Security Camera DVR

The central controller as well as the storage for a digital video security system is the security camera DVR or Digital Video Recorder. The DVR coordinates and controls the actions of the system as well as provides a central location for quick access of the recorded digital video files. In this article, we will talk about the functions of the DVR and how it works.

A typical digital video security and surveillance system consists of up to three types of components; the digital video camera, the security camera DVR, and the system or spot camera monitor. The camera’s main function is to capture light images and convert them into electronic images that can be sent to the DVR to be compiled, stored, and viewed. The monitor’s function is to provide the display mechanism for viewing the electronic video.

But it is the security camera DVR that is responsible for tying all this together. The DVR is basically a specialized computer with its video processing services on steroids. The DVR has a central processor much like a personal computer, however the DVRs processor is specifically designed to deal with the data that is used to make video images, control cameras, store files, and display the images.

Most cameras have a special Integrated Circuit or IC chip called a Digital Signal Processor or DSP that is used to convert the electronic impulses sent by the sensor chip into video data. However, the DVR also has its own dedicated DSP and central processing unit to handle the tasks needed to produce security video images.

First, the DVR must be able to accept multiple video data streams or bits simultaneously. For example, most digital video security systems have more than one camera. The DVR must be able to handle the video information being sent by as many cameras as it is designed for. Think of the complexity involved when a personal computer uses a Webcam. Many personal computers, until recently, didn’t have the computing resources to do anything else when the Webcam was in operation. Now imagine using 4, 8, 16 or even 32 cameras at one time!

Further, the DVR doesn’t just receive the video data, but it must do something with it as well. In fact, it must compile it, compress it, decompress it (for viewing) and store it all in just a few milliseconds. It’s no wonder then, why a DVR is far superior to processing digital security video than say, a typical personal computer.

A security camera DVR creates a digital video file out of the data sent to it by the digital video camera. The data that is created for just one camera is enormous. For example, a digital video is actually in a simpler form, a series of digital photographs all stitched together. When these photographs are played in front of the human eye at a fast enough rate, they fool the human eye and brain into thinking it is seeing fluid, motion video.

Typically, a security camera DVR produces high quality video at a rate of 30 frames per second or 30 fps. That is 30 digital photographs taken within the time span of 1 second. The information that is processed by the DVR at this rate just for one camera in one hour is 30 fps x 60 seconds x 60 minutes or 108,000 times the size of one digital photograph; if the DVR is a 16 channel DVR that jumps to 1,728,000 times.

The security camera DVR uses a utility called a CODEC which stands for COmpression/DECompression to shrink the digital file to a fraction of its original size while maintaining a minimal loss of quality. This makes the file easier for the DVR to handle and requires less storage space to hold. All of Security Camera King’s featured DVRs use the latest, most efficient CODEC known as H.264.

Once the file is compressed it is then made available by the DVR for viewing (live) or storing on the hard drive for future use. Not until you consider all of the activity that is involved in creating digital video files for security systems can you really appreciate the high speed, intensive work performed by the security camera DVR.

In addition, the security camera DVR also acts as a fine tuner, relay station for other inputs, audio processor, and networking server. The more channels a DVR processes the more expensive the unit because of the hardware and technology that is required to handle the job.

Finding One Security Camera DVR That Suits You

DVR stands for Digital Video Recorder. It is faster and easier to manage than non-digital and analog systems. Furthermore, it provides instant access to recorded or live video. You do not need to worry about the storage either, because the bulk of video that can be stored on a single disc tremendously outweighs that stored on tape. In fact, a single disc is the equivalent of over 30 VCR tapes. That means you get to economize on space use and costs. The bigger your office space and thus, the more cameras you use, the more you will be able to appreciate the money DVRs can save you.

There are two main types of security camera DVRs, pc-based and stand-alone. A PC-based DVR is a digital video recorder built like a computer. It may consist of two things: a tower mount or a rack mount. You will find a mother board、network card、 video card、 CPU、 hard drive、 and memory inside of it. The DVR video card and the DVR software give users remote access. The DVR capture board receives video directly from security cameras. The DVR software, in turn, works in conjunction with the DVR board to first, change captured video images into a manageable and recognizable format and second, to provide camera controls, as well as record and playback functions.

A stand-alone security camera DVR is an all-in-one unit. All components of a stand-alone security camera DVR are built on one complete circuit board. Its appearance is very similar to that of a VCR or DVD player. Stand-alone security camera DVRs are highly reliable and are very easy to use and install.

The differences between the two kinds of DVRs that a stand-alone security camera DVR is very reliable and user-friendly, mostly because it is built on only one circuit board. One doesn’t need to worry about system crashes or software conflicts because all the hardware and software are embedded on one board. A PC-based security camera DVR, on the other hand, offer more advances features and are better suited for upgrades and systems expansions. They have bigger CPUs and memory, and you can easily add burners and hard drives.

If your company's camera network is comparatively small and does not require much use of sophisticated controls, then a stand-alone security camera DVR should suffice. If, on the other hand, your surveillance needs require the use of sophisticated controls or if you are planning to expand your company's surveillance system in the future, then the wisest choice would be a PC-based model. If reliability and stability are what matters most to you, then buy a stand-alone security camera DVR. If advanced viewing, playback and video file saving over the internet mean more to you, and then go for a PC-based security camera DVR.

In conclusion, what would matter the most is not the type of security camera DVR you purchased but how it protects your business.

The Best Car DVR Security Cameras

What kind of camera should be used for DVR surveillance systems? This is an important question that needs to be answered. Well, you should use cameras with pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) features. Here are a few reasons why.

Freedom And Field Of Vision

The best DVR security cameras should be able to monitor a wide area. That is why a PTZ security camera is perfect. It gives you the mobility that is so important in surveillance systems. You do not have to put to it in one corner of the room just to get a wider field of vision. With a PTZ camera, you can move the camera sideways and at angles. The ability to zoom in on intruders to really see how they look like will give power and potency to your home surveillance system.

Get Rid Of Wires

The best DVR security cameras should be wireless so that you will not have to worry about all the clutter. There are some wireless PTZ security cameras with powerful antennas that can transmit data over wide areas, so you can really hide them well because there are no wires that intruders can use to spot them. Having wireless DVR security cameras will also give you the freedom to change their positions. You might want to mount them somewhere else when you feel that intruders already have a clue where they are. The element of surprise is crucial to your surveillance system.

Battery-operated Cameras

Your surveillance system should have back-up power in case there is a outage. So it would be a good idea to go for a camera that will run on batteries when the power goes out. Some PTZ cameras are battery-operated. For your personal computer and DVR, you have to buy an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) device. Provide your DVR surveillance systems with extra juice so that your home will be secure all the time.

Positive Product Reviews

Good product reviews of PTZ cameras are scattered all over the web. This means that the camera is really good and well worth your money. If you read user testimonials, you will find that most DVR security cameras that are used in homes are PTZ cameras. However, some feel that the camera is too expensive. But there are affordable models that offer the same functionalities as the pricier ones. Do not worry, most reviews will always recommend a product that is effective and affordable at the same time. It is also a great idea to join online communities of like-minded individuals who share tips and information about DVR security systems.

There has been so much talk about the use of digital video recorders (DVRs) in home security systems. And the focus of the discussion has always been on the effectiveness and the dependability of the DVR device and the system that runs it. But the choice of what security camera to use is also an important topic. PTZ cameras does indeed make excellent DVR security cameras because of its mobility and freedom.

More information about how security camera DVRs can improve the capabilities of your video surveillance

Surveillance DVRs are really grown in popularity lately, and for good reason. Integration of a DVR in your video surveillance network can really add to your control. The huge amount of video that can be stored on a digital video recorder is vastly better than what can usually be stored on a VHS tape. In this article we will review some of the added functionality you can get from using a DVR, and more information about how to use DVR video surveillance can you your video security needs.


The biggest advantage of using a digital video recorder is the control that you added on the management and storage of video data itself. Digital data is much easier to store, search and view than older forms of video recording methods such as VCRs. Most digital video recorders can you automatically mark digital video files with timestamps and warning markers, making it much easier to go back and view important events after the fact. Search for and to designate that a specific event can be done with a simple query search rather than having to fast-forward through hours of videotapes.


When it comes to watching digital video, you usually also extended options. Access to functionality of some DVR offerings multi-camera viewing, dual monitor display capabilities and even remote viewing. Add to this the convenience of being able to use your personal computer to manage and view captured video, and it’s easy to see, there’s really no comparison.


There are two basic types of DVRs, stand-alone and PC based. A stand-alone DVR is a basic box that strong on a DVD player. It contains all necessary components and software in the box itself. They are usually very easy to set up and almost no configuration is required. You can easily captured video view directly through your monitor. A PC-based DVR is a card type of device that you in your personal computer. A PC-based DVR turns your computer into a fully functioning DVR. With a PC-based DVR, all of the video from your security cameras are managed and stored directly on your computer. This adds some additional flexibility on stand-alone versions.


If your video surveillance network is relatively small, it will be a stand-alone system probably suffice. If however, you have a larger surveillance network, or have the need to check video feeds more proactive, you may want to a PC-based model. The prices of both models are basically similar. Here you will find a wide range of prices and options for both types.


There is no doubt; a digital video recorder can help increase your security plan is much more efficient and easier to manage. If you are looking for a better way to maximize the potential of your video surveillance network, a DVR is definitely the way to go.