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a) Using your computer as a monitor and recorder
b) Installation questions
c) Product information
d) Different configurations
e) Buying and shipping information
a) Using your computer as a monitor and recorder
Q: I bought 4 cameras and a 4 camera DVR-PC card. I now realized I want to add another camera to the 4 I have. Must I replace the 4 camera card with an 8 camera card?
A: No, you can install more than one DVR-PC card into your computer. You can add another 4 camera card. The software automatically detects that you have added more cards and “combines” the cards into the software. Note: Only the same model DVR-PC cards can be added together.
Q: If I buy a DVR-PC card, do I need to buy the surveillance software separately?
A: No, the surveillance software (viewing, recording and playback) is included with all the DVR-PC cards.
Q: How do I record video images on my computer?
A: With the software that comes with the DVR-PC cards, you have the option to set up your own way of recording. Some of the options include recording only during certain times of the day or night. Other options are to record only when movement is detected at any time or during certain times. You may only want to record during night time and not during the day when there is a lot of movement. Every camera can be individually setup for different recording options. One of your cameras might be installed in a restricted area which means it must record on movement at any time of day or night. You can even select only part of the camera image to detect movement, e.g. bottom left corner, centre of image, etc.
Q: Can I record all the camera images all at once non-stop on my computer?
A: Yes, it is possible but not good practice. The recording takes up a lot of space on your hard drive and you will run out of hard disk space very quickly. Good practice is to record only when the camera detects movement (the software allows you to do it).
Q: Does the DVR-PC cards allow remote monitoring over the internet?
A: Yes, all our DVR-PC cards allow remote monitoring with password security. You can now keep an eye on your business or home from anywhere via the internet.
Q: How fast will my hard drive fill up if I use my computer for recording?
A: There is no exact formula for this as it is dependant on the type of DVR-PC card and cameras installed. A very rough estimate is between 100 and 200 MB per hour per channel (camera) of continuous recording.
b) Installation questions
Q: I want to do the installation myself, would I need special skills and tools?
A: No, the cameras are easy to install. All our cameras have BNC and power connectors for easy installation.
Q: Do I need a cable crimping tool to crimp the connectors on the cable ends after I routed the cables?
A: No, we stock BNC twist on cable connectors for the Do-it-yourself enthusiast. Strip the cable ends with a knife, twist on the connector and plug it in.
Q: I know exactly what length of cable I need. Could you make up the cable for me with crimped on connectors?
A: Yes, if you need a cable length other than our standard lengths, we can make up a specific length for you with crimped on connectors.
c) Product information
Q: How do I choose between the different camera lenses?
A: If the camera is near the object or scene that you want to view you should select a small camera lens e.g. 3.6mm which has a wide angle allowing you to view the surrounding area. If the camera can not be mounted close to the object / scene you want to view, you should select a bigger lens (8mm or 12mm) to zoom in. Note that the higher the number, the smaller the field of view because of the zoom effect.
Q: What is the difference between a Quad and a DVR?
A: With a quad you can only view the images and with a DVR you can view, record and playback video images.
Q: What is a Quad?
A: The main feature of a quad is the ability to compress images from separate cameras and simultaneously display them on a single monitor screen or TV. When four cameras are displayed, each occupies a quarter of the screen. A single camera can be selected and displayed full screen as well. A Quad is used when more than one camera is installed and you do not want to record the video images.
Q: What is a DVR?
A: DVR stands for Digital Video Recorder. This device can view, record and playback video images.
Q: What do you mean by infrared (IR) LED’s?
A: Infrared (IR) LED’s reflect onto objects making them clearer to see at night.
Q: How do the night vision cameras work?
A: The night vision cameras are equipped with Infrared (IR) LED’s. The camera has an automatic sensor to detect when it becomes dark and switches to night mode. Night mode means the camera switches to black and white and switches on IR LED’s. This mode enables you to view images in complete darkness.
Q: Why does my camera switch to black and white when it gets dark?
A: Images are clearer at night with black and white than with colour.
d) Different configurations
Q: How many cameras can I connect directly to my TV?
A: Only a single camera can be connected directly to your TV. If you have more than one camera the cameras need to feed into a device first before it is displayed on a monitor or TV. These devices could be a computer (DVR-PC card), Quad or DVR.
Q: I want to buy 4 cameras. Must they all be the same model to work properly?
A: No, you can mix and match as you like. All our cameras are compatible with each other.
Q: Will the camera be compatible with my TV?
A: The camera plugs into the TV’s RCA input connector. If your TV has a RCA input the camera will work.
Q: My TV does not have a RCA input but my DVD player does. Can I connect the camera to my DVD player (RCA input)?
A: You can connect the camera to any device (TV, DVD player, Video machine, etc) which has a RCA input and is connected to your TV or computer.
Q: What options do I have if I want to install more than one camera?
A: You have two main options. The one option is to install a stand alone device (Quad, DVR recorder) and the second option is to use your own computer by installing a DVR card.
Q: Do I need to buy a camera bracket separately?
A: No, the bracket is included if you buy a camera. If the website shows a bracket, then it will be included.
e) Buying and shipping information
Q: Do the prices on the website include VAT?
A: Yes, all the prices on the website include VAT.
Q: If I buy products from you, how long do you take to deliver the products?
A: Please read through our shipping section regarding delivery.
Q: If I order cameras from you today, will I get it tomorrow?
A: We will only start with the shipping process as soon as we have confirmation of payment from our bank.
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