newbie here, looking to build 16 channel system

[eva01 0]

I'm looking to put together a PC based system for 16 cameras. This is going into a large store, all the cameras and wiring were already in place when I got there. Just need to hook everything up to the PC DVR.

 

Does anyone have an estimate for what kind of PC hardware I need, as well as price? Also I'm guessing I just need to pickup a GEO card or similar. However, what is essential for a good PC setup? All I know from reading on here is I need a minimum of 2 hard drives, 1 for system, 1 for captured video.

 

If I had to take a stab I would say a P4 2.0 would be a minimum processor speed/1 gig DDR-2 ram/128mb video card/250gb second hard disc to save 1 week of 24/7 footage. Would this be about right?

[eyeonutech 0]

I would go minimum P4 2.8

Make sure your motherboard has an Intel chipset

You probabaly only need 512 ram

ATI video card (maybe an ATI 9250 128MB)

You don't need 2 hard drives, just 2 partitions.

 

You're looking in the neighborhood of $600-$650 for the computer with OS (Windows XP Home)

 

You could probabaly get by with a 16 channel 120fps DVR card (7.5fps/channel) I did one of the storage calculators and that's 200GB for 7 days of recordings.

 

With a 16 channel 240fps card (15fps/channel) you'll need 450GB for 7 days of recordings.

 

If you go motion recording only, you could get significantly more days or even weeks of storage.

[rory 0]

Basically think of it as 3 types of systems.

 

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Budget - Cheaper Cards - Normally 2 and 4 channels - also made by same brands or software from same DVR companies that make the higher end systems: Computer can have a VIA chipset and use anything above 1.7Ghz Celleron, 256MB DDR Memory, 64MB DDR On Board Video. Approx HDD Size - 120GB. Approx PC Retail Price - $250-450.

 

General - Mid Range Cards - Normally not real time, more like 16 channel 120fps cards (7.5fps per channel), for example: Computer could be an Intel or SIS Chipset (and others, depending on the card used) and use anything from a 2.4-2.8Ghz Celleron, 512MB DDR Memory, 128MB DDR Video. Approx HDD Size - 250GB. Approx PC Retail Price - $650-850.

 

Industrial - High End Cards - Real time, such as like 16 channel 480fps cards, for example: Computer would be an Intel Chipset and use anything above 3.0Ghz, 1GB DDR Memory, 256MB DDR Video Card. Approx HDD Size - 500GB. Approx PC Retail Price - $1050+

 

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Card requirements may vary. Suggested base specs only.

 

Hard Disk Drive Sizes vary. dependant on length of recording required, as well as DVR and codecs used.

 

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Regardless of the Specs, it is also important to tweak the PC's Operating System properly. This helps to maintain stability and guarantee reliability.

 

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Motion Recording lengthens the recording time.

Low or Mid Resolution Recording lengthens the recording time.

Proper Lighting Lengthens the recording time.

High Quality Cameras Lengthen the recording time.

B/W Cameras Lenthen the recording time.

 

High Resolution Recording shortens the recording time.

Continous Recording shortens the recording time.

Pixelising shortens the recording time (eg. Cheap cameras, Low Lighting).

Fluctuating Lighting shortens the recording time.

Color Cameras shorten the recording time.

[baywatch 1]

Hi Eva

 

Which country are you in, this will make a difference to the prices you pay.

[eva01 0]

Thank you, excellent write-up. I think I'll go mid to industrial. I'm sure I'll be having a lot more questions as this progresses =) I always use the search first, and if I'm not "getting it" , I post a question. Thanks.

 

Basically think of it as 3 types of systems.

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Budget - Cheaper Cards - Normally 2 and 4 channels - also made by same brands or software from same DVR companies that make the higher end systems: Computer can have a VIA chipset and use anything above 1.7Ghz Celleron, 256MB DDR Memory, 64MB DDR On Board Video. Approx HDD Size - 120GB. Approx PC Retail Price - $250-450.

 

General - Mid Range Cards - Normally not real time, more like 16 channel 120fps cards (7.5fps per channel), for example: Computer could be an Intel or SIS Chipset (and others, depending on the card used) and use anything from a 2.4-2.8Ghz Celleron, 512MB DDR Memory, 128MB DDR Video. Approx HDD Size - 250GB. Approx PC Retail Price - $650-850.

 

Industrial - High End Cards - Real time, such as like 16 channel 480fps cards, for example: Computer would be an Intel Chipset and use anything above 3.0Ghz, 1GB DDR Memory, 256MB DDR Video Card. Approx HDD Size - 500GB. Approx PC Retail Price - $1050+

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Card requirements may vary. Suggested base specs only.

 

Hard Disk Drive Sizes vary. dependant on length of recording required, as well as DVR and codecs used.

 

------------------------------------------------

-

----------------------------------

 

Regardless of the Specs, it is also important to tweak the PC's Operating System properly. This helps to maintain stability and guarantee reliability.

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Motion Recording lengthens the recording time.

Low or Mid Resolution Recording lengthens the recording time.

Proper Lighting Lengthens the recording time.

High Quality Cameras Lengthen the recording time.

B/W Cameras Lenthen the recording time.

 

High Resolution Recording shortens the recording time.

Continous Recording shortens the recording time.

Pixelising shortens the recording time (eg. Cheap cameras, Low Lighting).

Fluctuating Lighting shortens the recording time.

Color Cameras shorten the recording time.