Kablooie

In addition to what has already been mentioned, here are some of my considerations when choosing a DVR. I'm looking for certain types of functionality. This all comes from experience in working with DVR's that have, or don't have, certain features.

1 – Can the system capture/overlay receipt text from the POS (point of sale) system? Can data be captured from more than one POS system? Is this feature built in or does it require a separate unit, like the AVE VSI-PRO? Is text capture/overlay searchable?

2 - Can multiple cameras be played back at the same time & in synch with one another? For instance, a store was burglarized early Tuesday morning (1:36 AM). With the system installed in that store I was able to playback video from multiple cameras at the same time starting from a very specific time - 01:26:47AM. In this case I needed 3 out of the 6 cameras. I was also able to download video from the 3 cameras during a specific timeframe (01:26:47AM to 01:29:34AM) into a single file and playback all 3 video streams simultaneously on a different computer. While viewing all 3 video streams I'm also able to switch to single view of any particular stream.

3 - How many audio channels are there? Some DVR’s have one audio channel that is associated with just one camera, others have multiple audio channels that can be associated with each camera independently.

4 - During playback (via the network or Internet) are there FF & REW functions? One particular client has a DVR that only has FF during playback. With this system the video needs to be downloaded and played back in a separate player in order to have the REW function. Also, with some systems the recorded file format cannot be converted to other formats, like AVI. I have another system that loses all OSD info (date, time, channel name) when converted to AVI.

5 - How do the FF & REW functions work? For instance, on some DVR’s when using FF or REW the video looks similar similar to VHS tape. On others it will jump several seconds at a time (first frame at the 15 second mark, next frame at the 20 second mark, etc.) which can make viewing difficult.

6 - What are there different record quality settings? Can different quality settings be configured for each camera independently?

7 - Can multiple locations be viewed at the same time, both live and playback? Let’s say I have 4 stores and I want to watch the register (w/ text capture) at all 4 locations simultaneously. Or maybe I want to view 2 cameras from each location simultaneously. Can that be accomplished with the DVR software?

8 - Can several usernames/passwords be configured in the DVR with different access rights associated with each username? How many users can logon at the same time?

9 - What is the maximum size hard drive the DVR supports? Does it support multiple hard drives? Can hard drives be installed by the end user or does that void the warranty?

10 - Can video be saved to a USB storage device directly from the DVR?

11 - Can all administrative functions be controlled remotely, or do some functions need physical access to the DVR?

Go to the manufacturer website, search for the model and see if it has iPhone support. If it does they should have documentation on how to access it via iPhone.

Hello,

Curious: How come I didn't need a "Static IP" when I used VNC to remotely connect my cell phone to my PC?

Because many times even when the IP address renews it will get the same one it had previously. The modem can go for months without getting a new IP address. It's not truly static though as it can change. By the way, I curious as to how you configured the VNC port forwarding. Which service are you using?

Well, I called Verizon when I couldn't access the modem's web page. Verizon said my Westell 2100 modem is a dumb modem (no logon site, no port blocking, no changes can be made internally).

I find that difficult to believe. I've worked with dozens of the Westell 2100's and they all had configuration options. To find your modems internal IP address access the Linksys configuration page & click on status. The Default Gateway will be the modems address. Most likely it's 192.168.1.1 or 254.

I'm using the information on page 59 of this manual.

Also, for this example, I'm using the following IP Adress info. Change it according to the IP addressing used on your network:

- Verizon DSL Modem has an internal (LAN) IP address of 192.168.1.254

- Linksys Router has a manually configured WAN (Internet) IP address of 192.168.1.200, Subnet Mask 255.255.255.0, Gateway 192.168.1.254, DNS 192.168.1.254

- Linksys router has an internal (LAN) IP address of 192.168.2.1

- DVR has a manually configured IP address of 192.168.2.200

- Linksys Router is not set for PPPoE.

First, you need to configure port forwarding on the Verizon DSL modem. In the Verizon DSL modem configure ports 8000 & 80 to forward to 192.168.1.200 (the WAN (Internet) IP address of the Linksys router).

Second, you need to configure port forwarding for the DVR on the Linksys router. In the Linksys router configure ports 8000 & 80 to forward to 192.168.2.200 (the IP address of the DVR).

Use your currently assigned WAN IP address (assigned by Verizon) to try and connect to the DVR. The WAN IP address can be found by accessing the Verizon modem or going to a website like ipchicken.com. When you try and connect to the DVR using the WAN IP address you may need to be outside your network, i.e., connected to the Internet from somewhere else, like a friends house.

If all ports were forwarded properly it should work.

EDIT: Bottom line is when you use a router connected to a DSL modem and the router is not configured for PPPoE you need to configure port forwarding in both devices. The information needs to know what path to take....and you need to tell it

Its non polarized, so you can connect the red and black either way to the green connector. I made the mistake with the first camera as I was in a rush and could not find a + and - on the green connector, and just cut the cable and joined it together, but after reading the manual more carefully it states its non polarized and hooked the other 2 up to the green connectors.

 

That said I am using the VBM not the VCM but it should be the same, as was the other CNB IR Dome I have here.

Thank you for that. I just received a couple of DBM-24VF cameras and they have the same green connector. Manual says non polarized. I'd imagine it's the same manual included with the VCM and VBM as they show installation instructions for several different camera styles. No specific model # is mentioned.

Thanks Soundy. I'm by no means an expert in the field of DVR/POS integration, but I do have a bit of experience. Hopefully I can be of help.

Just a quick background on myself: I am not a security or surveillance system professional. I run a computer services company and install/maintain many point-of-sale systems for my clients. I typically outsource surveillance system requests I receive from my clients (that's may change soon). However, I am involved in the selection of the surveillance system and layout of the cameras (mostly relying on the advice of professionals like yourselves though). My main involvement has been integration with the pos system and networking the DVR to the LAN and Internet for remote viewing and administration. I also provide some loss prevention services to a few clients.

Lately I've been wanting to learn more about the different technologies available in video surveillance systems. Many of my client's systems are getting old (or poor choices were made from the beginning) and will start needing replacement soon. I came across cctvforum.com in my quest for knowledge.....and here I am.

I must give a big thank you to all of the regular contributors here. I've read hundreds of posts over the last few weeks and have learned a great deal from youse guys . I hope to be able to contribute when questions arise within my areas of expertise.