View of the DVR

View with opened front door

Back view

Remote control and AAA batteries included

Software pack (contains the 3 CDs)

Other included accessories

CPD505 DVD is very cheap digital recorder within its class, characterized by providing network interface card, DVD backup and high recording speed - up to 200 fps. The DVR features motion detection and remote notification of alarms.

The first function, well known to CCTV installers, enables to program the device in such a way that the recording is performed only in the case of an alarm, i.e. when some motion has been detected. Such procedure very significantly extends total available time of recording.

Notice: For general security of a system, the activation triggered off by any camera results in recording images from all cameras.

The second function, i.e. remote notification of alarms, allows the authorized person(s) to receive information in the form of a picture or a text ( via SMS) on their mobile phone (for the time being the pictures can be viewed on the Motorola mobiles, but the Nokia ones can shortly be used, too) or PC connected to the Internet.

It is one of the recorders which enable selection of the number of recorded frames per second. Other picture parameters, i.e. brightness, contrast, and saturation, can be set for each channel independently.

The full triplex implemented in this device makes possible simultaneous recording with review of the archive. Because of numerous ways of split screen it is practicable to define the pattern so that some boxes will show live pictures and other the playback.

As mentioned above, the recorder is very fast, recording up to 200 fps with CIF resolution. Choosing the highest resolution D1, it is still attainable 50 fps. So good parameters (resolution 720x576, 50 fps) may suggest that immense storage capacity for the data will be needed. It is not true, due to efficient MPEG4 compression. For one-hour recording time, out of 8 cameras, it is only 1.7-3 GB required.

Consequently, on 500 GB HDD at least one-week data can be saved.

For systems requiring bigger archives, next HDD modules are available, enabling to connect tens of HDDs - disc arrays.

Apart from features listed above, the recorder possesses one more key function. It is possible to define two different image qualities, this one which is suitable for local recording (usually of higher definition), and that one which is sufficient for distribution via the Internet. The function is very essential when line speed is relatively low - conscious choice of quality allows to transmit the images smoothly, whereas local good-quality recording ensures proper identification and analysis of the archival data.

The search of recorded data can be made, like in most of similar equipment, both in the order of time and alarm events. Searching can be done at various speeds, both forwards and backwards.

Very important feature of this model is possibility of DVD backup. The review of archives may be carried out directly from the device, or with use of a PC and dedicated software. The transfer of the data can be made with USB (there is possibility of employing Pendrive etc, or external USB disc). Notice: the PC cannot be directly coupled to the recorder via USB. Very important feature of this model is possibility of DVD backup.

The recorder is suitable for network operation. It supports DDNS, so that dynamic IP addresses can be used. The access via LAN/Internet is ensured by dedicated software which is put on the CD delivered together with the device.

The device is equipped with remote control. Using additional RC extender, it is possible to manage the recorder from another room. In order to protect the device from unauthorized persons it can be placed in special cabinet.

In addition, it has got many important functions which seem to be indispensable for easy and reliable operation in modern CCTV systems:

The menu of the recorder is very clear and intuitive. Furthermore, new versions are being under development, allowing VGA monitor to be directly linked to the device (the connector is not active at the moment) and enabling the user to control high-speed PTZ cameras.