Digital Video Recorder: CPD505 (LAN, Triplex, 8 inputs)

View of the DVR

View with opened front door

Rear view

Remote control with AAA batteries in the set

Other accessories in the set

CPD505 is very cheap digital recorder within its class, characterized by providing network interface card, and high recording speed - up to 200 fps.

The recorder has functions of 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 the 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 some Motorola mobiles, but the Nokia ones can shortly be used, too) or PC connected to the Internet.

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 and review of the archives. Because of many possible split screens, it is practicable to define the pattern so that some windows will contain live pictures and others - 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 two 300 GB HDDs at least two-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 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 with most of similar equipment, both in the order of time and alarm events. Searching can be done at various speed, both forwards and backwards.

The review of archives may be carried on directly from the device, or with use of a PC and dedicated software. The transfer of the data is 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.

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 English menu of the recorder is very clear and intuitive. Furthermore, new versions are being under development, enabling to connect CD-RW drive in order to save selected data on CDs, and control high-speed PTZ cameras. It is also planned to allow VGA monitor to be directly linked to the device (the connector is not active at the moment).