Security DVRs are different from security recorders in the past. When you upgrade to DVR security systems in your business, your business security cameras send footage to a hard drive instead of to a VCR. The benefits of storing footage on a hard drive are endless. You can easily store more footage captured by your security camera system, it’s easy to play back that footage and you get a high-quality picture.

Making the most of DVR security will help ensure you get the package your need for your business, while still spending your money effectively. Consider these options to help you out.

1. Look at custom digital video surveillance systems for the best deal.

2. Sign up for security DVR training for you and your management team.

3. Store and organize DVR security camera footage with ease.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get a great deal on DVR security systems with a custom package

Today's consumer market trained many of us to think that pre-built packages ready to purchase on the shelf are the best option. However, many businesses benefit from customized surveillance DVRs. Find a company that can build DVR security recorders to your specifications, and you can choose the business security cameras and other features to include in this package. A custom security camera DVR will ensure you don't get too much or too little of the security you need.

I recommend: Full Surveillance.com can customize the DVR security package you need, and they can design your custom surveillance DVR so you can monitor it via the Internet. InVision specializes in video surveillance systems, and they can customize the DVR security system that’s right for your business.

Train your management team to use the DVR security system

The best security DVRs don't work very well if you don't know how to operate the equipment. However, security DVR training for yourself and your management team will guarantee you take advantage of every feature your DVR security systems offer.

I recommend: DVR USA offers free training when you purchase one of their DVR systems. They also offer customer support if you have questions after they leave. You can also take advantage of a DVR training CD offered by Goliath.

Back up your surveillance DVR footage on high quality, easy to store discs

Storage space on your DVR security recorders is sizable, but it isn't endless. Some business owners don't want to delete any security footage, and with a security DVR, it's easy to back up of your business security cameras' video. You may also need to download the video from your DVR surveillance hard drive and provide it to police officers. It's easy to make copies and back ups to store for yourself or to hand off to authorities.

I recommend: Shop4Tech has a DVR system that comes with a USB backup so you can store your old footage on another hard drive. DvrSecurityLab.com offers a DVR security system that comes with a CD recorder, allowing you to burn your DVR surveillance footage onto a CD.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When building your DVR surveillance system, consider nighttime surveillance options. You may be able to incorporate night vision cameras into your DVR security system.

Security systems have gone high-tech. Highly advanced digital video recorder security systems can help you safeguard your business in many ways. With DVR surveillance, you can guard against theft, keep an eye on the store when you can't physically be there and monitor the behavior of shoppers and employees both inside and outside the retail environment.  When selecting a DVR security system, consider the following:  

1. What type of DVR surveillance your business needs. 

2. How many DVR security cameras you would like to set up and where. 
 
3. How much you are willing to spend on a digital video recorder security system. 

4. What special features you might need in DVR surveillance cameras.  

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine the right DVR security system for your business

DVR security systems are available in PC-based and hardware-based models. PC-based DVR security systems can be installed on your computer and include video capture cards and software. PC-based systems can accommodate four, eight, 12, 16 or 32 cameras and can hold approximately 30 days worth of video surveillance with a four-camera DVR security system. Hardware-based DVR surveillance systems are designed for the sole purpose of recording video and can handle a maximum of four cameras. They are usually harder to program than PC-based systems.

I recommend: In addition to selling numerous types of PC-based and hardware-based DVR security systems, EzWatch offers a free video surveillance guide for download to help you choose the best DVR security system for your needs. Discount Security Cameras offers DVR surveillance systems for businesses of all sizes and includes some helpful FAQs to help you narrow your choices.

Bring in a DVR security system expert

If you're new to the DVR security game, seek the advice of skilled professionals. DVR security consultants can help you determine which type of DVR surveillance system is best, the number of cameras you'll need, where to set them up for maximum effectiveness and how to monitor them.

I recommend: The International Association of Professional Security Consultants can match you up with a DVR security consultant with expertise in your line of business. For more options, check out Business.com's listing of security consultants.

Only buy the digital video recorder security camera features you need

Unless your business needs a digital video recorder security system with an all-inclusive feature set, steer clear of DVR security systems that include extras that cost more. For most businesses, adequate storage space and clarity are the most important features to consider.

I recommend: CCTVWholesalers offers a range of DVR security cameras with basic to more advanced features at a variety of price points. For full-featured DVR surveillance systems, visit Visual Hindsight IP Video Surveillance.  

Consider small, portable DVR surveillance devices

If size and mobility is initially what's most important to you, consider buying a small, portable DVR security device, which will enable you to monitor a selected area of your store from any location online. You can always expand your surveillance system as your business or operation grows.

I recommend: The Spy Exchange & Security Center offer a multitude of DVR security devices in all sizes, as does Spy Gadgets.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When investing in a DVR security system, focus on resolution and the amount of storage space you'll need to archive security camera video rather than on unnecessary bells and whistles.
• •  If you are on a tight budget, start with a small digital video recorder security system and expand as needed.
• •  The presence of DVR surveillance cameras should help deter both customers and employees from stealing from your business. If you are recording cash registers, you'll need real-time recording capability, which typically bumps up the price of a DVR security system.

When looking for DVR security systems, there’s a lot of information to consider. DVR security recorders use a hard drive to store video, meaning you no longer need video tapes. Hard drives that are security recorders can be part of a stand-alone unit, or you can link it up to your computer at home or at work. Surveillance DVRs are the security industry’s answer to the digital era.

To determine if a surveillance DVR system is right for you, consider the benefits. These DVR security basics will prove to be valuable to your business.

1. Say goodbye to grainy videotapes and hello to a clear digital picture.

2. Incorporate digital security cameras as part of your DVR security system.

3. Access your DVR security camera through the Internet from anywhere in the world.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get rid of your grainy VCR images with security DVRs

If you ever needed surveillance video recorded onto a VCR, you know that it's sometimes difficult to make out the subject because videotape doesn't always have a very good picture. Storage is also a problem with a VCR. The only way to keep your footage is on videotapes, which take up a lot of space and are easy to lose. With DVR surveillance, you get a clear picture and storage space on the hard drive, so you can kick your old VCR to the curb.

I recommend: Allstar AVN allows you to choose their pre-built DVR package, or they can customize a package to fit your specific business needs. Worldeyecam offers the stand-alone DVR systems or a professional grade HD DVR system.

Use DVR surveillance that works with a digital security camera system

The best digital video surveillance systems include a top-notch set of digital security cameras. If you see it's time to replace your security cameras and you want to upgrade to digital security cameras, think about a DVR as well. Some businesses offer package deals if you purchase the cameras and the DVR at the same time.

I recommend: SecurityCameraWorld.com offers a range of DVR security systems designed to work with their own digital security cameras. Alternatively, you can enjoy high definition surveillance with a camera and DVR package from DVR.com.

Monitor your DVR security system 24/7 from any computer with Internet service

Burglaries don't usually happen during business hours; but when you're away from your business. However, you can be out of the office but still have the office readily available. DVR surveillance technology allows you to monitor your security camera system over a secure Internet connection. That means you can check in after hours, or you can even supervise your employees from the comfort of your home office. In some cases, you can even log into your DVR security system using your cell phone or PDA.

I recommend: HPP Enterprises offers a 4-channel DVR that’s Internet-ready and IP addressable so you can monitor your business from any Internet connection. 123Security Products.com also has a DVR system you can monitor remotely.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Depending on the size of your hard drive, a security DVR can store your videos for quite a while. However, some business owners like to keep back-up copies of the video captured by the business security cameras. Consider backing up your video onto DVDs, Blu-Rays or CD-RW discs.

Digital video recorders, abbreviated as DVRs, are often used for physical security applications and objectives. These devices are able to record video from television cameras on a closed circuit. In turn, this allows for detection and documentation of events and occurrences. Digital video recorder security devices may record only video, but there are also devices and pieces of equipment which allow for the recording of sound as well.

Action Steps
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Bandwidth

Bandwidth refers to the amount of data which is capable of being sent over a wire, or a network, including over the DVR network. The bandwidth of a network or wire has been measured in kilobits, megabits and gigabits.

I recommend: TechTarget.com offers a more thorough definition of what bandwidth is.

Lens format

A lens format, or the camera format, is the term utilized to explain the approximate size of an image as projected by a lens or a camera. For the most part, such lenses will project an image that is slightly larger than the image size. This is done so that the pickup device of the camera or device is covered in its entirety. For proper DVR applications, it is recommended that the camera and its utilized lens have the same format size.

I recommend: Camera and lens formats are explored at ltcTrainingCntr.com.

Sync

Security cameras use a timing known as sync when they are imaging. Sync systems allow for the synchronization, or matching up, of internal sync signal circuits, as well as external sync and line lock. Synchronizing is especially important when several security cameras are being used for surveillance utilizing only a single monitor.

I recommend: DefineThat.com offers additional information about the term sync.

Aperture

An aperture is the opening of a lens. This opening is used in order to control the amount of light that is received by the surface of the DVR device or piece of equipment. Aperture sizes are controlled by iris adjustment.

I recommend: For a more thorough understanding of a camera's aperture, review the material presented at PhotoXels.com and DPreview.com.

Resolution

The resolution of a DVR camera of television system measures its ability to reproduce images in detail. The resolution number represents the total number of picture elements which may be replicated by the DVR or other recording device with good definition.

I recommend: To understand more about a security surveillance systems resolution, visit Scribd.com.

Field of view

The field of view of a DVR security camera or other recording device represents the horizontal or vertical scene size which is capable of being reproduced or recorded at a given length. This length is defined as being from the camera to the subject.

I recommend: The field of view of a camera is discussed at length on NCJRS.gov.