Choosing a Recording Soluiton

Product Information/Choosing a Bosch DVR

There are a variety of solutions for recording video available today. The options include cameras and encoders with built-in storage, embedded or PC-based digital video recorders, network video recorders, and cameras and encoders that stream direct to storage without any intervening hardware.

Your requirements help to narrow the field during the selection process. Considering the amount of cameras, the number of facilities, the communications infrastructure, the alarm handling needs, and the degree of integration with other systems, among other factors, are all important when setting up a surveillance system.

Smaller systems with just a few analog cameras often need only a basic recorder that is ready to use straight from the box - just plug in the cameras, add power and the DVR begins recording automatically. For other small applications, a Secure Digital flash memory card that can store days of recorded video in the camera or encoder is adequate.

If you have analog cameras already installed and want to expand the system with IP cameras, you will benefit from a hybrid digital video recorder. These DVRs can record video from both analog and IP cameras and display video from each side-by-side on one monitor. A hybrid system that provides H.264 compression will reduce the amount of storage required for recorded video.

For larger systems or those that continuously record at the highest resolution and frame rate, it may be best to take advantage of direct-attached storage or storage area networks (SANs), which can hold large amounts of data and tend to be a more cost-effective option.

A PC-based DVR or NVR may be required if you need more extensive alarming and interface capabilities or integration with other systems, such as access control platforms, alarm panels, ATM and POS terminals, fire alarm systems or license plate capture equipment. More advanced embedded devices can also provide this functionality with just one unit to set-up - eliminating the need for the separate server, PC client and storage components that increase installation times by 50 percent. Embedded systems also provide the benefit of reduced maintenance costs, as there are no operating system patches or anti-virus software to install and manage.

If you want a future system expansion or currently need to manage recordings across multiple facilities, a DVR that has the capability to connect to other DVRs is important. For example, some devices have software that allows you to connect and control multiple DVRs in a system - providing access to all recorders from a single workstation.

Whether you are upgrading from older technology or installing a completely new surveillance system, there is a range of recording solutions available. Let your requirements guide you to the best solution for your application.