Archive for the ‘DVR's’ Category

DVR History : Main “Players”

Monday, December 14th, 2009
Portable DVR

Portable DVR

DVR HISTORY

As computer technology developed and chips became smaller and more powerfull the DVR industry really began to develop.

The two “main players” in this new industry were Anthony Woods who built up the DVR company , Replay TV and Michael Ramsay / Jim Barton who controller TiVo.

The visions of both companies to develop all purpose DVR’s for both domestic and business use became tangible reality as ever cheaper hard drives and new chip designs permitted , real time encoding of analog signals into digital signals. In the late 1990’s these were the core developments that jump started the DVR revolution.

The telecommunications industry also played a part in the new DVR industry. The main telco companies were planning the infrastructure of the future and as part of that planning they wanted the home of the future to be a digital “hub” with a main collection point / server for all the information needed for modern day living. This information could then be made available throughout the home on computers , televisions etc.

The idea of a specific set top box that would be part of the grander in house system was the genisis for TiVo’s focus on what it claims was the first commercial deployment of a DVR in late March 1999. The new set top box combined DISH Network programming with DVR capability and internet access from the home TV set.

Following the launch of of the first standalone DVR / set top box , Replay launched it’s first set top DVR . The great race for DVR dominance had begun.

Digital Video Recorders : History (cont’d)

Thursday, December 10th, 2009
Mini DVR and Camera

Mini DVR and Camera

DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDER HISTORY

Following on from the last post we thought it appropriate to delve a little deeper into the history of the DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDER.

It is very hard to escape the fact that DVR’s are really just an extension of computer technology.

In the 1960’s the development of the DVR as we know it today started to take place. As with a lot of technology the prelude to todays sleek and powerfull DVR’s was somewhat different indeed unrecognisable.

Initially Digital Video Recorders were used in the major television companies for rewinding and freeze frames of sports programming but it was not untill the 1980’s or 1985 to be precise that home based designs were developed and patented by Honeywell the large US conglomorate.

The first patent in the DVR industry was known as the Goldwaser Patent.

Fast forwarding to 2005 top executives at TiVO basically shortened shortened the Goldwasser patent to the standard industry terms of time -shifting or time warp.

It is here that the story of the DVR starts to get interesting.

DVR Recorders : A Brief History

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009

DVR

DVR

DVR RECORDERS : A LITTLE WALK THROUGH TIME

As you might have noticed, at spycamwarehouse.com we specialise in security equipment and in particular DVR Recorders, Covert Spy Cams and CCTV systems. It is our livelyhood so we make it our business to know eveything about the products we sell. Although not directly related to purchasing a DVR we thought a little DVR history could be of inteest. We do not plan to cover the topic in just one article so if you find it interesting just post a comment or look out for similar posts.

The history of the DVR is a metaphor for the history of the core industry segment within which Digital Video Recorders reside, that is, television and computers.

The advance of technology and it’s use in televisions and computers made a huge difference to people’s lives.  Access to information and entertainment was vastly improved, and this is what DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDERS are doing today.

DVRs are having an impact in both domestic and business environments. For example the security applications of DVR’s are many and varied. All you have to do is consider the range of mobile and mini DVR equipment.

But it is not only security applications that are driving the growth of DVR equipment. In today’s busy world people want choice in entertainment and this can be achieved using DVRs and set top boxes.

As with all industries there are leaders and patterns of development. Over the next few weeks we will post more information about the history of DVRs

Digital Video Recorders : Integrated

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

16 Channel DVR

16 Channel DVR

DVR EQUIPMENT

A lot of the information in our blog relates to DVR equipment and it’s use in security situations. However we are aware that not all people looking for a Digital Video Recorder have security and monitoring on their mind.

Another type of DVR is the integrated set-top DVR which is typically part of a set-top box that has a broader function as well as that of delivering and decoding cable and satellite signals for viewing by television.

These days the set top boxes usually have in built Digital Video recorders. These however cannot be connected to a CCTV system.

Although great for entertainment the set top box and DVR combination are no substitute for the standalone 4 channel and 8 channel DVR. These DVR’s can record footage from multiple cameras and are very easy to set up and control.

The standalone DVR’s sold by spycamwarehouse can be accessed remotely and come with a USB stick. They are very easy to operate and are proven to help prevent crime and anti social behaviour

Standalone Digital Video Recorder

Saturday, December 5th, 2009
MINI DVR

MINI DVR

DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDER EQUIPMENT

DVR’s come in many shapes and sizes. For example there is the mini DVR and camera that is small enough to fit into a chewing gum packet and then there are the larger standalone Digital Video Recorders that are used as part of a more permanent security system.

The one thing that all Digital Video Recorders do is keep a permanent digital record of the footage you record. In most cases the footage will be date and time stamped, which is invaluable when trying to prevent crime or apprehend a thief.

So what type of DVR should you purchase. The answer to that is , IT DEPENDS. Before purchasing a DVR you must have a clear idea of what you want to achieve.

For example, one customer wanted a record of the seriel numbers on solar panels that he installed for customers. For this task he decided to purchase a handheld mini VGA camcorder and DVR and with it he took a brief clip of the solar panel when installed and zoomed in on the seriel number. This proved to be an invaluable record. However it would not have been practical to use one of the larger standalone Digital Video Recorders for this task.

In contrast another customer had a management company that looked after small apartment complexes. He wanted to have the facility to monitor on site activity and keep a record of that activity for six months. For this task the 16 channel DVR was perfect. With the facility to record and store footage from 16 different CCTV cameras he was well equiped to prevent crime and counter fraudulent insurance claims.

The important point is, both customers analysed their requirements and purchased the correct equipment. At spycamwarehouse.com we are always willing to offer advice and guidance to customers purchasing a DVR. We want to help solve your problems in as effective and cost efficient way as possible.

DVR Recorder Systems

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

8 Channel DVR

8 Channel DVR

DVR RECORDER

The Digital Video Recorder industry is expanding rapidally both in North American and Europe.

As recessionery times take hold crime rates are rising. Theft and violence is on the increase. Both home and business owners alike are realising that the best way to fight crime is take proactive  steps. Installing DVR CCTV systems has never been easier or more economical. Personal safety can also be enhanced through the use or mini dvr and portable dvr equipment.

It is not all doom and gloom. Participants in sport are increasinly benefiting through the use of mobile dvr equipment.  Skiers, mountain bikers and canoists are constantly amazed by the quality of pictures they can get from the latest DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDER packages.

Crime and sport are not the only factors influencing the increase in demand for DVR’s. Television viewing habits are also changing. The market for television is becomming increasinly fragmented. People want to watch what they want, when they want and not be dictated to by television stations. Take for example the vaious DVR boxes suplied by sky and virgin. All are aimed at providing the customer with more choice.

Digital Video recorders of all types are getting a higher profile because manufactuers see an opportunity to  solve customers’ problems and provide a service, for a profit of course. Developing DVR hardware and software is
an expensive proposition. However this initial investment can be recouped quickly once a successful product is launched. Ten years ago who would have imaginged that it would be possible to record footage of a thief on a mini dvr the size size of your hand.

In the world of television, personal DVR’s make it possible for the network company to engage in a two way process with the  customer. It is now possible for people to order videos on demand and selected events without leaving their armchair.

As with all items of consumer electronics the changes that will take place over the next ten years in the DVR market place will be enourmous. DVR CCTV systems will get cheaper and smaller. television stations will offer more services through their DVR set top boxes and portable and mini DVR equipment will get cheaper.

DVR Recorders : An Introduction

Saturday, November 21st, 2009

DVR RECORDERS

At spycamwarehouse we are experts in the area of Digital Video Recorders, especially those relating to security. we are focused on supplying high quality yet affordable Digital Video Recorders, including mini dvr, 4 and 8 channel DVR as well as complete DVR systems.

We also wanted this site to give a more general overview of how DVR’s have developed over the past decade and how our everyday lives have been impacted.  Security and the use of mini and portable DVR are what we specialise in but we also recognise that DVR recorders have many other applications both in the home and in business.

From a business perspective the growth in the use of dvr recorders has also created a whole new industry. The development of this industry is an interesting topic in itself. We will discuss it in detail but are very mindfull that people visiting spycamwarehouse.com are more interested in purchasing a mobile DVR or mini dvr for personal use or deployment in a small business.

When it comes to the security of your family, personnal belongings or business it is very easy to take the attitude that “nothing will happen to me”. For most of us that is thankfully the case. However over the past year we have seen increasing numbers of customers looking for DVR systems after they have suffered personal injury or losss through theft and anti social behaviour.

If you need a static or mobile monitoring system then you will need a DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDER. We are specialists in the area of security
and can advise you on the type of digital video recorder that is most suited to your needs and if you wish to make a purchase then you can do so on our fully secure online shop, spycamwarehouse.com.


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