H-264 Digital Video Recorder

[Andree Vandestreek]

CostarDigital Video E Series recorders offer the latest in H.264 hardware compression technology using the latest proprietary ISP1000 chipset. The first encoder chip developed exclusively for security digital video recording which assures the highest level of video quality with the smallest possible file sizes. User viewing over IP networks allows central control of any number of cameras as well as multi-user viewing and monitoring. Easy installation and operation allow this DVR to integrate quickly and seamlessly into an existing CCTV system.

Analog CCTV security systems are moving to digital technology, and video recording is leading this transition. The analog VCR has been replaced by digital video recorders (DVRs) in security systems that require video monitoring and recording. DVRs now offer overwhelming advantages over analog VCRs in security applications. Video footage can be digitally recorded, processed, and streamed over digital networks at virtually any level of image quality, including high definition (HD). Users now make use of digital-only technologies such as real-time analytics, scene search, motion- and activity-detection alarms, and remote access over IP networks. The cost of storage capacity on physical media such as hard disk drives (HDDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), or network-attached storage (NAS) is a small fraction of analog tape-based recording cost. The use of digital video recording and archiving also offers permanent storage of video footage with no loss of image quality over time. All of these factors have driven the security industry toward adopting DVR as the standard for video recording.

The security market has evolved into multiple segments for DVR systems. Embedded, hybrid, and PC-based DVRs all require the essential elements of video and audio capture: analog-to-digital conversion, compression, playback, and network streaming. The embedded DVR is a stand-alone piece of equipment that accepts analog CCTV camera inputs for compression and storage on a local HDD. Hybrid DVRs accept analog CCTV and IP camera inputs as video sources. PC-based DVRs are integrated into surveillance stations with hardware compression add-in cards or software compression running on the PC. The distinguishing features among different models are the number of video input channels; compression standards supported; video quality of the record, stream, and display modes; storage capacity; and how many functions the system can perform simultaneously.

H.264 is the new industry standard for video compression in security DVRs. Prior generations used MPEG-4 and even MJPEG for video recording. H.264 has the advantage of offering the highest compression ratio, while maintaining excellent video quality for security applications. H.264's higher compression ratio (up to two times better than prior-generation technology) effectively increases storage capacity by 100%, producing smaller file sizes and, therefore, longer recording time on a fixed-capacity storage device. In addition, the use of H.264 allows high-quality images to be transmitted over networks at very low bit rates. Security systems that involve multiple cameras can quickly exceed the available network bandwidth without efficient compression. DVR system designs without H.264 often rely on reduced-frame-rate or lower resolution recording techniques that degrade picture quality in order to increase recording time and reduce video bit rates. Older codec formats (MPEG-4 and MJPEG) are often still required for legacy support, but the industry's trend to adopt H.264 as the primary codec in DVR is well under way. Analog's family of H.264 processors supports MJPEG recording and playback for backward compatibility with prior-generation equipment.

Security video applications are moving to higher recording and display resolutions. CIF resolution recording (NTSC 360 x 240) was used extensively in early generation DVRs to produce digital video quality comparable to the analog VCR it replaced. Low-resolution CIF was also well suited to first-generation codec technology (MJPEG/MPEG-4) that cannot produce acceptable compression ratios at higher resolutions. The market requirement today and moving forward is standard-definition (D1 NTSC 720 x 480) or "DVD-quality" video recording. Standard definition (SD) represents a fourfold performance increase in system processing power per channel as compared to CIF. State-of-the-art H.264 codec technology is used at D1 resolution and above to ensure efficient compression ratios. Analog's family of H.264 processors allows programmable video resolutions for recording at any level of quality required.

Another trend in security and surveillance video is the requirement for full-frame-rate video recording and storage. Full frame rate for an analog CCTV camera is 30 frames per second (fps) in NTSC and 25fps in PAL. Real-time video recording represents a twofold to fourfold increase in processing power required per channel versus DVR designs thatrecord at reduced frame rates such as 7.5fps (25% in NTSC) or 15fps (50% in NTSC). A powerful, scalable system architecture is required to meet the processing requirements of new DVR designs.

Many video security systems today are hybrid designs of analog CCTV equipment and digital network technologies that have built up over time. Preexisting digital equipment based on older codec technologies (MJPEG/MPEG-4) creates the need for transcoding between formats in new equipment. For example, the video from an existing IP camera with MJPEG compression must be re-encoded to H.264 in the DVR for efficient storage and network bandwidth usage. DVR designs today must accommodate multiformat digital video input (MJPEG/MPEG-4/H.264) to preserve investments made in earlier generation equipment. Analog's family of H.264 processors supports video decoding in MJPEG and MPEG2, prior to re-encoding to H.264, for recording and streaming.

The VMAX is the most advanced H.264 embedded digital video recorder ever created. Full D1 (720X480), 2CIF, or CIF - variety of resolutions, giving the highest possible digital recording quality across multiple channels. Up to 60fps @ D1 and up to 240fps @ CIF. Simultaneously view and control cameras, alarm inputs, graphic mapping, and device status of 128 devices through our complimentary Pivot Hybrid CMS software platform.

The setup instructions and information on this page are related to the entry level H.264 4 channel digital video recorder. Please note that this DVR is no longer available and has been replaced by the latest iDVR-PRO CCTV DVRs. You can find product information about the iDVR-PRO here, demo and setup videos here, and the iDVR-PRO support page here.

Update! The MPEG H.264 DVR has been replaced by the new hybrid CCTV / AHD / HD-TVI iDVR-PRO surveillance DVR which supports analog CCTV cameras and HD security cameras (720p and 1080p resolution AHD and HD-TVI cameras). iDVR-PRO security camera DVRs include client software for Mac and Windows. All iDVR-PRO DVRs also include free mobile apps for iPhone, iPad, and Android mobile devices. Users can view their security cameras live from remotely over the Internet, as well as search and playback surveillance video that has been recorded to the DVR's hard drive. Click on the below images to watch sample surveillance videos and images that show why iDVR-PRO is our best selling video surveillance DVR.

HyperDeck Studio lets you record broadcast quality video files directly onto SD cards and SSD media! The new redesigned HyperDeck Studios feature modern design with more codecs and quieter cooling. All models now support recording to H.264, Apple ProRes or DNxHD files with either PCM or AAC audio. Plus the 4K model adds support for H.265 files! When you've finished recording, media can be mounted on any computer to access the files using your favorite video software. For ISO recording, there's even built in timecode and reference generators for syncing multiple units! All of these powerful features make HyperDeck Studio perfect for broadcast, live production or multi screen digital signage!

The new HyperDeck Studio recorders have been totally redesigned with dozens of new features! The advanced models have new broadcast style front panel controls and more connections on the rear panel. The LCD screen supports both light and dark modes, plus the transport control buttons are stronger with a firm professional feel. The Pro models feature a machined metal search dial with increased mass and a soft rubber surface that feels nice to the touch. Plus the search dial features an active clutch, just like a traditional broadcast deck! With dual media slots, you can change cards without interrupting recording! The advanced models even include a front headphone connection and speaker!

There are 4 different models of HyperDeck Studio, perfect for all types of work! The 3G-SDI based HD Mini model records and plays H.264, ProRes or DNxHD files onto SD cards, UHS-II cards or external USB disks in SD and HD formats up to 1080p60. The larger HD Plus model adds better transport controls, front panel headphone and speaker, 6G-SDI with fill and key out, SDI monitoring and records H.264 up to 1080p60 or ProRes and DNxHD up to 2160p30. The full rack HD Pro model is the same as the HD Plus model but adds 2 SSD slots and a machined metal search dial with clutch. The incredibly powerful 4K Pro model records H.264, H.265, ProRes or DNx in SD, HD and Ultra HD in standards up to 2160p60!

All models record to H.264, ProRes and DNx files, so are perfect for recording broadcast masters! You can even use PCM or AAC audio, plus the 4K model adds H.265 when recording to Ultra HD files. You get everything you need to send shows to broadcasters and for uploading to YouTube.

All models feature timecode and reference generators, with outputs to loop to other HyperDecks. This means you can build a rack of HyperDeck Studios for ISO camera recording, allowing multi-cam editing after live events! You can even sync cameras to the SDI output and the SDI input has a frame sync!

3a8082e126