SINGLE CAMERA SET-UP

One camera
You can simply connect your camera (wired or wirelessly) to a video or DVD recorder and/or television. Nothing more required.

MULTIPLE CAMERA SET-UP

Control equipment is required when you want to monitor more than one camera or record live footage produced by the camera. See the following sections to findout more about recording using

• Video/DVD Recorder
• Digital Video Recorder
• PC Based Software
• IP Camera Software

Using a Video/DVD Recorder set-up

a. Simple set-up
b. Ideal for low cost set-up

1.Control device needed
a. Switcher
b. Quad Processor
c. Multiplexer

2.Cabling
Cabling Distance required
(total between devices)___

Using a Video/DVD Recorder or time lapse video recorder

As video or DVD recording devices only record one ‘feed’, a method of combining the multiple feeds to the recorder is required. A control device such as a switcher, quad processor or multiplexer is required.

a. A Switcher device will allow you to automatically switch between feeds so each camera can be viewed/recorded for a few seconds. Some models allow you to adjust the dwell time between screen changes and some will even switch to a camera when movement is detected.

b. Quad processors simply split a single screen into quarters so up to four cameras can be viewed/recorded simultaneously as a ‘quad’ image.

c. Multiplexers allow each camera feed to be viewed as single or split screen. Multiplexers can allow each camera to be recorded as a full screen image no matter what live viewing option is selected.

Using a Digital Video Recorder set-up

No. of camera inputs

Up to 4 Maximum for wireless set-up
Up to 8
Up to 16

Recording Time required

Have you considered:
 a. Hard Drive size
 b. Number of cameras
 c. Frame rate for DVR
 d. Resolution
 e. Quality of recording Usually 5 levels
 f. Compression method used

The length of time you can record for is affected by:
a. Hard Drive size: 120/160GB standard, 250GB, 500GB, and 1TB options. DVRs store recordings directly onto a Hard Drive. Once storage space has run out, most DVRs can be set to automatically erase old footage as new footage is recorded. Choosing a Hard Drive size can depend on how long you wish to keep footage stored for.
b. Number of cameras: Most DVR units come in 4, 8/9, and 16 camera varieties
c. Frame Rate (fps - frames per second): 25 fps per camera is ‘real time’ as you would normally see on TV. 4-6 fps per camera is suitable for most situations. The fps rate is split between the total number of cameras connected to the DVR unit. So, a 100fps DVR with 4 cameras inputs will record at 25 fps per camera. Reducing the frame rate can save HD space.
d. Resolution and the e. Quality of recording: The better or bigger the image, the larger the size of the recording will be as more ‘image data’ is stored. QCIF (176x120), CIF (352x240), 2CIF (704x240),
f. Compression methods: JPEG, MPEG, MPEG4 and H.264 Advanced Video Coding

Ask yourself:
1. How long do I need to keep footage available for in order to retrieve footage later?
2. Will I be away for long periods of time while my CCTV system will need to be operating?

Extra Features

1. Motion Detection
Only records when DVR software detects motion
2. Footage removal options
  a. Connect DVR to Video
  b. USB connection to PC
  c. Built-in CD/DVD writer
  d. Networkable
  e. Removable Pen-drive
3. Remote Viewing
4. Alarm Inputs/Outputs