Re: Intelligent DVR questions

[J. Sloud <jsloud@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Since you have the ADT alarm, have you considered asking them about
the DVR?  They probably install more CCTV than anyone in the country.
You'd want to talk to their engineered systems division.

To answer your questions:

1.  The typical pixel change motion detection built into most DVR's
will be tripped by your cats.  Some DVR's are being introduced in the
near future with intelligent motion detection that can analyze motion
and determine the source.  Until then, the best option may be a
stanalone video analysis system like VideoIQ from GE or ObjectVideo's
VEW.  This, of course, depends on your budget.

2.  DVR cards vs. commercial off-the-shelf DVR's:  The most expensive
part of any DVR is the hard drive space.  You really don't save much
by bying a card and supplying the PC yourself.

3. Embedded OS versus Window:  Check out GE Kalatel's StoreSafe and
DVRMe models and Bosch's Divar 2.  Compare these with the PC based
machines.  Both offer TCP/IP connectivity and free remote client
software.

Look into remote video monitoring services.  ADT offers alarm
verification that ties the security alarm into the CCTV systems so
their operators can view your cameras if you have an alarm.  They can
then determine the threat and provide information to you or police.
With the right system, this is only $180 extra per year.


http://www.objectvideo.com/products/

http://www.geindustrial.com/ge-interlogix/kalatel/videoiq.html






On Thu, 01 Sep 2005 20:19:24 GMT, "Tom Gardner"
<tom(nospam)@ohiobrush.com> wrote:

>Well, I don't really have any INTELLIGENT questions but I have some dumb
>ones.  First, here is my situation:
>
>I have old 15k' light mfg building in the Cleveland inner city.  I have been
>broken into 15 times this year alone.  We have an ADT system with 3 PIRs, 1
>Dualtech, door switches and fire system connections.  We have an armed guard
>service that tours the building every few hours and has almost caught the
>thieves a couple of times.  The thieves can hear the main gate opening and
>they run.  The Cleveland Police has staked-out the building on numerous
>occasions without joy.  I have researched many security solutions and
>upgrades and am most inclined to use a video system.  One of the limiting
>factors is that we have cats on duty in the building thus limiting our dumb
>sensors.  The other BIG advantage other than security is monitoring and
>recording workcenter activity with the intention of improving efficiencies,
>supplement training, reduce shrinkage, record injury circumstances and see
>just what those silly cats do at night.
>
>The end product I want is:
>    1.  Selectable, robust motion detection areas that will be cat-immune
>but record face identifiable footage of criminal activity and trigger my ADT
>system.
>    2.  Constant recording of selectable work activities.
>    3.  An easy to use, robust, low-maintenance, non-twitchy, good-feeling
>system that does not have too many capabilities that I will never use but
>has most of the capabilities I DO want, at a reasonable cost.
>    4.  Administration of system through our tcp/ip computer network.
>
>We can internally handle installation and computer related issues with no
>problem.  I have been looking at various websites of DVR cards and related
>equipment and will pull the trigger as soon as I am sure of what I want and
>need and find a vendor that I have confidence in. I see the full spectrum of
>ebay vendors to stuff that is WAY out of my range with capabilities I will
>never need.  I believe that eight cameras would more than cover the internal
>views I need but I don't know if I might like to expand to accommodate
>external views and coverage of some areas with different angles or
>magnification.
>
>I haven't submitted a budget range yet as I am unsure what I will use.  The
>prices vary so much, I know some of the stuff is crap and some is just WAY
>over-priced...I haven't figured out the sweet spot yet.  A few local
>companies I have called knew nothing about DVR systems.  Most of the on-line
>vendors I have e-mailed with questions haven't responded...they're out of
>the running, they must not want my money.
>
>Just what is the difference between a Geovision 800 for $700 and a off-brand
>with similar specs for $210?  Does every DVR card demand an Intel or can I
>use an AMD?  What cameras can I be happy with?  What's a reasonable budget
>number for everything excluding labor?  What stuff should I avoid like the
>plague?  What features are necessary, too cool not to have, or just plain
>cheesecake?  Are there any recommendations for vendors?
>
>Thanks, next time I might have intelligent questions!
>