DVR= Digital Video Recorder and is generally intended to mean a self contained computer or appliance that records analog video streams. Some systems can have multiple DVRs.
NVR= Network Video Recorder and generally means a central server that records and stores video from remote sources - usually in remote locations. Usually there is only one NVR in a particular system.
Either unit can sometimes record digital video as well but this function is usually a feature of NVRs.
Big is not necessarily better but the great contractor will have sufficient resources and technical knowledge to install complex security systems.
Ask for references- and call them. It’s a good idea to even visit the reference and see how the system is functioning. Does it look good? Was the install neat and clean?
Ask for licenses- many states and cities require special licenses for security contractors.
Ask to see manufacturers certification and training documents. At least some of the technicians should be factory trained and certified.
Are the techncians neat and clean? Are their trucks neat, clean, and orderly? If the company doesn’t care about appearances- they probably aren’t going to care about you.
Ask about service response time- if you need service- and you will eventually- ask how long after the call is placed can you expect the tech. 24 hours is not unrealistic but it should not be longer unless there are extenuating circumstances.
The least thing you should worry about is the actual time to install the system. It is not unusual to wait up to 8 weeks. Good contractors are busy and in demand- so-so ones are not so keep that in mind. If they agree to come out the next day they are either terrific or horrible- and not too many terrific companies have techs standing around waiting for new jobs.
When trusting the security of your business to an outside contractor, who is best? Should you select a large national company with millions of customers or a local company with maybe just hundreds or thousands?
Unless you have a specific need to use a large national company- such as multiple locations across the country- look to an established local security contractor. After all, if there is a problem or concern, would you rather speak to a “branch manager” who possibly doesn’t have much concern for your business- or the president or owner?
You will probably find you get more attention and better service from the local contractor who had more of a stake in your vested interests- and they do just as good a job or better than the national guys.
Always get references- and call them. Make sure their licenses are current and in order. If you’re making a large investment visit the company in person and see their operation. After all- it’s your security at stake.
USe this handy calculator to determine how much bandwidth on your network will be required by digital IP cameras or DVRs.
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http://www.hi-tech-consulting.com/docs/VIDEO_BANDWIDTH_CAL.xls
Are so-called IP cameras better than analog video cameras? The short answer is No! IP cameras can work in certain applications but for everyday security situations, analog video cameras are cheaper and better.
IP cameras require an ethernet network using CAT5 cable. The problem is- ethernet runs are limited to about 328 feet. If you want to go further you have to install hub, routers and switches, which drive up the cost.
Video cameras run on RG-59 which is good for 500 feet minimum or RG-6 which can easily go 1000 feet and is still relatively cheap and requires no special extra equipment.
You also do NOT want to run your IP cameras on the same network as your business! Digital IP cameras are bandwidth hogs. One IP camera outputing real time video at 20 frame per second can eat up almost half of a 10 mB network path! And the IP camera display will almost always be less than full screen resolution.
IP cameras are not quite ready for prime time.
THe truth is- most security dealers and integrators will provide the same services as a consultant for FREE! The only problem is they will quote you equipment that they sell- not necessarily what is best for your situation.
One way to avoid this is to get detailed security proposals from 3 different firms. Chances are, between the 3 of them you will end up with a pretty good plan by taking the best points from each. You can then ask the firm that comes closest to rebid based on all the points you think you need.
Consultants do serve a purpose but be careful- they tend to rehash old specs that have outdated equipment. Get references and make sure the consultant will see the job through to the end including testing and final approval of a working system.
What’s the difference? A dealer generally sells and installs a limited product such as a burglar alarm or CCTV. An Integrator sells & installs a wider range or all security products and more importantly- designs an integrated system to make them work together.
For example- an Access Control system and a Digital Video Recorder can be integrated so that alarm events (such as a Door Forced door violation) on the access automatically display video images from the DVR.
The Security Integrator will generally provide more value and an easier to manage security System.
There is a rush in the security industry to so called “IP” cameras. These are digital only cameras that output only in digital format and are designed to transmit images direct to a computer or Network Video Recorder (NVR)
The new HID RP40 reader can read multiple card formats: Mifare, HID Prox, and iCLass and makes the transition to smart card technology a snap.
Why buy obsolete technology like prox cards? Smart Card prices have fallen to all time lows. Classic 1 K Mifare standard cards are now cheaper than traditional prox.
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