By Vernon DeHart
Hi, I just purchased a Digimerge DH200 4ch DVR with a 320GB hard drive. SDI is running a promotion on this unit for September and October. It is has H.264 compression with a 704 x 480 display resolution and is able to record at CIF, 2CIF, D1 qualities.
· Four BNC inputs but no loop through
· One composite output
· One programmable spot output
· One channel audio in/out
· Four programmable alarm inputs and one out
· RS485/RS232 for PTZ
But, that is enough about the specs the reason why I'm testing the unit is because it is suppose to be compatible with an iPhone. I called and talked with Digimerge tech support and talked with them about iPhone compatibility. Turns out that it is not quite compatible as of 9-4-09 but I bought it anyways. I asked the tech how it was able to work an iPhone because I only know of one other manufacturer with this ability. Basically the way that Digimerge is going to make it work is by building a site that will connect with they're DDNS server with a special software that allows the DVR to be viewed by an iPhone. I done a little research and believe that they are going to use YOICS software. I don't know but I assume it is going to be server based as the tech said that no apps needed to be loaded to any cell phone for remote video streaming. Supposedly it is simple as logging in to DVR with user name and password then just view your security cameras.
The DVR has user friendly GUI interface that makes programming and searching easy. Recorded security camera images are recorded in thirty minute blocks which is not bad for searching with use FF play forward and backwards feature. Continuous and event recordings are color coded so that they are easy to distinguish from each other. The one drawback I see so far is that it can't record a motion event while in the continuous record mode. So, that means that you can't program a low fps (frames per second) for continuous and a high fps for motion. Also because of this you can't receive email notices of a motion event while in the continuous mode. But, switching to scheduled recording is simple with just push of a button on the DVR or a click of the mouse on the viewing software. The reason for my adding this characteristic to this article is my own personal preference for recording both continuous and motion at the same time is to be assured that there is always some recorded images at all times.
The viewing software is easy to load and use either on your home network or over the internet. Any feature on the DVR can be accessed from the viewer this includes setup and search. The software allows you to view multiple DVR's that might be needed with a chain of convenience stores. You can create a virtual DVR that shows one channel from each DVR so it can be used to live view multiple sites at once. This would come in handy for someone that owns several stores that wanted to keep an eye on every cash register all the same time. It allows you to view up to 64 security cameras on one screen but be aware it is for only one camera from each DVR. You can always view a single DVR and all of its security cameras with a simple click if you needed view all cameras at one site in case of robbery or the like.
Overall I like the unit as it is easy to use, economical, comes with one year replacement, three year repair, and five year hard drive warranty
P.S: It supports up to a 2TB.hard drive. After programming the one I bought for its maximum record quality (704x480) and maximum 30 fps a 320GB will last two weeks recording 24/7.
Alert Networks, Inc
Serving Metro Atlanta.
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