Re: PC Based DVR

["Just Looking" <Spam@xxxxxxxxxx>]

I have found units with Windows XP Embedded work well as PC based units go.
I think once a certain number of cameras are reached it is easier to use a
total Windows based PC solution. Genetec and Verint use a Windows approach
where Intransa and AD Video Edge use a Linux Kernel. It is easier to use PC
units with certain types of systems where integration with access control
and such is necessary.

DM makes a cheap DVR line too. The EcoSense units start at less than a grand
for a dealer. The thing I like about certain PC based units over units like
DM is that WHEN the hard drive fails ( AND IT ALWAYS DOES) you can install a
new hard drive and recover the units with having to send it in for repair.


"Bob La Londe" <nospam@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:h5sk54$mg0$1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> I've not sold any.  I've been sticking with DM, but I lose a lot of
> business to the PC based systems.  I have installed a few for clients who
> purchased units themselves, but had no clue how to set them up.  My
> experience has been that they are not that stable.  Atleast not Windows
> based units.  If you put in a seven day auto reboot they work better, and
> some like Pelco's units have it as part of their setup.  (I guess I have
> sold a windows PC based DVR afterall.  Forgot about those.)
>
> Still.  It seems to me that unless the customer can be trained to check
> the unit regularly they run a very high risk of finding their recorder
> locked up when they really need to review some video.  What do you do to
> prevent this?
>
> Are Linux based machines any better?
>
> How about building your own.  I'm sure some of you guys do that.  What do
> you use for a PC so that you have a really good machine to stick your
> card(s) in?
>
> I've only played with a couple cards stuck in my own PC type applications,
> and I was not totally thrilled with the performance.
>
> With cheap PC based recorders it seems like the logical thing to do would
> be to install two units for redundant recording, but when people see
> "cheap" its awfully hard to get them to step back up and spend a little
> more money to make up for the "cheap" part.