PC Based Sales?

[CCTV Blog Admin]

Are you finding that most PC based DVR sales are going down? It seems that consumers as a whole are requesting more and more stand alone type DVRs. I was just wondering if anyone had an opinion on this.

[Sharad Desai]

I totally agree with you.

[Nate]

I understand and agree with most of what you're saying. However, all it takes is someone getting access to that PC/DVR with a game install DVD and all bets are off. Did it rewrite a DLL file you need? Did it modify the registry in a way that makes the DVR app unstable? Did the install program make a miscellaneous tweak somewhere that will kill the DVR or cause an odd malfunction? Is the game going to reside in memory until a hard reboot flushes it and frees some RAM?

Best cure for that is to keep the unauthorized people completely away from teh system. That will only work, in my experience, if it's a dedicated machine and there only for the security aspect. Too many times these machines start that way and then gradually become multi-use machines. Especially if the FIRST game installed doesn't cause a problem.

[Brandon Joubert]

I think Standalone DVR demand has exceed that of PC based systems in the US. Currently in South Africa, I think DVR Cards still dominate - especially geovison. There does seem to be a marked swing towards standalones in SA as well though, with H.264 Compression gaining ground.

We used to promote the wave-p cards until we dropped DVR cards from our line around 2006. The standalone is an integrators dream in terms of installation, and a users dream for DIY, or non pc specialist users. PC based systems are very problematic and not designed for low interrupt latency rates needed for real time processing.

PC based systems come into their own when it comes to repair though, as most parts are readily available, while that is not the case with a standalone system. Some standalone suppliers hmay have spare parts - but it's not as simple as just replacing a motherboard on a standalone system.

[CCTV Blog Admin]

Valid points. The funny thing is that everyone started going towards stand alones and now the industry is pushing PC based systems again. Why? Becuase they are pushing IP cameras. IP systems need the resources of a PC to work with megapixel and VGA quality cameras. The realabilty of the dvr has not changed but it's now considered the future and the must have technology. Its so stupid. Really. The marketing is masive that it's changing peopes mindsets and they don't even know why.

[Brandon Joubert]

I think standalones where all the rave for two to three years - until the first batch needed repairs and maintenance. having to replace a system because the PSU blew --- would raise eyebrows. Repair ability of the PC based systems for large corps with IT personnel must make pc based systems a far better option in the long run.

[CCTV Vancouver]

I’ve been in the industry for nearly two years and have to say that I’m a bit partial to the stand alone systems, just for the main fact that it’s a stand alone. There’s a lot to be said for a stable system that just does its job.

However, I strongly believe that the stand alone DVR has its days numbered. With NVR’s usability and stability coming ever closer and increasing features, the NVR systems will start gaining on the analogue systems. It’s just a matter of time and the right product.

[Brandon Joubert]

Yes that has been the standard belief for some time.

I think we missed that the DVR manufacturers are themselves not sitting by idly --- they have responded with Hybdrids, Digital Conversion, CMS, and analytics and now they are making waves with HDcctv!

I wouldn't write off the DVR quite yet!

[PS]

I was working with Pelco DX8100, which are basically same PC inside. Most problem with "going down"..
As for me, it depends what is "going down" - power supply of software? THere are a lot of solutions for it. I will be more than happy if I can help.
Regards

[Sharad Desai]

Of course, SA DVR is easiest way to please small customers and are getting more and more cheaper. But big projects where we need more then 50 cameras, PC based DVR is preferable. The only thing we need is expertise in installing various DVR cards in one PC. Once we instal DVR Cards perfectly, then there is no need to worry. Generally, such PC is dedicated one, there is hardly any fear of corruption in windows programs.

[Brandon Joubert]

Why would you say IP is preferrable in big projects? Would you say a casino is a big project?

Well i could show you a number of casino security managers that don't agree with those sentiments on IP.

(1) IP reduces security control by expanding access, and entry points.......
(2) IP Light Sensitivity is poor
(3) IP Frame Rates are poor --- especially for Casino's where Real Time is the order of the day.
(4) IP has terrible lag/latency with PTZ or other input devices.
(5) IP Creates reliability issues with storage when network downtime is considered.
(6) IP increases Bandiwth costs
(7) IP requires fork lift upgrades for the 90% of consumers who already have legacy systems.
(8) IP demands additional learning curves for security personnel, or security learning curve for IT personell.
(9) IP is expensive

Now I fully agree that IP is a good way to expand surveillance across large areas, and IP has many applications.......But IP is not the Only solution for big projects over 50 cameras!

[Vasu Garg]

No Not at all totally wrong if considering INDIA in this, if i tell you the fact that now India developing towards the Hybrid system including both nON-Ip as well as IP, in Hybrid they also have DVR cards in nvr along with other IP camrea's and they manange there previously installed NON-IP system with present IP system through a single Central Manangement system having a 3rd party software. as Hybrid system is cheaper with the best. See at www.ipcctv.webnode.com
and also leave feedback there what you think about it.