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FAQS
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Q: What is DVR?
A: DVR is a term used to describe Digital Video Recorder. Unlike analog tape recorder, VCR, or Time Lapse Recorder, DVR is pure digital, providing the highest quality surveillance video available. Q: What are the benefits of having a DVR system?
A: DVR can take the place of a security monitor, motion sensors, time lapse recorder, quad processor, and accessories. Digitally record all video, and login remotely to see your cameras. Q: How do your DVR Systems compare to other systems?
A: Low cost DVR systems might seem attractive, but you may get more than you bargained for. There also were reports of system freezing, unresponsive software functions, lost recorded video and hardware failure, from competitors offering discounted computer systems. Our DVR systems are built with name brand computer hardware only. We sell only professional grade DVR equipment for those who expect performance and reliability from their security system. Q: Does it use videotapes?
A: No, this is a digital system and eliminates the use of videotapes. Q: What features should I look for in a CCTV DVR?
A: The security digital video recorder that will work best for your application will depend on several factors including the number of cameras that you will have and the frames per second that you need. When determining the number of camera inputs, it is important to consider future needs as well as current needs.
The frames per second (fps) relates to how many pictures it will record in a second. Real time recording is about 30 fps on each camera. To calculate the fps per camera take the total fps in the system and divide it by the number of video inputs. For example, a 60 fps digital video recorder with 4 video inputs would result in about 15 fps per camera. The technology is just getting to the point now where real time recording is affordable. If you are recording cash registers or something similar then you should invest in real time recording. If not, then a lessor recording speed should suffice. You can still see a clear picture even though it will have a little hesitation or jerkiness.
The user interface should be easy to operate. Other features you should look for are the ability to view the cameras remotely (see below), motion-detection, easy and comprehensive search capabilities (check out our 'Smart Search' technology). All of our PC-based systems come standard with these options. Q: What is a key distinction between your DVR products and competitive products?
A: The most important and critical function of any DVR system is the Video Playback Area. This is 98% of your physical contact with the system. The majority of competitive DVR products sold today share a similar weakness when it comes to video playback. Competitive products store the recorded video in 5 to 10 minute blocks of time. As thefts or events can occur in less than one minute, the time between each "image box" typically does not get recorded. This means, the DVR system may lose valuable data by not recording video between each stored block of time. Moreover, trying to backup footage beyond 10 minutes typically requires additional steps to operate.
Our DVR products use a more conventional approach to video storage. Locating recorded video for playback is fast and simple. Blocks of time are eliminated, and archived video footage is continuous. Backing up has never been easier. We deliver only functional solutions to meet your security needs. Q: What is your product warranty?
A: All purchases are warranted upto 2 full years after the date of sale. Q: Is technical support available?
A: Yes. We offer free product support with all purchases. Q: What comes with the Hisco DVR?
A: Our PC-based DVRs come standard with an 120 G hard drive. They also include the software (for setup, local, and remote viewing), power cord, keyboard, mouse, and documentation. You just need to add the cameras, whatever cable you need, and a standard computer monitor. Also, we have full time on-site technical support available at no additional cost. Q: What is the difference between MJPEG and WAVELET video compression?
A: There are two elements when it comes to video compression. The first is picture quality, and the second is file size. M-JPEG video compression delivers the sharpest picture quality with crystal clear detailed images on video playback. WAVELET compression is not quite as sharp but offers smaller file sizes. The trade off is a little more storage time with WAVELET, versus better picture quality with M-JPEG. While most competitors offer M-PEG 4 or Wavelet compression we include M-JPEG and WAVELET video compression.
Q: What kind of network connections can I use with the Hisco System?
A: Hisco DVR works with ANY Windows tcp/ip network connection, including PSTN, ISDN, LAN/WAN and Internet. Q: How many computers/people can I have connected to and viewing a DVR remotely?
A: Up to 5 connections to the DVR can be made at a single time. Q: How much hard drive space will I need?
A: There are many variables that factor into how much hard drive space is used. Setting frame rates, resolutions, compression methods, quality and recording modes can affect how long DVR can record. The general rule of thumb is that each camera will use about 2 gig of space per day. So for example, if you have an 8 camera DVR you will use in the area of 16 gigs of hard drive space per day. If you are using motion detection the hard drive usage will likely be less (especially if there is little movement on each camera). The actual amount of hard drive space used varies widely and depends to a large extent on how much movement there is on the cameras. For example, a fast food restaurant (with a lot of activity) will use a lot more hard drive space per day than an office with a few employees. This is due to the way that the video is compressed for storage. Q: What happens to the Hisco System when the hard drive gets full?
A: When you run the Hisco System you are given a choice. The software can be set up to either stop recording when the hard drives get full, or start recording over the oldest data (FIFO) when it runs out of hard drive space.
When the hard drive space is filled up, it will start over-writing the oldest pre-recorded video. Each of our PC-based DVRs comes standard with a read/write CDRom for saving video permanently.
Normally the system will begin to overwrite the recorded image files, oldest first. You can choose for recording to cascade from one drive to another ( i.e if the "C" drive is full, the system can begin to write on the "D" drive), if you have more than one hard drive. Q: Does operating the Hisco DVR require extensive computer knowledge?
A: Our systems are designed to be user friendly, thus minimal training is required to operate our system. For most users, 15 minutes of training would be more than sufficient. Q: What is the required bandwidth for your systems?
A: Although our DVR's & video servers can accommodate speeds as low as 19.2K (Dial up modems), We recommend 384K upload and download speed. For optimal performance we highly recommend 768K or higher upload and download speed.
Q: Do I have to make changes in the DVR software for me to connect remotely?
A: No. The only option is to allow incoming connections. This is on by default There is no place in the DVR software to put any IP information. Q: Do I need any special software to view images from the DVR on the Internet?
A: All you need is Internet Explorer 6.0 Once you type the static IP address that is connected to the EchoVue DVR, the plug-in software will let you view the images, control the PTZ cameras and even let you view the saved video clips that are in the EchoVue DVR. Q: I need the static IP address information for my connection.
A: Yes, you do need a static IP address for remote connection and contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and request the information. Q: What is the minimum system requirement on the Client side?
A: Pentium III 800 MHz, 256 MB RAM, 1024x768 display resolution, 32-bit color(16 MB), DirectX capable, Windows 98 SE/ NT/ 2000/ XP
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