Hybrid Video Recorders
equipment which represents many years of investment, in order to put in something new which will, in its main part, replicate what was already there.
The first choice will effectively limit what can be done in the future, and as manufacturers move away from older technologies, such an approach could see elements of the system become obsolete. The second choice is something of a big ask in the current economic climate, when many end users are looking to tighten their belts. The third choice, and some will argue the most sensible, is to supplement existing functional and effective legacy systems with networked technology, as and when necessary. This allows the retention of legacy systems, allowing the user to fully exploit previous investment, whilst also introducing many of the benefits associated with emerging technologies. At the heart of such a solution will be a hybrid video recorder. Hybrid video recorders have been around for
many years, and whilst there always seems to be a fair few available at any one given time, some manufacturers tend to drift in and out of considering the units as a viable choice. In the past, it must be said that the overall market demand wasn’t there for these units, but developments in the surveillance sector have seen those needs change in recent times. The main buying decisions relating to hybrid units are similar to those of DVRs and NVRs: image quality, ease of recording and review, and flexibility with regard to how captured video is managed. Hybrid units do also have a few additional requirements. Firstly, there must be enough flexibility in the mix of analogue and networked inputs to ensure the unit has longevity in the field. Secondly, it must allow a ‘mix and match’ approach when it comes to supported devices such as cameras and codecs.
Most importantly, the units must support images captured by both analogue and digital inputs without any significant compromise if they are to be successful. NOTE: Hybrid video recorders are not as common as many might think, with a fair number of the leading manufacturers not offering such devices. The reasons for this are varied. This test includes units with a range of features and functions – and price tags to match! The core criteria was to establish whether they could offer the right level of performance for credible video surveillance
appropriate for their target market, regardless of whether the video source was analogue, digital or a mix of the two technologies.
Dedicated Micros SD Advanced
The SD Advanced is a hybrid video recorder that supports up to 32 video inputs. Up to 16 inputs can be analogue. The network cameras supported include NetVu Connected models from Dedicated Micros, which are licence-free, and third party network cameras which will incur a licence fee for each input. High resolution megapixel and HD cameras are also supported. Video is recorded in real time from all inputs.
The unit utilises advanced codecs, and includes a Turbo Mode, whereby the performance is doubled. This feature operates with MPEG-4 encoding. The recorder also supports the use of H.264 and JPEG. Obviously, the enhanced performance takes advantage of the lower processing needs of MPEG-4. The introduction of H.264 encoding has happened relatively recently, as part of an update of the unit; the hybrid recorder is well established, and now boasts the levels of performance expected from the latest machines. As such it combines an established track record with the performance of today’s hardware. In recent years, Dedicated Micros has made much of its Closed IP model, and the SD Advanced is a key element in such systems. The recorder supports the concept, which requires the addition of a Layer 3 enhanced CCTV switch available from the manufacturer. The model allows IP addresses to be allocated to each connected device, and these are then locked to an individual port, thus creating secure end points. The manufacturer states that the technology allows installers and integrators to create a ‘deterministic’ network without any prior network knowledge! There is also the ability to enjoy simplified
advanced telemetry; again you need supplementary products from the manufacturer
Dedicated Micros SD Advanced A high level of device support Biased towards Closed IPTV
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Genie CCTV EH1116H-4
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A very compact hybrid recorder Some won’t like its different approach
www.benchmarkmagazine.com 13
Download the Genie CCTV EH1116H specsheet
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