An Introduction To Dvr Servers

By Author: Ray Shadman
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It's been nearly a decade since DVRs (Digital Video Recorders) eclipsed VCRs as the preferred home video recording form when it comes to entertainment. However, many consumers have been content to leave the operation of their business or private video security systems in the hands of outdated analog-based video recorders. If you're among those dragging their heels, it's likely time to think about upgrading to a DVR server security system. DVR technology offers a wealth of advantages over videotape/DVD-R recording, and new hardware options are constantly being developed to meet a wide range of needs and budgets. DVR server surveillance is, in most cases, the most reliable and versatile security video option.

DVR Versus VCR: What's the Difference?
While a DVR records and stores video footage as data on a hard drive, the videotapes used in analog systems need to physically record video images from a camera, and can therefore only contain a fraction of the footage. A round-the-clock security system with multiple cameras could quickly rack up a mountain of tapes. In the past, there were two common workarounds for this ...
... problem, neither of which were that appealing. The first was to record timelapse video, meaning the cameras would be set to record only several frames of footage at short intervals in order to maximize the capacity of each videotape. The result was a jerky playback with multiple gaps. Videotapes were often reused countless times but this not only degraded the image quality, it prevented users from saving any footage that could eventually prove useful.

Digital Video Recording eradicates those kinds of analog problems. Digital video boasts a much higher image quality than videotape, and it's a largely lossless medium. Even a small DVR server is capable of holding more hours of footage on its hard drive than a truckload of videotapes, and all without resorting to a timelapsed frame rate. And even if your data-storage needs are extraordinary, DVR servers are designed to let you easily export footage to other storage devices, like external hard drives.

Installing a Server
Digital video recording affords much higher degrees of freedom, flexibility, and functionality than its predecessors, all streamlined into a single physical server. In the past, depending on the scope of a security system, it wasn't unusual for multiple recorders to be installed, along with additional pieces of interfacing equipment. DVR servers house a combination device that can perform all the functions of earlier systems in addition to many new ones.

The combination device will include numerous video/audio signal inputs, as well as the video server itself. An average DVR server will usually feature anywhere from four to 16 video inputs for security cameras, allowing you to create a custom system, incorporating any and all types of cameras that suit your needs.

Unique Features
So far we've covered how DVRs have improved on analog systems by helping you save physical space (no more piles of videotapes), data storage space (ease of exporting archived footage), and time (compact design, user-friendly and highly adaptable setup). But that's only half of the story. Let's take a look at the groundbreaking new features that DVRs have introduced to the world of video security.

Depending on your needs, you can choose a server with additional features, such as Ethernet connectivity that can allow you to check in on your surveillance footage from an internet browser anywhere in the world. If you need to export video and audio files from the digital footage, most DVR servers come with multiple USB ports to easily transfer the data to any compatible device.

In a security system, a DVR server is employed to both monitor and archive footage from all selected cameras. Each of the multiple video inputs on the server acts as a separate channel assigned to the corresponding camera. Every video channel on the server can be programmed with its own parameters. For example, the channel for one camera might record and archive all footage in real time, while the channel for another camera might be set up to only record when triggered by the detection of movement or sound. Still another channel might be broadcast directly from a camera used for monitoring purposes, without recording any of the incoming data.

Custom triggers can even be implemented, prompting the related channel to start recording footage in a specific situation, such as an alarm being tripped or a particular door being opened. This is called a "monitored intrusion alert," and it can be an especially helpful feature when dealing with a particularly large system. Each channel can also be programmed with its own resolution, framerate, and recording schedule.

A Security System That Monitors Itself
A DVR server can also help you significantly reduce the amount of time and attention required to monitor and maintain your security system. Once a DVR based system is installed and programmed to your specifications, it will regulate itself and function autonomously. Depending on your situation, this can cut down on the amount of personnel needed to monitor the channels. In fact, in many cases, a DVD server can literally monitor itself via a preprogrammed response function.

In a preprogrammed response, the DVR server will respond to a monitored intrusion alert, such as detected motion, sound, or a particular door being opened, by instantly contacting you directly with the details of the alert. This can be done by phone, email, instant messaging, or even an audio response on an online computer.

DVR Servers and Data Synergy

While analog systems are only designed to capture timecode stamped video and audio, DVRs can be easily synthesized with other devices, allowing you to record relevant meta-data to your archived footage. This includes things like cash register transactions, phone calls, computer network access, and even GPS coordinates for mobile systems. As a result, DVRs can be an invaluable resource when it comes to streamlining your data archival for maximum efficiency.

Overview
The advantages of DVR servers include extremely long recording time compared to analog, vastly higher storage capabilities, and much clearer image quality.

They're easy to install and offer a lot of flexibility.

The system can monitor itself and even alert you by phone or email if the cameras detect certain events.

An Ethernet-enabled server allows you to monitor your system remotely from anywhere in the world.

Finally, easy device integration lets you collect and organize an important meta-data related to your footage.

With all of these features and more at your disposal, you can't really afford to keep relying on an obsolete VCR to effectively meet the demands of your home or business security surveillance system. It's probably time to start thinking about making the switch too a DVR server.
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