Home DVR recommendation

[tisserda]

I'd like to replace my Swann DVR with something a little better.  Main feature I'm interested in beyond the basics is compatibility with eKeypad and streaming video support (mjpeg or h264) via a standard protocol like RTSP.
 
I've searched through a bunch of the ones listed on ekeypad's site for supported ones, but they are starting to run together...  Any recommendations?  I'd like to capture D1 or better resolution.  all my cameras are analog.
 
Regards,
Daniel

 

[Del91574]

The inherent issues are going to be trying to work with what is supported, which is going to limit your choices significantly. I'd recommend going with a vendor that supports video directly, unless you MUST have app integration as a system across the board.
 
Either Everfocus or Dedicated Micros would be my choices off the list.
 
Keep in mind, the bandwidth of X cameras at D1 streaming, even compressed to H264 is going to be immense. You don't want to use MJPEG as a streaming codec if you can help it, it'll kill you on bandwidth.
 
Also, don't forget, even though your wireless device may be 3G or better, the limiting factor is also going to be your upload on the host network. If you're not in the top tiers, you're going to see the video streaming suffer.
 
For my choice in standalone DVR's that are decent, I like Samsung or the Speco WM units....very nice and they solve a lot of issues, such as where to put the unit.

 

[tisserda]

DEL,
As always, thanks for the advice.  Most of my use of the streaming is on the local network which is gigabit.

 

[Del91574]

I wouldn't worry too much personally in regards to what is a direct integration, unless that is a dealbreaker for you. You're looking at a DVR that either has an adjustable image size, which is always in the fine print, as some are limited to CIF or 2CIF, or if you're lucky, you'll find one that does QCIF up to D1. These numbers are typically buried deep within the specs. 
 
Streaming and motion detection functions in most DVR's are going to work off the MJPEG codec, but the storage codec should be either a MP4V or H264, which depends on the unit you pick up....H264 is going to be a little more economical in terms of storage space used on the DVR compared to a MP4V, but it'll still use less overall storage space than a MJPEG.
 
As long as you have the bandwith locally on the network, there's not really going to be an issue, the issue is going to be bandwith on any wifi or wireless data.