Q:Do i need a computer for this to record video?
A: no,
its a stand alone dvr, & it records video to a built in removable
hard disk drive, you can view video on a computer or back up video
files via usb front port.
Q:how do i power this dvr in my truck-car or home?
A:just connect the included 18 gauge 2 conductor positive + -
negative pigtail wire right to your fuse box, or anywhere a positive
link is in you car, or wire it directly to your vehicles battery
+ Hot = (RED)- Ground = - (RED with A BLACK stripe)
12v dc power supply included for home use.(*optional cigarette lighter available for $9.99)
Q:what cameras can i use on this dvr, & how do i power them.
A:you
can use ANY color, or black & white combo wireless ccd, cmos,
digital, or analog video camera that has a standard bnc or rca
composite video output connection. 12v Cameras can be powered the same
as the dvr, by using a pigtail positive negative connection. any
standard speaker cable 2 conductor will work fine for that.
We also carry battery packs, & a cigarette lighter adapter if you don't want to directly wire it in your car.
Note:
Wireless cameras should only be used if you cannot physically run a
wire to the camera location, or you are trying to be covert about where
your recorder is hidden.
Q:how long will this unit record using the installed 500gb hdd
A:it
will record for weeks, & even months depending on how you set up
the frame rate of record time & motion settings, you can email us
when you buy the recorder & we can set it up for you to record the
duration that fits your needs.
Note:
The Record time can vary depending on how much motion is sensed. The
lower the frame rate=the longer the record time you will achieve, but
the video will play back in frame shot pictures, & will not look as
fluid as real time looks as if it was set on the highest frame rate
setting. Set for continuous record at the highest frame rate using 4
cameras will record for around 3 full days then overwrite/loop.
Q:Do i need a monitor to record or view my cameras?
You
only need a monitor to set up & aim your cameras, or review play
back of recorded video. if you disconnect the monitor, the dvr will
still record.
You can also use your laptop/computer to live view the
cameras in real time through usb & to aim your cameras or review
video playback.
Note: If using this dvr in your home, on your master
TV set, you can easily connect it to one of your aux inputs on your
tv's front or rear yellow rca female video input jack & view your
regular tv programming or switch to a live view of your cameras with a
1 button press on your remote.
Q:is this unit quiet running or have a fan?
A:yes its a very quiet operational unit with no fan.
Q:how do i mount this dvr.
A:Mounts anywhere in your trunk, under your seat, & even on its side if needed with 2 simple L 7 type brackets found at any hardware store.
If using it in your home it can sit on top of any tv set or set on your disply rack on a vcr or dvd player.
Q:how many cameras will this unit support:
A:up to 4 cameras can be connected to the dvr, and 1 sound mic port in/out rca females.
Q:how do i play video back?
A:You
must first press the stop button on the dvr, then you can search by
time & date/event motion trigger easily, & fast forward
ff-rewind rew 2x, 4x, or 8x to quickly scan through the recordings.
Note: after you search the video, you must hit the record button again to re-arm the dvr.
Q:how many monitors can be connected to this dvr?
A:
2 monitors, 1 composite video tv or lcd monitor can be connected
unless you purchase our video distribution box which then allows up to
4 monitors to be connected with no signal loss. Your laptop can also be
used as a 2nd monitor to view live video in real time.
Q:does this have internet access?
A:no it does not, you would need to pay 89.00 extra to upgrade to that model.
Q:how do i save recorded video?
A:
you either back up video directly to a computer or laptop with the
included software. You can even use a vcr & record sound-video
directly to a vhs tape, or use a hand held mini pocket dvr with av
recording inputs.
Q:Can i mask or hide a camera from appearing on a monitor so others do not know i am using a hidden or covert camera?
A:Yes
you can, the dvr unit is password protected, & you can specify
which cameras you want to be displayed for others to see. It will still
record all the cameras, but just display a blue screen over the camera
channel that is blacked out by you. Its a setting in the menu that can
be turned on or off easily.
Q:what is the largest hard drive i can use in this dvr?
A:500
gigs max, 1 hard drive slot only. any std ide hdd will work when set to
master, & it can be formatted with a 1 button touch "right arrow
tab"on start up through the dvr after connected to the 2 ribbon cables
inside removing 6 Philips screws from the cover.
Q:Can i use this somewhere where there is no power?
A:
yes, any 12v car type battery will work to power the unit, or daisy
chain a few car batteries for extended record times. Even use a solar
power panel if in a remote area, which we also carry, & we can also
supply low volt drawing cameras if needed. The dvr draws 2.5 amps or
less.
Q:what is the frame rate for each camera?
A: 30fps per camera & 120 fps total.
Q:what If i have 4 cameras connected to the dvr but i am only watching camera 1 on a TV monitor, is it only recording camera 1?
A: No,
it is still recording all 4 cameras & you can still review playback
in a 4 screen picture or in single camera full screen mode.
It will record all the cameras connected to the dvr no matter how you are viewing them in real time.
Q:what happens when the hard drive gets full?
A:no
tapes to change ever again. When the hdd is full, it will automatically
loop & overwrite the earliest recorded video, or you can set the
dvr to stop recording in the menu.
Q:What about the cold or hot weather, will it affect the dvr recording?
A:
We have not had any recording problems using this dvr in the cold
michigan weather, or the hot weather of Arizona, so its ok i would say
for any application.
Q:how can i view my cameras on all my tv sets in the house?
A:that
can be done by using a digial rf modulator which connects directly
after your cable or satellite coaxial incoming signal, & you can
filter out some tv channels you do not watch, & when the tv set is
turned to that channel in the house, the cameras will appear on the
selected channels in 4 screen mode if thats the way you have your dvr
display set.
Q:when i turn off my car ignition will the dvr still record?
A:yes it will still record as long as you have it connected to a live fuse or directly to the vehicle's battery
NOTE:
if you are not sure on how to wire this in your car/truck, any car
stereo dealership can attach, direct hot wire, & even extend the
dc power pigtails for you for a small labor charge.
Q:If
im using this in my home, & the power goes out & then comes
back on, will the unit start to record again or do i have to re
arm-activate it?
A:when the power comes back on, your dvr will start recording automatically.
Note:
If you are in a situation where theft can be a big loss for you, &
the burglars are very smart & know you have cameras installed, they
may try to cut off power to you home or business, & you may want
to get whats called a battery backup system sold at any local computer
or electronics store which will hold power to your cameras & dvr
even if someone has cut off your power, & are going to try to rob
you blind.
Q:what is the warranty & how are returns handled:
A: full 1 year warranty from purchase date. Email must be sent or you
can call by phone to troubleshoot the problem. If we cannot fix the
problem over the phone, then an rma# will be issued. The unit must be
returned to us with your full name, phone# & return address.
Q:Can you custom design me a system to fit my specific needs?
A: yes we can customize a system for any application. You need to
decide on an overall spending budget, the type of cameras you require, how
long of cables you need from the cams to the dvr, & we can suggest a value priced high quality do it yourself system.