Archive for the ‘Video Recording’ Category

Digital Video Recorder for Surveillance – Selecting the Best One for You

Business, Video Recording | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 13 2009

8 Channel Digital Video RecorderOne of the usual reasons that people buy digital video recorders is for surveillance. These gadgets offer much in terms of functionality and convenience for personal, residential and business uses. Their design has been refined over the years, making them easier to install and use. But faced with such a wide range of choices, would you know which one is right for you? Here are some of the most important features to check:

Stationary DVR  vs. Portable
Stationary DVRs are installed and kept in a particular area, whether it’s a room or building. These are dedicated surveillance equipment meant to monitor an area continuously.

Portable video recorders, on the other hand, are less bulky (but not necessarily lacking in function) because they are designed to be handy. Very often, they are designed to resemble an ordinary object, such as a pen, a radio clock, a smoke detector, a watch or a cellphone so they are easier to conceal. Their appearance also makes them easier to use for covert recording.

Capacity Factor
Capacity generally refers to the device’s memory, or the amount of data that a DVR can store and manage for surveillance. If you’ll be using the recorder for continuous surveillance, such as for home or business establishment security, you will need a DVR with a higher capacity, such as one that has 320GB to 500GB of memory. When it comes to handheld DVRs, the ones with as low as 2GB to 4GB memory will often suffice for short-term recordings.

Connectivity Considerations
Connectivity is another important factor when deciding on which digital video recorder to choose for surveillance. If you plan on monitoring several areas simultaneously using just one DVR, then look for a unit that has this feature. Depending on the make and model, a DVR can handle from four to about 16 cameras all at once.

Portable versions, such as handheld DVRs, are generally simpler and can only handle images from one camera which are usually built into the device itself. A few models, however, can be connected to as many as four cameras.

Image Upload
A digital video recorder basically requires a monitor to allow you to view recorded images. Depending on what you already have (or are willing to buy), find out which types of devices the DVR is compatible with. In most cases, it can probably be linked to a computer or directly to a TV set.

Storage Concern
If you want to save the images onto a storage media (and it’s likely you will want to), select a digital video recorder that can work with a DVD or CD burner or connected to a flash USB drive. This will make it easy for you to reference or review events.

Tags: , ,
No Comments »

USB DVR – Review

Video Recording | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 11 2009

If it hadn’t been for digital video recorders, we would still be stuck with annoying grainy video images on tape and distorted audio. Now, we get to enjoy the features and functions that only a USB digital video recorder can offer. But does it offer enough for you to actually need one? Here’s a short review of this gadget:

USB DVRIts Format
USB digital video recorders basically produce images using MPEG4 or AVI formats. These are quite helpful because these formats are not resource hungry and will help you save a lot in terms of memory — excellent if you only have a few gigabytes to spare.

If overwriting older footage is not something you want, you could also choose a USB DVR that has an SD card slot so you can expand its built-in data storage. This will allow you to make continuous recordings of one or multiple activities without worrying that you’ll fill up your storage quickly.

DVR’s Recording mode
The most popular brands of USB digital video recorders offer several recording modes. This is a feature that lets you change the image settings and quality for footage you are about to capture. You could, for example, set the frame capture at a lower number per second — say, 18 fps — for footage showing normal activities.

If the footage you are recording is quick-paced, such as of a person running or a car passing by or if you’re trying to capture footage of an active football game, you could set the frame speed at a higher rate. This will help result to better quality recording, with less pixelation or distortion.

You could also configure the resolution of the image prior to capture so the DVR will produce sharper and clearer footage.

Connectivity Considerations
The USB digital video recorder works seamlessly with almost any regular computer. This allows for easier and faster viewing of recorded photos and videos. Once the connection has been established with a computer, photos and other images may then be uploaded, viewed, edited or shared.
Problems

While this type of video recorder can produce good quality images and footage, they aren’t perfect. At least, not yet. Recording images on high resolution can sometimes suffer in quality, particularly if they are being taken using high speeds. A recording mode using a resolution of 720×480, for example, will not produce the same imaging quality if taken at a higher speed of, say 30 fps. Making a few adjustments, however, will correct this. You could simply set the DVR at a lower fps for a higher resolution image capture.

Tags: ,
No Comments »

Mini Digital Video Recorder – When to Use One and Why?

Video Recording | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 07 2009

Are you planning to purchase a mini digital video recorder?  These tiny, handheld gadgets are some of the bestselling surveillance items today, thanks to their myriad functions.  Mini digital video recorders are equally as useful as security devices as they are gadgets for recreation.  Find out more about this tool, how it works and when to use one.

Mini Digital Video RecorderWhat exactly is a mini digital video recorder?
This is an electronic device designed to capture audio and video signals, convert them into electronic data and store them for later viewing.

A mini digital video recorder or DVR is a smaller version of the more traditional (and sizable) DVR.  It has the same design and functions packed into a small casing to make it easy to carry, install and conceal.

When do you need one?
This gadget is an excellent choice for capturing and storing images.  Their connectivity makes them easy to use, provided of course that there are no compatibility issues with an external device.  While they may not be the best choice for all video capturing activities, they do offer certain advantages.  Here are some situations when a mini digital video recorder is the better choice:

Its portability and convenience
Because it is small, the mini digital video recorder is handy enough to fit comfortably in the palm of the hand.  There are even DVRs that are small enough to double as pendants or as key chains.

If handling and portability are your main concerns, the mini digital video recorder can offer you digital recording functions in an easy to carry and lightweight package.  It’s also unobtrusive enough to be used conveniently even for tight spaces or awkward positions — something that you cannot readily expect from the more traditionally sized (albeit handy) DVRs.

When you need to record information secretly
Because of its size, this device can be worn on the body and remain unnoticed even while it is turned on.

Beware, though, that not every recording done using this type of recorder may be considered legal.  There are federal and state laws that will limit the kind of recording you make, particularly if you are making it surreptitiously without the knowledge and consent of the subject/s.  Make sure you understand what your legal limitations are before making any recordings.

Its reliable image recording feature
Images produced by the digital video recorder are easier to store, edit and save.  Although mini DVRs don’t store as many hours of playback as their bigger sized versions, there is enough memory in these gadgets to allow you to record several hours of activities.  Since images are digital, they are sharper, clearer and will remain as such even after a long time.

Tags: , ,
No Comments »

Pocket Digital Video Recorder – Brief Review

Video Recording | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 05 2009

Everyone should know that electronic gadgets are not created equal.  That is why many will spare no expense just to get what they want, usually for utility and frequently for bragging rights.  When there are so many digital recording gadgets out there that are more than capable of keeping today’s memories alive until the next millennium, why pay more when you can easily get value for your money?  Here’s a review of the pocket digital video recorder.

pocket DVRThis is of utmost importance – when people purchase a pocket digital video recorder, it’s so they can use a digital recorder that is portable enough to be carried around or they simply need a gadget that can record activities secretly.  The pocket-sized digital video recorder has all the basic features that can meet these requirements, with several nifty functions thrown in.  This makes it a prime candidate for earning a high rank as the gadget of choice for covert recording.

The good stuff

High resolution camera
The camera is a built-in feature that allows the pocket digital video recorder to capture images that are sharp and clear.  This is an excellent feature that assures you of good quality images each time, important particularly for surveillance purposes.

Fast image capture
One of the issues regarding smaller DVRs is that they don’t always produce high resolution video images.  This often leads to pixelation, which can produce distorted images.  Fortunately, the pocket digital video recorders today have a higher number of frames captured per second, which results to smoother movements.

Expandable memory
To ensure continuous recording, the unit comes with an SD card slot that allows you to use more memory and record longer hours.

Automatic recording
Another great feature of the pocket digital video recorder is that it can be set to motion-activated mode.  This allows it to automatically record images when its sensor detects movement within range, so there is no need for frequent or continuous interaction with the device.  You can pretty much leave it to work on its own.

The bad stuff
The pocket digital video recorder is designed for short-term recording due to its limited memory.  Some units come with as low as 2GB of memory that may not satisfy some users.  As long as the memory is expandable, however, this problem is easy to overcome.

Audio is also sort of an issue with the pocket digital video recorder.  Although it can boast of a range of 10 – 15 feet, noise reduction can sometimes be a challenge.  All in all, though, this is an excellent, portable and very useful surveillance tool.

Tags: , ,
No Comments »

Digital Audio Recorder – Things to Consider in Buying One

Video Recording | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Nov 10 2009

Pocket Digital Video RecorderA digital audio recorder can be of great help in many situations. If you are a student, you may need it to record important lectures so that you can study better afterward. If you are a researcher, you may need it for field notes and interviews. If you are in investigation, you may need it for recording or spying on your subjects. And if you are in security, you may need it to record goings on to go with your video feeds.

This device offers a variety of advantages. First, it records in known audio formats, so that you can simply transfer files to a computer for storage when you are done. Second, many digital audio recorders are fashioned so that you can record hours and hours of sound without having to transfer files. This can be convenient if you plan to be on the road for a while with your recorder and have no means to bring a computer with you for easy and instant transfer.

When purchasing a digital audio recorder, inquire about its features. You will want something that can store a lot of hours of audio, and at high quality. Sometimes, this device can be advertised as having a lot of recording capacity, but the sound quality will be poor. Also, get digital audio recorders that are sensitive, but that can filter out background sound that will tend to ruin your recording. There are many recorders out there that have good sound and sensitive microphones, but that do not pick up background sound. You can tell if you test record, and come up with static or high pitched noises.

There are also digital audio recorders that lets you record landline phone conversations, or that allow you to record from a cellular phone. You may want to use such recorders especially if you are doing phone interviews. This can keep your hands free for taking notes. Also, you may want one that have long lasting batteries, so that you do not have to keep on charging after every recording. Lastly, check out the price: digital audio recorders should have a price concomitant with what they have to offer.

These are only some of digital audio recorder features that you should consider when buying. Make sure that you get a good brand that will last a long time. Ask your audio retailer for details, and choose the best among as many brands as you possibly can get.

Tags: ,
No Comments »

Surveillance Video Recorder – Which One is For You

Surveillance Systems, Video Recording | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Nov 05 2009

surveillance video recordingSurveillance video recorders are at the heart of most surveillance equipment. They are used to record the images captured by a camera and are relied upon to produce images that will be used for review later. Unfortunately, surveillance equipment units are not created equal. Learn what you can expect from the available surveillance video recorders today and determine which one is right for you:

What are the types of surveillance video recorders
They generally come in two types: one for recording analog images and another for recording digital images. The analog type often uses VHS tapes and is one of the older types of surveillance video recorders. DVRs, on the other hand, record on disc or a memory card.

The main distinguishing point between these devices that use VHS and those that use DVRs is the recording medium. Images on VHS are analog and tend to deteriorate over time. Reviewing images can also be a challenge because it requires manual rewinding and playback. Surveillance video recorders of this type also have a limited number of viewing hours, depending on tape capacity.

On the other hand, DVRs, can capture events and save them as digital images. DVRs usually rely on memory cards or hard disk drives to store the data. Digital recorders are for easy access to events by freeze framing, so review is generally convenient. Events may also be indexed according to date, time, subject, users or events. Storage is also not an issue with digital recorders because images are stored electronically.
Which one suits you? For most purposes, an analog recorder will work very well. This recorder is generally cheaper, although the tapes tend to be more expensive in the long run. A digital surveillance recorder may be the preferred choice in terms of convenience, storage and future archiving.

When choosing these gadgets, do take into consideration the pros and cons of each type to see which one will be more useful to you. Factor in your needs, the main purpose of the recorder, how long you expect or require the recording time to be and whether or not you will be recording over the tape or disc again and again.

Other features
Surveillance video recorders are now built with multiple channels, so it’s possible to record captured images from several cameras all at once. This is frequently helpful if you intend to monitor several sites. There are video recorders that can process feeds from two to four channels to as many as 12 channels. Feeds may be recorded simultaneously and viewed later for reference.

Tags: ,
No Comments »

Turn Your PC into a Digital Video Recorder

Business, Hidden Camera, Home Surveillance, Professional Surveillance Cameras, Surveillance Systems, Video Recording | Posted by hiddencamera
Sep 02 2009

Another clever use for hidden or surveillance camera recording – using a PC to record the video.  The USB Digital Video Recorder is computer surveillance hardware that can be installed on a PC in just minutes, allowing one to monitor their camera surveillance while they are away from where the cameras are installed.

The USB DVR is connected to the desktop or laptop computer that the cameras PC are also connected to.  Just plug the USB DVR into an open USB port, and the camera into the RCA cable ports. The USB DVR will allow up to 4 cameras. While away from home, one can log on to the internet and view the camera live, or review past recordings, from any computer in the world.USB Digital Video Recorder

Some other key features of the USB Digital Video Recorder are:
 
 • Video playback, pause, stop, fast-forward, single-frame play and image capture
 • Advanced search mode
 • Multi-lingual
 • User friendly interface
 • Can record to HDD, USB DISK, ZIP Drive, CD/RW

The USB Digital recorder eliminates the need for an extra DVR or VCR to record hidden camera video from home and even professional camera video for a business.

No Comments »