Where will you locate your video recorder?
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Where will you locate your video recorder?

As you start to consider equipment locations, please keep the following in mind: All systems (including wireless) require a video recorder or some type of modem for the camera to report to. This is also commonly referred to as the “front end”.


The important thing here is to understand that any device you choose will have to be protected from the elements. Do not locate the video recorder anywhere you would not feel comfortable putting a computer. The video recorder must be protected from the elements in a fairly stable, clean, dry and controlled temperature environment. This eliminates locations such as attics or garages where temperatures may soar.



When choosing the location of the video recorder, remember the following:


    The unit requires constant power.


    For remote viewing (internet or mobile), connecting a network cable (Cat5 or 6) from the video recorder to your internet modem is required. (“Wireless” or “Wifi” does not support the bandwidth requirements).


    Each camera will require one cable from the camera location to the video recorder or PoE Switch. The location of the video recorder must take this into consideration. There are other options, such as networking, which we will discuss later.


    Recommended locations include: utility closets, computer rooms or racks, homes or business offices, entertainment centers, bedroom dressers, storage cabinets, etc.

 

 

Selecting Your Video Recorder

Nationwide, video surveillance systems typically grow 35% after installation. This is due to two reasons: First, the customer did not use an adequate number of cameras to provide the coverage they desired. Second, the customer found the system to be so effective that they expanded the system to provide additional security and surveillance benefits.

 

The lesson here is to allow the system to have expansion capabilities. You can always add cameras, but it’s the DVR that you have to make sure will support your future needs. Surveillance DVRs are built to support four, eight, sixteen and thirty two cameras. If you initially purchase four cameras with a four channel DVR and then later find that you absolutely need a fifth camera, that one additional camera is going to be expensive. Out goes the four camera DVR and in comes a new eight camera DVR. Lesson: it is wise to purchase a video recorder that is one size larger than you initially need.


The difference between an NVR & a DVR

 

 




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