What hardware and software do I need to set up a good DVR system?

panic mechanic said:
I have 16 cameras 720p but the Hikvision DVRs I have used are giving me so much problems. Someone built me a pc many many years ago with a dvr capture card and that thing worked flawlessly for 10 years before lightning struck it somehow. Then a professional security company installed me a Hikvison DVR and it did not last, fan packed up and everything fried. They then "upgraded" it and this thing throws away the recordings after a power failure and it is so difficult to export any recordings it made. I have to physically take the machine to their shop to export the data.

The custom pc was so much more user friendly and it did its job properly.

What do I need?
Click to expand...
strange cause having a hikvision nvr/dvr is much simpler and "just works". note: i have a hikvision nvr with +- 5 cameras and have no problems.
 
Start with the software.. the software will dictate your hardware needs in terms of ram, CPU and GPU.. you dictate your storage needs based on how long you want to store footage for..

Once you know hardware requirements, you will know what to get..

P.S good luck with the software hunt.. there are lots out there, some free, some paid for and you are going to have to dig in to decide which you like..
 
Have a look at Zoneminder

I haven't used it myself but someone suggested it in the favourite open source software thread and it looks pretty cool. It has some AI features that are similar to a very expensive commercial solution we were looking at for work a while ago.
 
WAslayer said:
Start with the software.. the software will dictate your hardware needs in terms of ram, CPU and GPU.. you dictate your storage needs based on how long you want to store footage for..

Once you know hardware requirements, you will know what to get..

P.S good luck with the software hunt.. there are lots out there, some free, some paid for and you are going to have to dig in to decide which you like..
Click to expand...
thats why you use the nvr cause there is no mucking around trying to find software that works
 
ubercal said:
thats why you use the nvr cause there is no mucking around trying to find software that works
Click to expand...
Yes, my hikvision just works..

But OP stated that they are done with NVRs/DVRs, so still helping how I can..
 
Milestone offers 16 channels for free on the basic package. No Enterprise features but miles better than your usual DVR.

Axxonsoft does the same.

Luxriot gives you 9 channels free.

Years ago Pelco had a free 4 channel system (DS Point - I believ). Not sure if they still have.

Those are all medium to enterprise software where licensing ranges from R1.2k per channel to over R3k a channel.

If you PM me I could see if I could send you some links.

These systems have other features which can be enabled down the line with licensing such as mask detection, facial recognition, license plate recognition, distinguishing between vehicles and people and only recording when that is "seen" by the camera etc.
 
Last edited:
How about Shinobi, takes some getting used to & setup
 
For those suing the Hikvision DVR units, which software do you use? It tried using the software that comes with the setup which is iVMS but I find it's such a pain to use. I'm now using Surveillance Client but I cannot use it to download footage. For that I have to go through Internet Explorer web browser.
 
Magandroid said:
For those suing the Hikvision DVR units, which software do you use? It tried using the software that comes with the setup which is iVMS but I find it's such a pain to use. I'm now using Surveillance Client but I cannot use it to download footage. For that I have to go through Internet Explorer web browser.
Click to expand...
I am using ivms without issue..
 
I'm using Synology Surveillance Station on my Synology NAS and very happy with it. The only thing you have to watch out for is to make sure you have a powerful enough Synology NAS to handle the amount of cameras you want to use, and the licenses are pretty pricey, but manageable if you buy them in bulk.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X