Q:  What is the difference between a DVR and NVR?

A:   DVR stands for Digital Video Recorder, whereas NVR stands for Network Video Recorder. The difference between NVR and DVR is how they process video data. ... Most NVRs are used with IP cameras whereas DVRs are used with analog cameras. 

Q:  What is the difference between and IP Camera and an Analog Camera?

A:   IP cameras require a Network Video Recorder (NVR) that serves much the same purpose. ... From a technical standpoint, the two recorders differ in where the video footage is actually processed. In an analog set-up, a DVR is responsible for this, while in an IP set-up this is done in-camera and then streamed to the NVR. 

Q: Can I use my current cameras with newer DVRs?
A: Yes all of our HD Security DVRs are backwards compatible with older analog cameras. So you can mix and match old cameras with newer HD cameras and use your existing cables.

Q: What is the maximum distance I can run a camera cable?
A: That depends on the type of cable and cameras that are used. With newer HD analog cameras you can transmit video up to 1500 ft. using RG59 or 2000 ft. using RG6. However using standard RG59 or RG6 Siamese cable you can only send power up to 250 ft. before voltage drop will be an issue. So if your camera is further away than 250 ft. you will need to power the camera separately from a nearby power source. IP network cameras using Cat5e or Cat6 cables the maximum video and power distance is 300 feet. Further distances are possible with PoE extenders.

Q: Do I need to have power at every single camera?
A: Each camera will require power but there doesn't need to be power at the camera location. You can use Siamese cables which have both video and power connections to send power out to the camera from an individual power supply or power box at the DVRs location.

Q: What is an Infrared Security Camera and how does it work?
A: An infrared camera uses infrared light instead of the regular lighting spectrum in order to produce better images in complete darkness or low light conditions. The infrared LED illuminators on a camera work much like a flashlight but the light produced is invisible to the human eye. However with most infrared cameras you will see a slight red glow if you look directly at the LED array. How far you can see in darkness is dependent on the number, size and nanometer (nm) rating of the LED's. Most infrared security cameras use LED's in the 840nm range since they are the most effective. Some use the 940nm LED's which are completely invisible but produce far less light than the 840nm type so they require a lot more LED's to light up the same distance. When choosing a camera keep in mind that the light given off by the LED's is similar to a flashlight in that the closer the object the brighter they will appear on you monitor. So if you want to be able to see someone or something clearly at 30 feet it's best to go with a camera that has an IR illumination of 40 feet or more.

Q: How many hours will a DVR/NVR record?
A: The amount of time a DVR/NVR will record for is based on a number of factors. The size of the DVR/NVR hard drive, the number of cameras recording, the quality setting (highest, high, medium...), the compression method and the number of frames per second it is recording at. For Stand Alone DVR's a frame of 1080p video will be approximately 12kb to 15kb in size so one camera recording in Real Time (30fps) continuously will use about 30 to 35 GB per day. This usage can be considerably less by adjusting frame rate, quality and using motion detection recording.

Q: How do I record what the camera sees?
A: To be able to record what your camera sees you will need some type of video recorder. Security DVR's are available in a variety of recording resolutions and channel inputs. They record the video from the cameras to a hard drive and can have many security features such as motion recording, facial recognition, smart search, event tagging, email and push notification to name a few. Most all DVRs today also allow remote viewing and playback from PCs and mobile devices.

Q: How many cameras can I hook up to one DVR?
A: It depends on how many input channels your Security DVRs has. Generally they come with 4, 8, or 16 channel inputs. However 24 and 32 channel DVRs are available. You can also use CMS software and combine individual DVR outputs to view up to 64 channels provided each DVR is connected to the internet.

Q: What is a varifocal lens?
A: A varifocal lens is one where the focal length of the lens can be varied. This lens may be effectively used as a wide angle, standard, or telephoto lens by varying the focal length of the lens. Varifocal lenses can be either manual or motorized. Manual lenses are changed by physically turning separate zoom and focus screws on the camera while motorized ones have auto focus and can be zoomed in and out through a DVR or NVR that supports the type of motorized lens camera used.

Q: What is a fixed lens?
A: A fixed focal length lens cannot zoom. The focus is fixed. A fixed focal length lens usually allows more light to pass through the lens at a given focal length than a varifocal, or zoom lens. This can be important in low light situations.