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PC based systems have a number of definate advantages over the far more popular Digital Video Recorder systems,though both will do an excellent job for you.As you can see in the caption above a PC based system consists of a card with four ports installed into your PC.You can add another card for an 8 camera system,then another for a 12 camera system.As shown in the diagram above, the cameras are plugged directly into the ports in the card at the back of the PC,the PC itself can be a desk top or tower.The system is then operated via a keyboard and a mouse,just like any other program on your PC.This is one of its biggest advantages,most people are now familiar with Windows based computer systems and how the prompts work and will find this much easier to operate,than a Digital Video Recorder (DVR).This is a very important advantage,the ease of operation!!
The PC used with the system is basically a medium level PC (Pentium IV or better),the Video card that is used to run the system must be a higher end but not a really high performance card.The rest of the equipment is basically standard PC parts.The system software and hardware must be installed into to the system,cameras,mouse,keyboard and a flat screen monitor connected and the system is ready to go.This leads to a number of other advantages over a DVR that comes under the generic term of service:If a part fails,which,fortunately happens infrequently,we can just simply replace the part on site,as these parts are readily available,it will amount to minimum disruption.Should there be a power failure or disconnection,the PC can be programmed to restart itself and the CCTV program will be operating immediately when power is restored.This is not possible with a DVR.
As the operating system for the PC is Windows XP Pro,the programs within Windows can also be used whilst the CCTV software is running so you actually get two tools for the price of one,a home or business PC and your CCTV system.The PC can be networked,easily and cheaply so that others can view the live or recorded pictures,the software comes with a multi level security access interface,so people can see the pictures,operate the system but not delete or change anything.You set the security level for each user or PC.
Another area the PC based C.C.T.V. system is superior is in remote monitoring.It is a far simpler and easier way to view your home or business from a remote location.You can log into your PC from anywhere in the world,you can view,control and operate the system remotely.You can set email alerts,SMS alerts that will notify you of any events,you can view your system from most PC`s in the world,internet cafes,hotels,lap tops most systems do not require remote software but some do,then you will only be able to log in,via a PC on which the software is installed.PC based systems are a superior way of remotely viewing your premises.
To transport images (give to Police etc),with a PC system,using your on board DVD writer,drop the images onto a disc,fast and simple or you could simply drop them onto a memory stick or other USB storage device.Some systems will require the Police etc to install viewing software on their PC,most will not.
Finally a little about costing and picture clarity: The clarity of a picture in any CCTV system depends on a number of factors which include the camera resolution,the screen resolution and the recording resolution,so there is no point in having a high resolution camera if the recording resolution is less that the cameras,the reverse is also true,a high resolution recording is only good if the camera resolution can at least match it,then off course the screen must also be high resolution.One factor in Digital recording that effects the clarity of the final picture is compression.For storage purposes the incoming photos are compressed into smaller files so that more pictures can be stored on a hard disc.They then must be decompressed when called, for viewing,this process does affect the clarity of the picture.With a PC system,because all parts and software are the latest versions the compression/decompression process is faster than all but the top end DVR`s,resulting in better pictures,,this is because; DVR`s are sealed units,factory made using standardised parts that are usually much older,and cheaper that what you will get in a new PC system,so the compression and decompression is usually much slower and without the clarity of a PC system,which will have a higher RAM,quality video card,faster processor and latest operating system.
The costing of these two systems is not very far apart.Remember that the PC system or DVR system is only part of a whole system,though off course the most important part.Assume that you are not asking for the cheapest possible cameras and installation,nor the most expensive and using quality,middle range equipment,cameras,power supplies,installation etc.For a 4 camera system,the difference in price between the two systems might run to a couple of hundred pounds,though of course the PC can be used for other tasks too,so is multi dimensional.For an 8 camera and above system,the price difference is not noticeable,indeed in some cases a PC based system may be cheaper.
Visit the next page to read my critique of Digital Video Recording systems. Click Here
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