DVR Units - Opinions needed

[Stinger]

I just came across a great source to buy this DVR unit for $1199.00, and was curious if anyone had any opinions on it? It's a bit pricey, but it has the following specs and $1599 is the cheapest I've seen it online:

16 channel video / 16 channel audio, pentaplex, 480fps, DVD-RW, 250 SV series HD (expandable) DVR unit

The G4-RTA digital video recorder is THE highest specification standalone DVR available. The G4-RTA is an enterprise class digital video recorder utilizing an H.264 hardware compression DSP from Texas Instruments. The G4-RTA can push real-time video and audio recording at a full 2CIF resolution on every channel.

Product Features

• H.264 Hardware Compression • Up to 16 Video Inputs, 16 Audio Inputs • Pentaplex • Up to 480 Frames per Second • VOIP • 2CIF Real-Time Recording • USB Flash Drive Support • Complete Remote Access • Up to 2 Terabytes Internal Storage • RS485 PTZ Support • Channel Independent Configuration • VGA Support Included • Central Monitoring Software • Embedded Network Web Server • Digital Motion Detection

Video Inputs 4,8,16 inputs, 1.0Vp-p, 75Ω unbalanced Video Outputs 1 Main Monitor 1 VGA Audio Inputs 4,8,16 audio inputs (2.0Vp-p, 1KΩ) Audio Outputs 1 audio output (linear output, 600Ω) Voice Interface 1 (linear, 1KΩ) Audio Compression OggVorbis, 16kbps Video Compression H.264 Preview Resolution NTSC: 720 x 480 (4CIF) Compression Resolution NTSC: 528 x 320(DCIF) NTSC: 704 x 240(2CIF) NTSC: 352 x 240(CIF) NTSC: 176 x 120(QCIF) Color 16.7 Million Stream Type Video or Video/Audio Bit Rate 32kbps ~ 2Mbps (user-defined), variable Recording Frame Rate 30 frames/sec/channel Record Quality Highest, Higher, High, Average, Low, Lower, Lowest Record Mode Schedule, Motion, Alarm, Motion or Alarm, Motion & Alarm, Command Trigger Playback Mode Date/Time Search or Event Search Operation Mode Pentaplex (simultaneous monitor, record, playback, network, and backup) Motion Detect Area Division: 16 x 12, on/off selectable Motion Detect and Relay On Simultaneous Privacy Masking Yes View Tampering Yes Network Function Internet Explorer and Client Software Alarm 4,8,16 Alarm Inputs / 4 Relay Output Back-up CDRW / USB / Network RS485 Keyboard Controller / PTZ HDD Interface 4 IDE, support 8 HDD and each HDD can support 2000GB (16ch). Or 4 HDD + IDE CD-R/W (all) VGA Interface 1, Support 800×600/60Hz, 800×600/75Hz, 1024×768/60Hz.

SPECIFICATIONS MECHANICAL Video Inputs BNC female Video Output BNC female Monitor Output BNC female Audio Inputs BNC female Audio Output BNC female Alarm Inputs Screw Terminals Alarm Outputs Screw Terminals RS485 RJ-45 Network RJ-45 10M/100M UTP VGA 9-pin D-sub female RS-232 RJ-45 USB USB 1.1 Type A port IR Remote Controller Standard, Addressable Voice Interface BNC ELECTRICAL Power Requirements 90--135VAC or 180--265VAC, 47--63 Hz Power Consumption 22W ~42W (without HDD) ENVIRONMENTAL Operating Temperature 14º to 131ºF (-10º to 55ºC) Operating Humidity 10-90% RH Max. PHYSICAL Dimensions 19in. 450(w) x 95(H) x 450(D)mm Weight 16.8 lb (7.6 kg) approx. (without HDD) Shipping Weight 21.2 lbs (9.6 kg) approx

 

[CollinR]

The G4-RTA can push real-time video and audio recording at a full 2CIF resolution on every channel.

Product Features

...SNIP...

Preview Resolution NTSC: 720 x 480 (4CIF)

Compression Resolution NTSC: 528 x 320(DCIF) NTSC: 704 x 240(2CIF) NTSC: 352 x 240(CIF) NTSC: 176 x 120(QCIF)

You might try looking for one that supports D1 or better yet greater then D1 which means IP cameras too.

 

[Stinger]

The G4-RTA can push real-time video and audio recording at a full 2CIF resolution on every channel.

Product Features

...SNIP...

Preview Resolution NTSC: 720 x 480 (4CIF)

Compression Resolution NTSC: 528 x 320(DCIF) NTSC: 704 x 240(2CIF) NTSC: 352 x 240(CIF) NTSC: 176 x 120(QCIF)

You might try looking for one that supports D1 or better yet greater then D1 which means IP cameras too.

Unfortunately, all of the D1 units I have looked at are about $1800 or more. For home use, do you think it would make that much of a difference? The same unit as above with D1, except the addition of SATA, ESata backup port, spot monitor output and 8 drive support instead of 4, for about $1750 or so. Worth it? Is resolution going to be bad with the first one?

 

[Ranger Digital]

D1?

 

[Helheim]

D1?

720x480 resolution I think.

 

[CollinR]

Right it will let you preview (watch semi-live) in D1 but it'smeant to run CIF 352*240. Quite often to actually use thier 2CIF resolution you'll cut your inputs and framerate in half. So it might become CIF or 8 channel 120pfs which in itself isn't too bad assumin you want 8 or less cameras.

 

[shoreviewsecurityusa]

I just came across a great source to buy this DVR unit for $1199.00, and was curious if anyone had any opinions on it? It's a bit pricey, but it has the following specs and $1599 is the cheapest I've seen it online:

16 channel video / 16 channel audio, pentaplex, 480fps, DVD-RW, 250 SV series HD (expandable) DVR unit

The G4-RTA digital video recorder is THE highest specification standalone DVR available. The G4-RTA is an enterprise class digital video recorder utilizing an H.264 hardware compression DSP from Texas Instruments. The G4-RTA can push real-time video and audio recording at a full 2CIF resolution on every channel.

Product Features

• H.264 Hardware Compression • Up to 16 Video Inputs, 16 Audio Inputs • Pentaplex • Up to 480 Frames per Second • VOIP • 2CIF Real-Time Recording • USB Flash Drive Support • Complete Remote Access • Up to 2 Terabytes Internal Storage • RS485 PTZ Support • Channel Independent Configuration • VGA Support Included • Central Monitoring Software • Embedded Network Web Server • Digital Motion Detection

Video Inputs 4,8,16 inputs, 1.0Vp-p, 75Ω unbalanced Video Outputs 1 Main Monitor 1 VGA Audio Inputs 4,8,16 audio inputs (2.0Vp-p, 1KΩ) Audio Outputs 1 audio output (linear output, 600Ω) Voice Interface 1 (linear, 1KΩ) Audio Compression OggVorbis, 16kbps Video Compression H.264 Preview Resolution NTSC: 720 x 480 (4CIF) Compression Resolution NTSC: 528 x 320(DCIF) NTSC: 704 x 240(2CIF) NTSC: 352 x 240(CIF) NTSC: 176 x 120(QCIF) Color 16.7 Million Stream Type Video or Video/Audio Bit Rate 32kbps ~ 2Mbps (user-defined), variable Recording Frame Rate 30 frames/sec/channel Record Quality Highest, Higher, High, Average, Low, Lower, Lowest Record Mode Schedule, Motion, Alarm, Motion or Alarm, Motion & Alarm, Command Trigger Playback Mode Date/Time Search or Event Search Operation Mode Pentaplex (simultaneous monitor, record, playback, network, and backup) Motion Detect Area Division: 16 x 12, on/off selectable Motion Detect and Relay On Simultaneous Privacy Masking Yes View Tampering Yes Network Function Internet Explorer and Client Software Alarm 4,8,16 Alarm Inputs / 4 Relay Output Back-up CDRW / USB / Network RS485 Keyboard Controller / PTZ HDD Interface 4 IDE, support 8 HDD and each HDD can support 2000GB (16ch). Or 4 HDD + IDE CD-R/W (all) VGA Interface 1, Support 800×600/60Hz, 800×600/75Hz, 1024×768/60Hz.

SPECIFICATIONS MECHANICAL Video Inputs BNC female Video Output BNC female Monitor Output BNC female Audio Inputs BNC female Audio Output BNC female Alarm Inputs Screw Terminals Alarm Outputs Screw Terminals RS485 RJ-45 Network RJ-45 10M/100M UTP VGA 9-pin D-sub female RS-232 RJ-45 USB USB 1.1 Type A port IR Remote Controller Standard, Addressable Voice Interface BNC ELECTRICAL Power Requirements 90--135VAC or 180--265VAC, 47--63 Hz Power Consumption 22W ~42W (without HDD) ENVIRONMENTAL Operating Temperature 14º to 131ºF (-10º to 55ºC) Operating Humidity 10-90% RH Max. PHYSICAL Dimensions 19in. 450(w) x 95(H) x 450(D)mm Weight 16.8 lb (7.6 kg) approx. (without HDD) Shipping Weight 21.2 lbs (9.6 kg) approx

Hi,

Have you found the DVR that you are looking for?? I know this is an old post but I am very familiar with this DVR. We are in the business of the Installation and Maintenance of Surveillance Systems in NJ. This series of DVR is the only unit I will use. What exactly are you looking for in a DVR? Audio on all channels? Certain recording resolution?? Etc. The only reason I ask is there is a lite version of this unit called the G4-XLA. The RTA is a little hard to come by. But, if you are looking for a robust, feature filled DVR, check this one out. You can visit my site at www.shoreviewsecurityusa.com for details. Much cheaper but as much power and features as the RTA.

Thanks

Mike