The Standalone DVR Myth

A few days ago I took a call from a nice fellow with the Secretary of State’s office from one of my favorite, but unnamed, western states. To my surprise the caller had an amazing application for a security camera system. Each system was to be a four camera setup with a limited but critical need to save video at certain times of the year. The project called for each county in the state to have one security camera system of this type and a quote was needed immediately for a high level meeting the next day.

I explained to the caller that our primary security camera system was a PC based solution using a combination of Dell systems matched with the GeoVision DVR card and software that we preinstall. I explained the benefits of a PC based system and it appeared to be a perfect fit for the application. Making the fit even more complete was that our PC based DVR’s, being ready to go out of the box, could easily be installed by the state’s IT staff present at each county office needing the equipment. Again during the entire call, as I was explaining that a PC based solution using Windows XP Pro offered an amazing variety of remote access options for both the local offices and my caller, whose office is in the state’s capitol, everything appeared to be a perfect fit. From iPhone/Blackberry remote viewing to the fact that this system was as secure, if not more so, than any PC in use by the state now the conversation went wonderfully and ended with a request for a quote ASAP.

As luck would have it, this fine state had a little e-mail problem that day and not a single e-mail I sent with the quote went through. I tried sending the quote from my office account, my Yahoo account, my Gmail account, all to no avail. Any message I sent from any mail service with even a single PDF attachment was being blocked do to what was at the time an unknown problem with the state’s e-mail. Finally, around 7:00 PM Eastern I sent the quote as text only in an e-mail from my main office account and the caller was very grateful that at least he had the numbers for his meeting the next day.

By the next morning the problem with state’s e-mail service had been corrected and every vendor who had reported the same issue the day before was now able to sent attachments with no problems.

But to get to the “Myth” I mentioned in the title: My afternoon follow-up call the next day took an unexpected turn when the nice fellow from the Secretary of State’s office used the term “Standalone DVR”. Not being able to keep quiet I politely mentioned that that term was used to describe non PC based DVR solutions and I described them as a set top box more like the DVR unit you might have at home from Direct TV or your cable company. To my surprise I received the reply: “Yes, exactly, that’s what we want!” . I was beside myself. I instantly thought of our talks the day before, I thought of the time spent explaining the benefits of a PC based solution to which every tidbit of feedback from the caller was positive. I recalled working late from home to make sure the caller had the quote in time for his meeting.... and now I am told they want a standalone solution?

Of course, I had to ask what features of the standalone product the caller was interested in? Was it the myth of the lower price? (Which, as I explained, is only realized when looking at the absolute lowest end of the standalone product line.) Was it the myth of ease of use? (And I would agree with this if you think it’s easier to navigate a cell phone menu using only 4 directional arrow buttons than it is to use a mouse and a keyboard.) But before I could go any further the nice fellow from the Secretary of State’s office interrupted and said “No it’s just that we don’t need all those features of a PC bases DVR and we don’t want anything that can get a virus or be hacked into.” And there you have it right there at the end of that statement. The great myth that makes perfectly intelligent people drop about 100 points off their IQ in seconds.

Though, I did not get into this at the time, it’s worth mentioning the absurdity of this belief. For starters, and of course correct me if I am wrong, but I’m thinking that every critical application of any business or government agency in the last 15 years is run on a computer. The belief that computers should be avoided because they can get a virus or be hacked would not prevent the same customer from using his PC based e-mail to conduct all manner of critical and confidential business. It would not prevent the Government from keeping all manner of data stored on them, from our tax returns to the tracking of terrorists. It would not prevent those same callers from going home and doing their Christmas shopping online. But yet somehow the fear that someone could hack into your DVR system and watch video of your parking lot is enough to prevent using the most flexible and feature rich DVR solution on the market?

Keep in mind that anything can be hacked. So you are left with two choices. Put your trust in a PC based DVR solution whose core technology is a known entity to your IT staff and whose security is constantly improved by one of the world’s leading software development companies. Or put your trust in a standalone product whose security is an unknown factor that your IT staff will have virtually no knowledge of or ability to improve. To me choosing the second option is no more than putting your head in the sand and pretending that you are safe.

So, in my opinion, if you need a full featured DVR, take a deep breath, look around at the world we live in, decide if you need a serious and full featured DVR solutions, and stop obsessing over the security of a PC bases solution. That is, of course, unless you just trashed all your PC’s and bought everyone in your accounting office an abacus .

For more opinions on the Myth of the Standalone DVR contact www.CameraSecurityNow.com 877-422-1907

Arizona Security Cameras

Throughout the years, Arizona has become a popular spot for travel, retirement and relocation. Its dry climate, beautiful art and culture, and many tourist attractions including the Grand Canyon, are just a few of the reasons why the state boasts an economy larger than that of several European nations. Thousands of companies call Arizona's major cities such as Phoenix, Tuscon, Tempe, Flagstaff, and Glendale home, as well as the smaller cities in between.

No matter the size or location, any business owner knows that safety and security are two of the most important aspects of any business. Whether you are preventing employee theft or protecting your business from harm, the proper security camera system can be the key to smooth operations. Whether you are setting up security at a new business, or looking to update and old system at your existing business, Camera Security Now can provide you with you with what you need in Arizona and all over North America. We offer quality service, competitive pricing, and a full line of the best DVR/CCTV products in the business along with a local professional who can install your security cameras and network.

Keep your business secure and safe with the latest in security camera technology by calling 877-422-1907 or visiting our website to get an express quote on Arizona Security Cameras.

Alaska Security Cameras

Every year, more and more Americans are moving to Alaska for a unique living experience. Lower costs of loving, steady employment growth, the state's location in the global market, and a sense of adventure are just a few things attracting residents from the lower 48. As the state's population grows, so does the need for new businesses and a higher demand is placed on existing companies.

An important aspect of any successful business is safety and security. From preventing employee theft to protecting your workers and products, a proper security camera system can be the key to keeping things running smoothly. Whether you run a bank or a bar; you're starting a new business or needing to replace an old, outdated system, Camera Security Now can provide you with video surveillance anywhere in Alaska and all over the United States! With quality service, competitive pricing, and a full line of the best in DVR/CCTV products, we can fill all of your camera security needs. We provide not only the equipment, but a local professional technician to install your cameras and network.

If you want to keep your business safe and secure with the latest security camera technology, visit our website to get a fast quote on Alaska security cameras or call 877-422-1907 today.

KJB Micro Eyes DVR Ball Camera

Wow, so I know all of you out there have always had that notion to spy on someone. Your sitting somewhere and you wonder what someone says about you behind your back or what your kid really does in his room. Well now you can get those questions answered! And you can get answers with a significantly less chance of getting busted!

Check out the KJB Micro Eyes DVR Ball Camera.(isnt the kjb russian secret police?) This thing is pretty cool. Its a mini dvr camera that can fit virtully anywhere. How you ask? Well thats largely due to the fact that the KJB Micro Ball is about the size of an average ping pong ball, which is also the world's very first ball shaped mini dvr camera. Inside the compact shape is a motion activated camera and dvr that captures images at 30 FPS at 320x240 resolution. It comes with a 128mb internal memory and can support up to a 2 gig micro sd card.

Some added features include 1 t.v. output port, rechargeable Li-Polymer battery 3.7V DC 380mA, continuous 6 hour recording, USB connector/adaptor 5V DC 2A,recording on motion detection 4-24 hours, MPEG 4, camera: CMOS under 1 Lux 55 degrees and weighs 1 ounce. This camera is perfect for anything from vehicle security, sports or business security to schools homes or whatever your little heart desires.

DVR Card - Under Four Hundred Dollars

Recently someone asked the question: “What’s a good 4 port DVR card for under $400”. That’s a good question because a quality four port DVR card at the right price can give a small business or a home user a lot of options for a security camera system.

To help our readers answer that question, so they don’t take our word, or the word of any vendor as gospel, let me explain the thinking has lead to our decision to sell the GeoVision brand of DVR cards.

1.Dependability – GoeVision DVR products are used worldwide and their years of digital surveillance system design and commitment to manufacturing excellence are reflected in their DVR cards. With hardware failure rates so low that you can rest assured you are buying a quality product.

2.Features – Offering one of the most diverse and continually updated software packages in the industry every model, from the most entry level, to the top of the line GeoVison DVR card uses the same quality software. Popular features include Hardware Image Compression, IP camera support, Point of Sale Integration, Access Control Integration, Online Monitoring, and even License Plate Recognition.

3.Ease of Use – Being a PC Based Security Camera Solution the menu driven GeoVision software is easy to upgrade, maintain, and use. Offering all the network connectivity and remote access options as any business class computer system the GeoVisoin DVR solution offers total network flexibility.

4.Value – As subjective as this is I think most will agree that a quality product, from a reliable name brand manufacture with a lengthy history in the security business, along with state of the art software designed for serious business security applications, and a reasonable price, would constitute good value.

So with that being said we at www.camerasecuritynow.com would recommend the GeoVision 650 four port DVR card as a great solution to the under $400 dollar DVR question. As mentioned above this card offers the same software as the GeoVision models selling for double its price and with the card operating at 60 Frames Per Second you are guaranteed to get at least 15 Frames Per Second Per Camera even if all four ports were recording simultaneously.

For more information on the GoeVison software visit out GeoVison Brochure page or our main website on Security Cameras.

Or contact us direct at:
Phone: 877-422-1907
E-Mail: sales@csn1.com

Intelligent Video Surveillance from Smart DVR's

As technology continues to improve all around us, in nearly all aspects of life, it makes sense that Digital Video Recorders (DVR's) are also following the same trend and becoming more "intelligent". As with most products in the world, especially when dealing with technology, there are many different expectations that people hold when it comes to the intelligence of a DVR.

Some people have very basic needs when it comes to a security camera system and are impressed when a DVR can record video to a hard drive, and then be played back from the web on any computer. Others, however, become lost in the world of CSI and create unrealistic expectations of the DVR. These people come to believe that any digital image can be magnified indefinitely, without loss of quality, and that faces can instantly be matched up to a criminal database.

Realistic expectations from an intelligent DVR come standard on a GeoVision Security system. These features include: recording when detecting motion, internet connectivity which includes remote viewing and playback through a web browser, central monitoring software to allow several DVR's to be monitored locally or remotely, and face detection, detecting missing or unattended objects, and many more.

With GeoVision DVR's all systems have the same quality of software and a high level of intelligence. GeoVision models only differ in hardware configuration which can affect the frame rate of capture, number of cameras each system supports, and the size of video storage. Many users are opting to go with the GeoVision systems due to their high level of intelligence and reduced cost when compared to less intelligent name brand DVR's.

For a better understanding of how an intelligent GeoVison DVR from Camera Security Now can help on your security camera project call us today at 877-422-1907.

GeoVision V8.12 Compatible with Vista

GeoVision's latest version, V8.12, is compatible with Microsoft's operating system, Vista. So now all GeoVision users who have Vista can rejoice. Along with being compatible with Vista this new version has greater mobility, scalability, and operability.

With V8.12 it is easier than ever to use your mobile device to view live feeds from your GeoVision surveillance systems. With a new multi-screen feature, you can view from 1 to 16 video feeds from anywhere you want! You can control PTZ cameras by simply using the directional pad on your mobile device. You can switch between cameras in a flash and view full screen video faster than ever before. So whether you want to check in on your store or keep an eye on your home, you can do it with no problem with the GeoVision V8.12.

Interested in GeoVision equipment and software? Camera Security Now offers GeoVision DVR Servers with V8.12!

Adding a Storage Location to your GeoVision DVR Server

Woodio demonstrates how to setup a 'storage location' on the GeoVision DVR Server for CCTV surveillance video.

Click here to see the growing series of Do It Yourself GeoVision Configuration Videos.

Call Me Now!

CameraSecurityNow.com has added a “Call Me Now!” request to their website. Have you ever been on a website and cannot figure out how to talk with someone about your needs and their products? Well not at CameraSecurityNow.com, every webpage has a “Call Me Now!” link on it. You don’t have to enter your life history to make it work either, simply provide your name, phone number and what time you would like them to call. A qualified CCTV DVR Camera Security Consultant will call at the appointed time.

Camera Security Now’s knowledgeable sales staff and quality equipment will help you decide on the equipment you need, and their pre/post sales Customer Service will keep you coming back.

For more information on a CCTV Camera Security System contact the CCTV Surveillance Consultants at CameraSecurityNow.com. A proud member of the Tech-Army.org

TV Output from Geovision DVR Server

Currently there are four methods available on having a TV output of your DVR monitoring.

1) If the PC DVR server is equipped with a combo card, there is a single video out (RCA) connection on the card. If your card is designed for 8 channels, all 8 channels will be displayed on the TV. If your card is designed for 16 channels, then all 16 channels will be displayed on the TV. Combo cards consist of the GV-1120, 1240 and 1480. If you wish to show only one channel or change the overall layout of the multiple cameras on display (i.e. channel 1 is large with 3-6 on the side is small) you will need to use the software called Spot Monitoring. Spot Monitoring is only available on the GV 8.01+ software, which means you need to latest GV combo card before you can use this feature.

2) If your using the GV-250, 600, 650, or 800 capture card, then you will need to buy a separate extension card in order to have the TV output feature. The card is called a GV-Loop Through card and can output four channels. Unlike the combo cards, the GV-Loop Through card will only output one channel at a via for each connection. For example, output #1 will only output camera #1, output #3 will only output camera #3. You do not have the option to use the Spot Monitoring software with this card.

3) For those that wish to have the spot monitoring feature, but only have a GV-250, 600, 650, or 800 capture card, there is a new extension card that is available. This card is call the GV-TV Out card, and will give you the display feature options just like that with the Spot Monitoring software. Since this card is fairly new, it will only work the the GV main system 8.01+ software.

4) If you wish to display one channel to multiple TVs, you will need to buy a module called DIS-104. This module will recieve one video signal and distribute it to four separate TVs.

For more information contact Camera Security Now