1. What is a DVR ?

A DVR is short for Digital Video Recorder. The DVR replaces the outdated VCR recorder and converts analog images to digital and stores it in a hard disk for easy management. Its quality and performance is far more advanced than the VCR's limited capabilities.

2. What does a DVR do?

The DVR converts digital images to analog by the use of a capture card. It captures analog images and converts them to digital and stores them in a hard disc. It is able to expand its storage capacity by using additional hard disks or by the use of other storage devices.

3. What is a DVMS?

DVMS is short for Digital Video Management System. Like a DVR that replaces the outdated VCR recorder and converts analog images to digital and stores it in a hard disk a DVMS offers extended features more powerful than a standard DVR system. A PlanetCCTV DVMS, for example, auto-archives all video redundantly in the background of the normal operation of a DVR. The PlanetCCTV DVMS also allows simultaneously viewing of 'live', replay and archive files in the same window, whereas a vast majortiy of DVRs must exit live viewing to execute a search routine.

4. What are some of the core technologies in a DVR or DVMS?

Video compression technologies, because the raw video data is too large to be stored on hard disc, it must be compressed.

5. Where is the DVR / DVMS technology most commonly used?

The security, surveillance and high risk industries are the primary market for DVRs, which essentially covers just about all market segments.

6. What are some of the other uses of this technology?

The secondary uses, such as video conferencing, e-learning and web-casting, are only some of the unlimited possibilities.

7 . What are some of the commonly used terms in DVR / DVMS systems?

Frame Rate: This refers to the image or a frame as in a picture. The rate is measured in seconds, i.e. number of frames per second (FPS). The higher the FPS the smoother the picture in terms of real time.

Resolution: This defines the clarity of the image. The higher the resolution the higher the clarity of the picture. In the DVR/DVMS there is record rate and display rate. Standard resolution for the United States is 640x480 for CCD/CCTV camera technology. This is known as FULL frame, where as 320x240 is known as HALF frame and is the recording resolution of the majority of the digital recorders in the marketplace.

Bit Rate: The amount of compressed data. For some compression technology higher bit rate means better picture quality.

Channel: In this industry channel is referred to cameras or way, i.e., number of cameras or channels/ways. A 4 channel card or a 4 way card, etc., is the same as a card which can take 4 cameras.

Compression Method: There is software compression and hardware compression. Software compression uses software in the system to compress images or signals by using the power of the CPU. Some systems use both software and hardware compression. Compression methods used may be Wavelet, MPJEG, JPEG2000, MPEG4, etc., each with their own set of advantages or disadvantages.

8 . What cameras can you use with our DVMS?

The recording system card is camera independent. You can use any type (digital or analog/NTSC or PAL) of camera.

9 . Can I automatically adjust the cameras via the system?

Yes: color, resolution, compression, capturing speed and more.

10 . How much disk space do I need?

This depends of the storage requirement of the operation

11. What are some of the highlights of a DVR / DVMS?

• Audio and Video compression multiplexing by hardware.
• Provides real time recording and previewing
• We can achieve up to 25 to 30 frames per second for every channel

12. Is there a warranty for the PlanetCCTV DVR Cards?

Yes. This is generally for one (1) year, but can be extended.

13. Can the frame rate be adjusted?

Yes, on a camera by camera basis. Some systems have what is known as a "global rate", meaning all cameras record at the same rate or speed of frame capture.

14. Is there an Operation Manual?

Yes. This is provided when you purchase a PlanetCCTV system.. If you would like to review the system, do not have a copy or you have misplaced the manual, you can download this from our web site.

16. Can the user access the system when it is recording?

Yes, actually multiple users can access the system creating their own unique, definable views.

17. Can an administrative user prohibit users from viewing different cameras?

Yes, permissions can be granted on a camera by camera basis by a system administrator.

18. Does the system allow for remote access?

Yes. However the frame rate will be restricted by the bandwidth between the transmitter (the server) and the receiver (the remote client).

19. Does the system allow for playback on all 16 channels?

Yes, to the same screen, unlike 99% of the competitive products in the marketplace.

20. Does the system support multiple PlanetCCTV DVMS video servers in one network configuration?

Yes, in fact, a single workstation enabled by the PlanetCCTV Remote Client software will allow access to 256 servers or location and up to 4096 cameras.

21. What is the DVMS system's maximum capturing rate?

30 fps / 60 fps / 120 fps / 240 fps (fps = frames per second)

22. What backup mediums are used?

Any Windows compliant device, local hard disk volume or to any Network point

23. Can each channel be configured separately?

Yes

24. How specialized is the motion detection?

There is a 20x15 grid for defining motion detection areas per channel (300 pixel areas within each picture) and highly accurate with sensitivity controls.

26. What are the main features of the DVMS?

• 16-32 Composite (NTSC/PAL) Video input channels
• 60/120/240 fps Systems available to suite your needs
• 120Gig – 2000 Gigabyte ID or SATA RAID storage capacity (=2 Terabyte)
• Displays full screen, quad, 6, 9 or 16 screens at once (drag n' drop), completely user defined
• MJPEG / MPEG4 compressions
• Continuous, scheduled, sensor, motion, motion & sensor recording capabilities
• Optional 480 fps live display
• High speed dome controlling
• Ultra dome setup, presets & patrolling integration
• Supports Windows2000 and Windows XP
• Multiple profile security levels = multiple users each with their own unique password profile
• Digital watermarking on all levels of recording
• Communication interfaces include: RS-232, USB, LAN (network) wireless
• Software included: Remote access, upgrade, manual & auto backup, MJPEG& MPEG4 player
• And, most importantly, Ease of Use!