The three main components of a home surveillance system are the cameras,
monitor, and digital video recorder. You might be under the impression that in
order to get the functionality you are looking for, you need to purchase the
entire system including DVR already assembled. This is simply not the case. You
can actually create your own personal video surveillance system complete with a
digital recorder by assembling the components yourself. All you really need is a
personal computer, a video capture card and security cameras, and you have the
making of a complete surveillance system. Of course, you will have to assemble
the components together yourself in order to have a functioning system. However,
after a little review, you may come to realize it is not as difficult as you
might think.
The primary focus of this article is on how you can go about assembling your
own DVR. You might be wondering why you would want to build you own DVR. The
reality is that it is actually fairly simple to turn one of your existing
personal computers into a fully functioning DVR. By utilizing the power of your
personal computer, you can actually build yourself a commercial grade DVR that
allows you to manage and store all of the video from your network of cameras. We
will take a closer look at what a security camera video capture card is, and how
it can be used to create your own fully functioning DVR.
A video capture card is the hardware that is used to convert the video from
the surveillance camera into a digital format that is recognized by your
computer. A company called Skyway
Security markets video capture cards that you can use to set up your own DVR
system. Their G-Max series capture boards offer color quad processing,
motion sensors, pan/tilt/zoom functionality, and time-lapse recording
functionality. Once installed, the video capture card actually acts as a built
in web server. You have the option to view live streaming video feeds either
directly through your computer or over the Internet. Skyway Security's capture
cards range in price from $315 to $1,500 depending on the number of video camera
inputs you require.
Another company that sells video capture cards for you to build your own DVR
is EZWatchStore.com.
They sell a business grade video security kit called the EZKIT-BU, which comes
with a 4-channel video capture card and software package necessary to
convert your PC into a video security DVR. While this kit allows you to install
up to four cameras, you can purchase additional 4-channel expansion boards that
let you expand your surveillance system to support 8, 12, or even 16 cameras.
The EZ Watch DVR kits enable you to playback video on your PC, remotely access
and adjust camera angles, set up automatic email alerts, easily backup and
manage video files, remotely view camera through the Internet, and many more
features. This kit sells for $299 and comes with a complete 1-year warranty.
With the right video capture card and software package, it is very simple to
turn your personal computer into a fully functioning DVR. It truly is a simple
way to achieve the functionality and convenience of using your personal computer
as the command station as it were for controlling and monitoring your personal
video surveillance network.
About the Author
Lynn Marotta is a successful freelance writer and
contributor to Video-Surveillance-Guide.com. Your definitive guide to video
surveillance equipment, CCTV cameras and wireless security systems for home and
business.
