Video on demand

A new generation

Dallmeier electronic has launched two new models in its DMS series of 4th generation DVRs. The DMS 80 features eight camera and audio inputs and the DMS 160 features 16 cameras and audio inputs.

The DMS series consists of real time recorders offering audio and video on all channels and at all frame rates and utilises the H.264 compression standard. Each machine also offers variable hard disk capacity up to 1TB.

If higher storage capacities are needed, the new storage unit, DAS 4 Eco, offers four additional hard disk bays, with a total capacity of 3TB.

Dallmeier believes that potential applications for the DMS series include all digital recording environments, but especially traffic monitoring, casino and gambling environments, custody suites and prisons, as well as confined public spaces such as railway platforms and airport lounges.

Reader Service No 102

On the buses

DeView says its Mobile DVR system, the DV-M8, is proving to be a success in cutting crime, and is saving time and money for bus and fleet operators.

"By using the DV-M8 and CCTV cameras, operators can view incidents to determine what exactly happened whilst the vehicle is in he depot or even en-route," deView says.

Camera data is stored on the hard disk recorder for up to 60 days. If an incident occurs the recorder can be interrogated and images retrieved as evidence. The DV-M8 can be installed to any vehicle type and users can choose what they require to view internally or externally on the vehicle.

Reader Service No 103

Potential star

We Bench Tested Dallmeier's DMS 240 DVR last month. This is what our testers had to say: "The range of camera inputs, recording quality, frame rate, file size and storage options should help to give the DMS-240 a very broad appeal. Most of the concerns we have expressed are relatively minor in nature and centre on the instructions, and these should be addressed in the latest versions that at the time of writing were being translated.

"Otherwise this is a most impressive piece of kit with enormous potential. Video performance compares very favourably with the best DVRs we've seen in the past year or so and if, as we suspect, its networking facilities go beyond those briefly outlined in the manual, it could be a real winner."

Reader Service No 104

Nine for Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi has introduced a new nine channel digital recorder, the DX-TL4509E. The new DVR benefits from a number of advanced features including triplex functionality, built-in motion detection, and a dual multiplexer output that allows for the simultaneous monitoring of both live and recorded footage.

The DVR utilises the latest JPEG2000 compression technology, and comes with a built-in USB, CD-r/RW and DVD-R/RW drive. It records up to 100fps and comes as standard with 400Gb of HDD. There is room for an additional bay allowing an extra HDD to be added, and if more memory is required up to 7TB can also be added externally.

Mitsubishi says that its DX-TL DVRs are suitable for a range of applications including retail, banking, corporate and public sector activities.

Reader Service No 105

Heavy duty recording

Security Installer Bench Tested the Ganz ZR-DHD1621 DVR in November last year. This is what we said: "At the highest quality settings the image looks crisp and reasonably well defined, there's a fair amount of detail in the picture, colours are accurately rendered and noise levels are low.

"Hopefully the twitchy and less than friendly network operation was confined to our sample; otherwise it gets a clean bill of health. It is sturdy and very well built and with a full complement of storage devices, it has enormous recording capacity. Picture performance is fine, if a little unexciting, but it is easy to setup and use and there is every reason to suppose that like the previous generation of analogue heavyweights, it should have a long and useful life."

Reader Service No 106

All new Endura IP

Pelco has released Endura 1.3, the newest version of its enterprise-class IP-based video security software. Pelco says Endura 1.3 delivers more power and flexibility to users via an array of new features and usability enhancements.

New features include support for Endura family products, including the Spectra III EVS IP camera positioning system and the DVR5300, which is capable of recording from both analogue cameras and IP streams. Endura 1.3 also allows users to select any of four frame rates and three resolutions on each channel.

The system has a new diagnostic display window, allowing operators and users to monitor system performance from anywhere on the network. A single audio channel can be assigned to multiple cameras, or multiple audio channels can be assigned to a single camera. Endura 1.3 also supports Pelco P protocol for control of PTZ cameras.

Reader Service No 107

Ease does it

EverFocus has launched its new 'ease' series DVRs, which it describes as a 'trimmed down' version of its high-spec EDR series.

"The 'ease' series not only includes features of the current EDR series such as high frame rate recording, MPEG-4 compression, USB data extraction and individual record settings per channel, but now also features internal DVD-RW drive in the EDR920D (nine channel) and EDR1610D (16 channel) models for fast, simple and efficient data extraction and storage," the company says.

"With built-in hard drive options of 160, 320 and 500Gb, additional data archiving via USB2.0 and remote internet access using a standard web browser, the new 'ease' models offer a highly cost effective and user friendly, yet extremely high quality DVR solution for small to medium or limited budget applications such as retail, local government, education and commercial SMEs."

Reader Service No 108

Cat's eyes

DVR manufacturer Cathexis has released the latest version of its catVision software. The software suite consists of the three primary components – catSite, catMap and catAlarm – providing comprehensive surveillance capabilities for medium to large sites, either on site or remotely.

A fourth product – catVGA – enables operators to view and control multi-camera displays on video walls by streaming images over a high-speed LAN rather than via expensive matrix hardware and associated cabling.

Cathexis says: "In its full application, catVision software provides professional central alarm monitoring for multiple clients in a multiple operator control room environment."

Reader Service No 109

Hybrid NVR release IP

JVC's new VR-N900U 'hybrid' network video recorder records images from both analogue and IP cameras. It features Milestone XProtect software, making it 'tamper-proof', and its triplex functionality enables operators to simultaneously view, record and play back images in real time.

Designed for ease of use and practicality, once the NVR is installed it is ready for immediate use with no PC specification or configuration needed. It automatically detects and configures supported IP and analogue cameras. Fitting easily into a standard rack, the unit features ergonomic front panel controls, similar in design to VCRs or DVD players, ensuring familiarity for most security operators.

The NVR offers a scalable open platform allowing for the integration of access control, POS and ATM systems, remote monitoring solutions and even third-party IP devices.

Reader Service No 110

Feature presentation

JVC's VR-509 DVR was Bench Tested in our July 2006 issue. We said: "We have a few misgivings about the awkward menu system, onscreen displays and the instruction manual, but the good news is these are not written in stone and can be easily improved.

"On a more fundamental level the search system could do with tidying up. More visual on-screen displays would definitely help the operator to quickly locate parts of a recording. A few small tweaks here and there are all that's needed to turn a really good DVR into a great one.

"There are no problems with the hardware or video performance; the 509 is a superbly well-built product and capable of outstanding results. The feature list and specification has been very well thought out, from the number of recording channels to the use of the MPEG-2 compression system, and although this hasn't resulted in any dramatic advances in picture quality, it means exported recordings on disc retain more detail and we are impressed by the genuinely useful facility to be able to replay exported discs on an ordinary DVD player.

"JVC's unrivalled expertise in video recording clearly shows through on the 509, which sets a new benchmark for mid-range DVRs."

Reader Service No 111

Added features

Pelco's DX8100 DVR is "designed for users who demand a DVR that is both innovative and easy to operate". It is inter-operable with the existing DX8000 and also features a new optional 16-channel expansion module for enhanced flexibility and lowered cost.

It has improved recording speeds at 2CIF and 4CIF mode, expanded internal storage capacity up to 3TB, and server-to-server connectivity with control.

Pelco says the new DVR comes with "a number of added features that improve network capabilities such as a Gigabit Ethernet port and improved bandwidth throttling capabilities. It continues to provide server-to-server capabilities, permitting multiple connection options, including multi-event recording and online help, as well as ATM/POS, third-party dome and traditional Pelco KBD-300A keyboard support."

Reader Service No 112

Rapid Honeywell

Honeywell's RapidEye Multi-Media DSP system is a 16-channel DVR. It features real-time recording and live local viewing, immediate access to both live and post event evaluations, superior live video images, and improved capture rates and recorded images, event-driven recording capabilities with increased internal storage capacity, up to 2TB.

Honeywell says the new model is "ideal when centralised video management is essential and users require fully-featured remote capabilities," Honeywell says. It says suitable applications for the unit include commercial, industrial, municipal, financial or retail markets.

It simultaneously records, searches, and transmits live and recorded video, audio, and data transactions. it is compatible with all previous generations of Rapid Eye units, and is easily integrated into existing Rapid Eye or CCTV installations and overall physical security systems.

Reader Service No 113

Son of Eclipse

We Bench Tested Vista's Eclipse DVR in September 2006. This is what our testers had to say: "In spite of the small drop in picture quality it's difficult not to be impressed by the extra functionality the DVR brings to the Vista Eclipse system.

"The DVR's well thought out recording navigation system is very easy to use and puts many top-end DVRs to shame.

"Once the vagaries of the controls and menus have been mastered it is fairly easy to use and the overall impression it gives is that of is a sophisticated and highly versatile multi-camera surveillance and recording system."

Reader Service No 114

Entry into Hunt

Hunt Electronic is offering two entry level DVRs – the HDR-04MD/CDRW/LAN/VGA and the HDR-04MP-V/CDRW/VGA.

The HDR-04MD features Ethernet functionality, mobile/smart phone surveillance support, dynamic/static IP support, one channel audio input (optional), CD-RW backup, motion detection, two monitor output, VGA output, real-time display, 500GB hard disk capacity, alarm/motion email notification, and more.

The HDR-04MP-V features CD-RW backup, motion detection, two monitor output VGA output (optional), real time display, 500GB hard disk capacity, alarm/motion email notification, manual/schedule recording mode, quick search by time and event list, password and keylock protection, and PTZ control.

Reader Service No 115