Common Features And Characteristics Of Digital Video Recorder Servers By Nahshon Roberts At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

As you may know, a digital video recorder server is used in DVR surveillance systems of large public places such as hospitals, sports stadiums, shopping malls, office, and office buildings. These security systems are so large that a machine should be powerful enough to handle as much as 64 video channels! Amazing, isn't it? Here are some characteristics of DVR servers.

Operating System and Compression Algorithms

Most DVR servers are Linux-operated and they use H.264 video compression technology to provide real-time video recording and playback. Most machines can display video resolutions of up to 720 x 480. This means that your surveillance videos are clear and sharp. The number of channels that a digital video recorder server can handle varies on its design and use. Machines used in small stores can accept at least 8 channels, while those that monitor very large places can hold up to 64 channels. However, the graphical interfaces of some machines can only display 8 channels at a time, so you may have to scroll your way down to get to channel number 64.

Common DVR Server Features

No matter what the brand or make of a digital video recorder server, you should look for these necessary features: live recording and playback speeds of 480 frames per second (fps), digital watermarking, object count, motion detection, multi-channel display, CD and DVD burning, and pre and post alarm recording. The storage capacity of servers vary with its purpose and use. The longer the monitoring time, the larger disk storage you may need.

Cameras, Data Back-up, And Internet Connectivity

As mentioned before, an excellent digital video recorder server will always use the most advanced video compression algorithms for the clearest surveillance videos. If you are shopping for a DVR server, always ask if the machine has H.264 compression hardware. Also, most machines come with 18x DVD-RW drives so that you can burn those surveillance videos into DVDs. In terms of Internet connectivity, most servers have remote desktop features and TCP/IP protocols for local area networks (LAN) or wireless area networks (WAN). Any pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera today is compatible with any DVR server. Of course, most machines support multi-viewing protocols. Some can also set presets and running patterns for your security cameras.

Ventilation

Indeed, a digital video recorder server is a very sensitive machine. Some are even kept in climate-controlled rooms to make sure that the server does not exceed its temperature thresholds. You might be wondering why. Well, if the server crashes because of too much cold or heat, the whole DVR surveillance system will be completely paralyzed, defeating its purpose. The machine may have its own ventilating system, but the professionals will always tell you not to take any chances.

You can always find a different machine with features that are not mentioned here. But it comes with a higher price tag than your garden-variety DVR server. It is always good to evaluate and reassess your security needs so that you will be spending your money right.

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