What is a DVR?
A security digital video recorder (DVR) is a device that allows you to save digital images to a hard drive through the CCTV cameras. The technology is continuing to progress and DVRs are becoming less expensive and advance in recording quality. Hence, replaces the need for a Time Lapse VCR. No more tapes to worry about. This reduces the overall cost of a video security system.

What are main advantages of the ProDVR DVR over a conventional Time Lapse VCR based video surveillance system?
The ProDVR DVR eliminates the need for switching VHS tapes. Since the video images are stored digitally, the images will not degrade, as would a VHS tape when recorded over multiple times.

What are the main features of the ProDVR DVR?
In addition of being a digital video recorder, it has the capability of monitoring sites remotely. For example, an owner is able to view his shop while he is at home through the Internet connection. And if he has a PTZ (pan, tilt and zoom) camera, he is able to control the cameras remotely as well.

ProDVR DVR also has a motion detection recording setting that starts recording only when the motion detector is triggered.

How many CCTV cameras can the ProDVR DVR handle at one time?
Currently, the ProDVR DVR system has 2 models. The ProDVR 405 is able to connect and record up to 4 cameras whereas the ProDVR 805 connects up to 8 cameras.

Do I need to connect a computer to the ProDVR to transmit the images through the Internet?
No. The Ethernet cable is connected directly to the ProDVR to transmit the images.

Do I need any special software to view images from the DVR on the Internet?
All you need is Internet Explorer 6.0 Once you type the static IP address that is connected to the ProDVR DVR, the plug-in software will let you view the images, control the PTZ cameras and even let you view the saved video clips that are in the ProDVR DVR.

Does operating the ProDVR DVR require extensive computer knowledge?
No. ProDVR DVR was designed to be easy to use with no computer background in mind.

Which cameras does the ProDVR DVR support?
All CCTV cameras with an analog connection work with the ProDVR DVR. The cameras can be color or black/white.

However, to control the PTZ cameras, following are the specific PTZ cameras that the ProDVR DVR is set up for. If your PTZ camera is not on the list, the ProDVR DVR will still be able to record but you will not be able to control the Pan, Tilt, and Zoom.

My ProDVR is connected to a Router, which port number should I use to configure the ProDVR and how do I access the ProDVR through the Internet?
The web port number to assign to the ProDVR is 7777 or 80 and Data port is 1104. Factory recommended web port number is 7777 because commonly ISP providers block out the port 80. So in order to access the ProDVR that is connected to the Internet through a router, you would enter the IP address followed by a semicolon followed by the port number.

For example: http://194.28.28.28:7777 or http://211.245.254.6:7777

Is it possible to upgrade the size of the Hard Drive?
Yes

How long can the ProDVR record without overwriting the Hard drive?
It depends how you have set the ProDVR , such as the number of frames per second, how many cameras are being used, image quality, and whether the camera is color or black/white.

Can the ProDVR interact directly with a computer through the SCSI connection port at the back to backup the recordings?
You can download video clips to your computer when you are doing remote viewing through the Internet. However, you should not connect your personal or business computer to the ProDVR for backup purposes since the ProDVR will try to format the computer before starting the downloading process.

Instead, you should use SCSI backup devices such as SCSI external hard drive or SCSI DAT24 tape drive. You may even use SCSI CDRW.

The manual explains how the back up process should be performed.

The buttons on the ProDVR and remote control has completely frozen, but the device still seems to be recording and working. What do I do?
Follow the procedure to Reset the ProDVR in the manual.

I changed the password to my own and forgot the new password I changed it to. What can I do?
Follow the procedure to Reset the ProDVR in the manual.

What is the warranty period?
We have a 1 year manufacturer's limited warranty on our ProDVR .