Time for a new DVR. Recommendations?

[antonylord 0]

Our ancient tape based system is on its last legs so its time to go digital.

 

Requirements

 

* 16 channels (only 13 cameras in use at this point)

* Cameras are only B&W

* Motion sense

* Min 3fps per camera (easy)

* Built in CD-R or DVD-R

* Reliable, decent warranty & after sales support

* Network viewing a bonus

* Available locally (Australia) or quickly

 

I've tried stuff like Swann in the past but found it a little low-end in terms of easy of use / reliability.

 

Any advice appreciated!

 

Cheers, Anton.

[imcclendon 0]

You might PM CCTV_down_under. He might have a suggestion for your locale.

[SBTVideoman 0]

Being in Australia you have several choices for "global brand" DVRs.

 

1) Dedicated Micros DS2 series (100PPS global) - good image quality, dual encoding (MJPEG/MPEG4) with built in burner, well proven with a number of distributors (Siemens BT Products, DVR Solutions, Security Merchants - check out DM's Australian website) who can provide local support and service. And the warranty is 2 - 3 years depending on model.

 

2) Siemens SISTORE AX - relatively new to Australia, but well proven in Europe. Global frame rate is 200PPS and has built in burner. Encoding is MPEG4 so can provide good storage times. And Hard Drive expansion kits are available from the manufacturer/supplier (Siemens BT Products). Major difference to the DM DS2 is that the SISTORE has USB archiving as well, so you can copy clips to a standard USB2.0 flash drive - this is typically faster than burning a CD or DVD and you can now get 2GB or 4GB memory sticks pretty cheaply.

 

Both of these are embedded units. Suggest you take a look at both, decide which one you like (user GUI's and remote access clients are different) more since they're both different. Both have motion detection, automatically decide between colour and B&W recording and are supplied with Network Access software.

 

There are others as well, some better some worse.