted June 22, 2012 I read something on this forum a long time ago that I completely agree with: "you're recording events, not making a movie" (who originally said that here?) and I repeat it to my clients all the time. For me, 6fps-8fps seems to be a sweet spot. I don't go higher than that, but sometimes I'll set a camera or two on 3fps depending on the environment and what's being captured, such as an area where the client wants coverage, but is not critical. You got that one about right except here in UK police recommend 12fps in high risk areas. The reason is that there are more opportunities to capture a still of a subject's face. 3-6 fps in a workshop where staff are monitored mainly so that help can be available in the case of an accident etc.Small Motor Garage workshops etc. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
t3chsupp0rt 0 Posted June 26, 2012 See what kind of lasting effect you have You can take all the penicillin you want, you just can't get rid of me thats a shame Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mrbios 0 Posted July 14, 2014 Nice thread, I joined the forum after reading it. Got a very very basic CIF "brand" "model" K404AV generic dvr running. Lots of issues with trying to get motion detection working somewhere in between all or nothing. lol. I'm interested in quality cameras in some locations and ok with basic stuff in others. Interested in leaning and sharing what it takes to get good results. When my beat up outdoor chop saw worth about $30 was taking a month ago on just before lunch on a Monday during the day I decided I had enough. I suspect a transient that lives at a neighbors. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites