jack in oz

Hello All, I need to replace my no-name 8 ch DVR. I currently have 6 analog cameras (Samsung & Bosch) connected via Cat5 cables and baluns. I would like the option to add IP cameras later, so a hybrid DVR seems like a good idea. My research so far has led me to this Hikvision model: http://www.buycameradirect.com/index.php/nvrs/hikvision/hybrid/hikvision-ds-7608hi-st-8-channel-embedded-hybrid-dvr.html However, I’m a bit confused about the recording resolution. The specs say it will record up to WD1. That’s fine for my current setup, as my cameras are all D1. Some questions: If I add IP cameras later am I still restricted to WD1 recording resolution? How does the WD1 resolution translate into the IP camera world? Let’s say I buy a 5MP IP camera. Does the DVR just ignore any resolution above WD1? Any advice appreciated.

OK, thanks for the heads-up Tom.

I have no idea Boogieman. I can only go on the manufacturer's specifications. And the specifications for this DVR say the maximum recording resolution is WD1. Maybe it's an error in the specs? I did that last week and read it from cover to cover. However, just because a camera is supported, does that mean the DVR will record at full camera resolution? That's my long term plan.

So why don't the specs say that? I've emailed Hikvsion for clarification.

I don't know, but that's what the specs are claiming. I wonder if by 'playback' they mean monitoring in real time? Still, nobody has explained the discrepancy in the figures quoted in the specs. See the screenshot.

Thanks for your reply, but I'm still confused. In the summary at the top of the page you linked it says: "Up to 5 Megapixels resolution recording" BUT, in the Specs it says: Recording Resolution: | Main stream: WD1 / 4CIF / 2CIF / CIF / QCIF, Sub-stream: CIF / QCIF Playback Resolution: | 5MP/3MP/1080p/UXGA/720P/WD1/4CIF/VGA/DCIF/2CIF/CIF/QCIF The website I linked says: "Up to 6CIF/ WD1 Recording Resolution & 5MP playback resolution" So, I'm inclined to believe it will only playback 5MP resolution, not record.

Mike, thanks for the table. I'll file that away for future reference. I think I was a little hasty when I said the camera is better in low light than the LTC-0495. Just now the 0495 was performing better in full moonlight. TBH I've never actually tested the 0495 at night with any sort of artificial light, so I need to set up a side by side comparison.

I've been offered a used Ikegami ICD-848 camera. It has a motorised IR cut filter and a 1/2" CCD. Low light performance is 0.15 Lux Colour/ 0.015 Lux B/W with F1.4 lens. I've said I'll take it only IF it includes a lens, as I believe 1/2" lenses can be expensive. While waiting for the seller to get back to me, I tried to do a search on this forum for info on 1/2" CCD cameras. However, it is not possible to search for the term "1/2 CCD". The search function strips off the / and " and searches for "1 2 CCD" which is totally useless as it produces a gazillion hits. So, can anyone offer any advice/wisdom/gotchas on 1/2'' CCD cameras? Jack

I received this camera in the mail today. My first impression is that it has excellent low light capability. Certainly better than the Bosch LTC-0495 I have. With the camera outside on my deck at night I was able to get a very bright image of myself with the only illumination coming from inside the house through a window. I'll assess the daylight performance (in particular the BLC) tomorrow. It has a f1.6 lens. Would a f1.0 make a lot of difference to the low light performance?

The fuse may blow (if it has one) or the voltage will drop to an unusable value. In short, it won't power the device properly.

Thanks maxicon, I'll try that.

Thanks for the replies. He's included a 1/2" 4.5-10mm lens with the camera. No idea what brand, or if it's IR. Will report back when I receive the goods.

Hello, I have a couple of Dinion (LTC-0495) cameras and I would like to use Bilinx to play with the settings. I have downloaded the (free) Bilinx software. Now I just need the adaptor. I have found a few suppliers in the USA, but they invariably charge extortionate international postage. Here's the device I'm talking about: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/445433-REG/Bosch_VPUSB_VP_USB_USB_to_BNC.html I have found the international postage from the UK to be MUCH cheaper than the US. Does anyone know of a reputable online seller of Bosch products in the UK? I also need a f1.0 IR-corrected lens around 3-8mm focal length. The Bosch LTC 3664/31 would do the trick I think. Jack

You're right John, I was confusing the LTC-0495 with my Samsung cameras.

I just purchased a used Bosch LTC 0495 with Fujinon 1:1.4, 6-14mm lens. I intend to use it outdoors to monitor my driveway. I have been going through the OSD trying to set what I consider to be the most appropriate settings for day/night use. I will eventually be illuminating the area with a halogen floodlight on a PIR. Most of the settings are self-explanatory, but a couple have got me wondering. SENSUP is adjustable from 0 to X10. I have set it at x2 because I have read on this forum that high levels of sensup can cause blurring of the image. I will experiment with the camera on a tripod tonight before I put it in the housing, but it would be good to hear what SENSUP settings other 0495 users set. I have set BLC to ON because there is a lot of glare off the concrete during the day. Does BLC have a detrimental affect on night performance? If anyone out there has a record of what settings they use on their 0495s I would love to see it. There seems to be an infinite number of permutations of settings possible, so I'm trying to stick with the default or AUTO settings where possible. Any general tips for using this model of camera would also be gratefully received. Jack

Hello, Here is a picture of a wall I want to monitor. I think the wall is too long to cover with one camera (20m). What do you think? I have 2 box cameras available to use if needed. They are a Samsung SCC-2335 and a Bosch LTC-0485. Both have varifocal lenses (I'll have to check the focal range). Would I be better off mounting a camera at each corner pointing towards the middle, or mount them centrally facing out with an overlap (as shown by the red arrows)? Jack

Thanks stanislav. I'll check it out.

Hi Mike, thanks for the info. I'll try the settings you recommended today/tonight and see how they go. I will also check price on a f1.0 IR corrected lens and see if the budget allows it. Regards, Jack

I think this is the PAL version: http://www.cctvdirect.co.uk/products/Twilight-PRO-%252d-600-TVL-Ultra-High-Res-Dome-%252d-2.8%252d12mm-Lens.html Good luck

Thanks. I've been looking on eBay for a small monitor. The cheapest and most suitable devices seem to be auxiliary car seat-back DVD monitors. They have no DVD player, just a composite video input jack. Cheers

Hi John, thanks- that's great info. Interesting that you get good night performance in forced color mode. I guess a street light gives a lot of illumination at 60ft. If I understand this camera correctly, the IR cut filter will remain in front of the lens in color mode, even at night? Obviously you prefer to have the benefit of a color picture, rather than the higher resolution of monochrome at night? I'll try the hand-waving trick when I'm setting the SENSUP. We had a thunderstorm last night so I had to bring the camera inside and didn't get to play with the settings. Hopefully Mike_VA will be along shortly to share his knowledge too. Regards, Jack

I use a 32" samsung LED TV as my CCTV monitor. It is a bit grainy when viewing one camera. However, most of the time I have the DVR set to display 4 cameras. I'm using the DVR's VGA output (1280x1024). It looks great with the 4 cameras displayed.

A standard UK house brick is 215 × 102.5 × 65 mm. I'd be surprised if you could get a box cam into that sized housing and still be able to set it at a big enough angle to see out. If you made your housing so it went back into the wall cavity you might be able to do it. Not sure how big a standard UK wall cavity is.

Cut the plug off the 3 wires. ASSUMING the video is the yellow (please check- I'm not sure) I would solder the yellow wire to the lug for the centre pin on the RCA plug and the black to the lug on the outer ring of the RCA. I would then solder another piece of black wire to the outer ring of the RCA and take it to the -ve lug of the power socket. The red wire goes to the +ve lug of the power socket.

Which caps are we talking about? Are they the electros in the camera's power supply?