FAQ
What is a DVR?
DVR stands for Digital Video Recorder capable of taking the video from digital or analog
cameras and records it into a digital format on a hard drive. It can record high quality
video, maintenance free, for weeks. An ideal replacement for time laps VCRs.
1) How does motion detection work? Through the camera or software?
Motion detection works through the software in the DVR by recording video when
pixels in the image change.
VIVOTEK and GeoVision offer a sensitivity scale so the user can set the sensitivity
of the motion detection to record based on the amount of motion for the application.
Can I view live and recorded video remotely?
Yes, depending if the system has that option. You can view live and recorded video from
anywhere either through Internet or regular phone lines.
Can I listen to live and recorded audio remotely?
Yes, depending if the system has that option. With an optional audio module, you can
listen to live and recorded audio from anywhere through the Internet.
Can I view live and recorded video locally?
Yes, on the systems with this option a simple-to-use user interface allows you to view your
operation on site.
Can I use my existing cameras?
Yes, You can use your existing CCTV cameras. Simply plug them into the back of the DVR
which replaces the VCR.
Can the DVR report an alarm?
Yes, it can email snapshot pictures or notify a pager when motion is detected or an alarm
is activated.
What is LUX?
If a candle is one foot away from an object, it gives one foot-candle of light illuminance
onto the object. This is about 10 “lux,” and is an informal definition of lux. The unit of lux
(illuminance value) tries to relate the actual energy per unit-area falling on a surface to
what the human eye perceives.
Can I zoom in with a camera?
Yes, but you need a special camera (PTZ) with that functionality built in. Compare to fixed
cameras they are more expensive.
What camera lens size is the best for my application?
Determining a camera lens for an application is based upon getting the object
distance and the field of view (the horizontal and vertical lengths) so the focal
length can be acquired (mm of lens).
You can save money and use a manual-iris lens when light conditions don’t vary
(EX: illuminated store or office). It is recommended to use an auto-iris lens when
light conditions vary (EX: outdoor cameras).
Wide-angled lenses (EX: 3.6mm) are better for viewing a general area whereas
narrow-angled lenses (EX: 6-8mm) are better for looking down hallways or at cash
registers.
Use varifocal lenses to get flexibility for choosing best field of view.
Can I save video or images?
Yes, you can save video in AVI format or save images in JPEG format, locally or remotely.
Can I record audio?
Yes, if the DVR system comes with audio option you can use optional audio module.
How long will the DVR store video?
Our standard DVR systems are capable of recording about 4 weeks on motion, by
adding additional hard drives the capacity can be extended to several months.
The general rule of thumb is that each camera will use about 2 to 3 gigabytes (gigs)
of hard drive space a 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 PC-Based 4 camera
60fps system with 120 gigs of hard drive space will use about 8 to 12 gig total per
day, giving you from 10 to 15 days of recordings before it needs to start writing over
the old video.
What are DVR frame rates based on the number of cameras at different
resolutions?
Most DVRs rate there maximum frames per second capture capabilities when
recording at CIF (352 x 240 pixels).
Grabbing at D1 (720 x 480 pixels) uses roughly 4 times the power.
Example: GV-800 4 Channel DVR Card (120/120 FPS): With the GV-800-4 you will
capture 120 frames per second recording at CIF, and 30 frames per second
recording at D1.
How many sites can be viewed simultaneously?
Multiple sites could be viewed simultaneously all in the same screen.
How do I put a copy of archived files on to a CD? These instructions apply to our
GeoVision based systems
Step 1: Insert a blank recordable CD to the DVR.
Step 2: On the Geovision Main Screen, click on the View Log icon and select
Video/Audio Log (F10).
Step 3: On the View Log screen select the desired Year, Month, Date, Camera and
Time of the events for backup process, right click on the Video Events selection
and select Quick Backup (Ctrl + B).
Step 4: On the Quick Backup Screen, select the Media to E:\ OS Burning Device,
rename the Folder Name (optional) and click the Backup button.
Step 5: After the Copying process is done, it will pop up the Welcome to the CD
Writing Wizard window, rename the CD Name (optional), check the Close the
Wizard after the files have been written, click the Next button and click the OK
button after process is already completed.
Step 6: Take out the Recorded CD from the DVR.
Can several users view one site at once?
Yes, normally most Internet enabled DVR systems come with multiple users account
support. Users can view the same site simultaneously. However, as more people look
at the same cameras/DVR at the same time, the bandwidth will be shared between them.
How does the DVR connect to DSL or cable?
Most Internet enabled DVR systems use network interface card; simply connect the DVR
to a DSL/cable modem or a router. Our DVRs work with both dynamic and static IP
addresses.
What type of Operating System (OS) does the DVR use?
Most PC based DVR systems are Windows XP Professional and standalone embedded
systems are Linux based.
What happens when there is power outage?
We suggest a battery backup (UPS), which serves as a surge protection device and a
power source in the event of a power failure. The UPS will keep the system
running for about 10-15 minutes.
What is an auto iris lens?
An auto iris lens provides consistent video signal in areas where light levels varies.
What is a video capture card?
A video capture card or a DVR card is a graphic card inside the DVR which captures the
video from the cameras and store the video to the hard drive.
What is the difference between Broadband VS dialup?
With broadband, you can see streaming video, with dialup, you can see one frame every
2 seconds or so.
What kind of cable should I use?
Siamese cable (RG59 and a pair of 18 gauge wire in the same jacket to make installation
easy).
How many cameras do I need?
On average, we recommend 1 camera per 1000 Sq. Ft.
What Kind of broadband do I need? How much bandwidth?
Basic DSL or cable will suffice in most cases.
Can I use my cash register with your POS interface?
Our GeoVision and AverMedia systems work with most PC-based and electronic cash
register, if you give us the make and model, we will find out if your system is compatible.