Jabo 0 Posted October 14, 2007 OK, so I started hunting around for better DVR software when I purchased (just this week) a 16 channel DVR system. It took forever for me to find out what card was in it, and turns out its the DF9400 480/480 (I wanted the 480/480 so this is what the guy sold me). The software is easy to use, what seems like fine functionality in the "search" mode and has a network client that has fine functionality as well. Issue #1 HOWEVER, it says I can record at resolutions 320x240, 720x480, 720x240, but it only ever shows 320x240 in the Resolution drop down. I thought it might be because I had recording set to max fps, be even with only one camera plugged in and enabled and set to record at 10fps the dropdown never gives me the additional resolutions. So, when I review my recorded feed, it doesn't give as studly a picture as the live feed (which is as clear as I could ever want it). This issue is an annoyance, but I can live with the lower resolution in the archives if I had to; it's issue 2 that has me really hunting for different software. Issue #2 The network client has the functionality as I mentioned above, but the picture REALLY sucks! I'm running the client software on a Pentium D Dual Core with 1GB of RAM and a Radeon x700Pro, so it's not the client machine that can't handle a better feed (and it's an identical crappy feed on other decent machines as well). Both the server and client machines are running 100baseT connections to the same Router/Switch, so it's not bandwidth either (and I've tried another 10/100 switch as well w/ same result). I have to conclude that it's the software streaming a sucky picture that is blocky and choppy (like 5fps). The live feed on the client is worse than the low res recorded feed viewed on the server. The recorded feed on the client (doing "Remote Search") is identical to its live feed in quality and res. On the server settings area of network access, I've changed to best speed, best quality, same as recording codec, and standard quality (all possible options) and can't tell a difference from any of them. I have seen software where the network client streams look just as smooth and nice as it does on the server (as long as its LAN not WAN), so I'm trying to figure out how to get that (I'd settle for 20fps instead of the 35 it promises over LAN). So, I tried the btspy thing and it does the "Cannot access the BT8xx..Aborting" message. I REALLY want the generic WDM drivers or whatever so I can test software like LuxRiot and things. In my Device Manager, it shows three items all called "Philips DVR Board". Also, I've attached the two driver files that came in the software folder. For whatever its worth, both machines are running XP, the server is a Pentium Dual Core 1.8GHz with 512MB ram; perhaps not ideal for 16 cams, but I really will only use like 12, and I'm only testing with 1 which should be no sweat! Any help on fixing the Digiflower software or getting generic drivers for this thing would be great! (to make matters worse, this is supposed to be setup on Wednesday 10/17/07, but it's not a critical use or something so I'll probably just set it up and try and work the problem out )... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jabo 0 Posted October 14, 2007 Well it looks like it didn't post the two files I uploaded, and I'm too new a user to post links, so get the files saa7146.inf and .sys here: w w w . g a h a n g e l . c o m / d v r and just take out all the spaces (I hope this doesn't get deleted by a moderator).... -Thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jabo 0 Posted October 15, 2007 Oh, and I have the "Picture Quality" setting to 10 (highest) in the compression section. Although, that shouldn't matter I presume since the remote viewing sucks much worse than viewing recorded feeds on the server (which is what I believe these settings effect).. Also, for whatever its worth, the client machines I've tested can all stream beautifully other video streams off the internet; it's not a systematic problem, it's only with the CCTV viewing... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jabo 0 Posted October 15, 2007 One last thing: If I simply have to bite the bullet and upgrade my dvr card to a Geovision to get better remote viewing, then what would be a GV comparable card to the Digiflower 9400? I really only need max of 12 cams, and I like as hi res display and record as possible. Also, where can I find a local retailer in Spokane Washington? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
