PC Based Sales?

Are you finding that most PC based DVR sales are going down? It seems that consumers as a whole are requesting more and more stand alone type DVRs. I was just wondering if anyone had an opinion on this.

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Permalink Reply by Frankie cordova on January 24, 2009 at 2:12am: Valid points. The funny thing is that everyone started going towards stand alones and now the industry is pushing PC based systems again. Why? Becuase they are pushing IP cameras. IP systems need the resources of a PC to work with megapixel and VGA quality cameras. The realabilty of the dvr has not changed but it's now considered the future and the must have technology. Its so stupid. Really. The marketing is masive that it's changing peopes mindsets and they don't even know why.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Brandon Joubert on January 24, 2009 at 2:23am: I think standalones where all the rave for two to three years - until the first batch needed repairs and maintenance. having to replace a system because the PSU blew --- would raise eyebrows. Repair ability of the PC based systems for large corps with IT personnel must make pc based systems a far better option in the long run.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Ascenendent Technology Group on May 9, 2010 at 1:23am

Its true IP cameras are completely overrated.

An IP camera on same resolution as an analog camera will have a larger file size, lower image quality, higher latency, costs more to both install and maintain and have a higher failure rate due to the fact that a 40$ router or switch can take out 20k worth of CCTV.

not to mention the fact that they cost 2x more.

In my opinion unless you are using a 5MP camera and have a fiber optic backbone you would be better off using Analog.

But PC based DVR do have there place especially if you want good search features as standalone simply don't have the processing power (though soon they will) and application that require video analytic's or over 32 cameras.

PC based DVR;s also have a (usually) a much lower file size as they have more processing power to compress the image take Ascendents X3 we use both software and hardware compression to achieve a file size as low as .2kb on a CIF image. (stream over cellular and satellite)

Not all DVRs and security equipment are created equal, in fact there are many options that offer varying performance much like the automobile industry. In the world of DVRs you can find the equivalent of a $10,000 Kia and a $350,000 Ferrari and everything in between. Both have 4 wheels and windshield but that where the similarities end, it’s under the hood that counts. Just like any other consumer electronic in the end you get what you pay for.

I suggest you buy a PC based DVR has they have more processing power and normally have a much smaller file size and offer more features then Standalone DVR's. I know many people buy a cheap standalone DVR, only to upgrade to a PC based in 6 months especially when they are using it to manage a store remotely. Also PC based allows you to record up to 64 cameras where a standalone will have a limit of 16.

Many people have the misconception that a PC-Based DVR is simply an off-the-shelf PC with video capture (encoder) cards, display (decoder) cards and some generic OEM software. A true DVR requires years of research and development to facilitate the seamless integration of both the hardware and software. DVRs are highly complex systems that must run 24/7, processing millions of images per day. This makes consumer-level hardware inadequate for DVRs which is why Ascendent uses custom-built PCs with performance-level hardware.

If you want to connect to a DVR you can actually control a PTZ real=time over the internet here is a link to one of our demo's. It can also stream over cellular and satellite communications.

This makes a great demo as it is up 24/7 and camera 1 is a PTZ camera which allows you to Pan Tilt and Zoom real time over the internet using the controls located to the right.

Instructions on how to connect to Ascendent’s DVR with internet explorer

1) 24.66.224.223 into address bar (internet explorer )
2) Install active X control
3) Hit “Connect)
4) DVR type PC
5) DVR code SITE-100
6) User ID Demo (case sensitive)
7) Password demo (lower case)
8) IP address: 24.66.224.223
9) And hit connect

If have any comments : info@ascendentgroup.com

Also attached is a good H.264 standalone DVR

http://www.ascendentgroup.com/

Attachments:

X3 Presentation.pps, 2.6 MB

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Permalink Reply by CCTV Vancouver on March 26, 2009 at 6:08pm: I’ve been in the industry for nearly two years and have to say that I’m a bit partial to the stand alone systems, just for the main fact that it’s a stand alone. There’s a lot to be said for a stable system that just does its job.

However, I strongly believe that the stand alone DVR has its days numbered. With NVR’s usability and stability coming ever closer and increasing features, the NVR systems will start gaining on the analogue systems. It’s just a matter of time and the right product.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Brandon Joubert on November 19, 2009 at 5:50am: Yes that has been the standard belief for some time.

I think we missed that the DVR manufacturers are themselves not sitting by idly --- they have responded with Hybdrids, Digital Conversion, CMS, and analytics and now they are making waves with HDcctv!

I wouldn't write off the DVR quite yet!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by PS on April 30, 2009 at 7:54am: I was working with Pelco DX8100, which are basically same PC inside. Most problem with "going down"..
As for me, it depends what is "going down" - power supply of software? THere are a lot of solutions for it. I will be more than happy if I can help.
Regards; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sharad Desai on November 13, 2009 at 11:19am: Of course, SA DVR is easiest way to please small customers and are getting more and more cheaper. But big projects where we need more then 50 cameras, PC based DVR is preferable. The only thing we need is expertise in installing various DVR cards in one PC. Once we instal DVR Cards perfectly, then there is no need to worry. Generally, such PC is dedicated one, there is hardly any fear of corruption in windows programs.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Brandon Joubert on November 19, 2009 at 5:58am: Why would you say IP is preferrable in big projects? Would you say a casino is a big project?

Well i could show you a number of casino security managers that don't agree with those sentiments on IP.

(1) IP reduces security control by expanding access, and entry points.......
(2) IP Light Sensitivity is poor
(3) IP Frame Rates are poor --- especially for Casino's where Real Time is the order of the day.
(4) IP has terrible lag/latency with PTZ or other input devices.
(5) IP Creates reliability issues with storage when network downtime is considered.
(6) IP increases Bandiwth costs
(7) IP requires fork lift upgrades for the 90% of consumers who already have legacy systems.
(8) IP demands additional learning curves for security personnel, or security learning curve for IT personell.
(9) IP is expensive

Now I fully agree that IP is a good way to expand surveillance across large areas, and IP has many applications.......But IP is not the Only solution for big projects over 50 cameras!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Vasu Garg on November 19, 2009 at 7:30am: No Not at all totally wrong if considering INDIA in this, if i tell you the fact that now India developing towards the Hybrid system including both nON-Ip as well as IP, in Hybrid they also have DVR cards in nvr along with other IP camrea's and they manange there previously installed NON-IP system with present IP system through a single Central Manangement system having a 3rd party software. as Hybrid system is cheaper with the best. See at www.ipcctv.webnode.com
and also leave feedback there what you think about it.; ▶ Reply to This