replacing vcr

[billdianne 0]

I live in a small neigborhood of 30 homes. There is only one road in and it is protected by a gate and callbox and due to the terrain is isolated and is

1/8 mile from the nearest home. For 7 years we have used a Sony time lapse vcr

and one camera for surveillance. The vcr is physically located there in a small structure that also contains the callbox and sensors for the gate opener.

After vandals destroyed the call box and the camera didn't catch anything

we added 3 daynight cameras. But running 4 cameras through a quad sequencer left a lot to be desired. So, we are considering a dvr and our needs are:

 

4 channel

imbedded system

no networking

small physical size( the cabinet is about 10 1nches deep).

be able to survive in an inclosure that isn't air conditioned.

budget of about $800 to $1000.

 

Is there any unit out there that would fit these requirements?

 

A local dealer showed us a Swann 4000 that seems to fit our needs

but I have no experience with any dvrs so I am hoping for any suggestions

or advice the forum can offer.

 

thanks,

 

Bill

 

Burbank, CA

[securitymonster 0]

The swann may get the job done but I don't know how well or more importantly, how long!

 

If the VCR could handle being in that enclosure, the DVR should be equally fine.

 

Not sure what fits your budget but its probably going to be some OEM type DVR. I have sold some non branded samsung units for pretty inexpensive that some clients have been happy with.

 

Just be sure to get a live demo before you purchase. Have them record you with the unit you would be purchasing and then playback the video.

[rory 0]

Hi, Welcome to the Forum.

 

I cant imagine a security dealer showing you the Swan

 

For stand alone Embedded DVRs, I would look at the GE StoreSafe, or even the Sanyo (the GE is better but a little more $$). The Samsungs Im not familiar with, but if they are the Samsung Techwin models they should be good.

 

If networking is not required just get your hands on an AvTech 4-Channel DVR which is a budget DVR, also sold under the name CPCam in the US, and other various OEM names from places like Sams Club etc.

 

Better yet see if you can get your hands on the PowerTelecom Embedded Board, its inexpensive, has an IR Remote, and you just put it in a normal PC Case - its non PC and doesnt need anything else besides the case. Plus its 16 channels. Their Network software could be improved (completed) but as a local stand alone DVR it is very good - NOTE - this is the embedded board model - not a complete DVR - just requires a PC Case w/ power supply.

 

If someone there is PC Literate the PC method would also be ideal, not for the networking features, but they are typically much higher evidence sharing quality, among many other features.

 

The fact that you came on this forum shows you want something more than just a Swan DIY DVR ... let us know some more .. thanks.

 

Also, there are many Dealers on the Forum, and check the Site's advertisers for other options in the mean time.

 

Rory

[CollinR 0]

If someone there is PC Literate the PC method would also be ideal, not for the networking features, but they are typically much higher evidence sharing quality, among many other features.

 

The fact that you came on this forum shows you want something more than just a Swan DIY DVR ... let us know some more .. thanks.

 

Rory

 

 

Swan is junk, IIRC even Target quit carring them.

 

 

I think you should at least look at a PC solution. Literally half or more of the "embedded" systems you will look at are just simply single use PCs in a set top box.

 

Custom cooling possiblities, you probably don't care how load the thing is.

 

Why no networking? I would use that to monitor the system's status either way so I wouldn't need to go down there and I would know right when the vandals started their stuff.