Frequently Asked Questions

What is a DVR?

DVR stands for Digital Video Recorder. The digital video file format is very large in size which is compressed in different types including MJPEG, JPEG2000, and MPEG4. New generation DVR’s use H.264 compression and our H.264 compression has been modified to provide the best picture quality over other DVR manufacturers. The DVR can record up to the maximum amount of channels specific to the system. Our Hybrid DVR supports 4, 8, 16, 24, 32, 48 and 64 channel Analog/IP Camera configurations and can record up to 30 FPS on all channels at different resolutions.

What does FPS stands for?

FPS is an acronym for frames per second. In NTSC (National Television System Committee) systems, the maximum allotted FPS is 30, and in PAL (Phase Alternate Line) systems the maximum allotted FPS is 25. In real time mode the DVR can record and display a maximum of 30 FPS per channel.

What are the Standard DVR Resolution Rates?

  • NTSC:
  • 4CIF = 704x480 Pixels
  • DCIF = 528x320 Pixels
  • 2CIF = 704x240 Pixels
  • QCIF = 176x120 Pixels

  • PAL:
  • 704x526 Pixels
  • 528x384 Pixels
  • 704x288 Pixels
  • 176x144 Pixels

What does Resolution mean?

Resolution is the number of pixels (horizontal x vertical). In a NTSC system, the maximum resolution is 704x480. You can select the resolution to increase the recording capacity, so with lower resolution and lower FPS you get more recording time and hence less usage of disc space.

Can I set different camera channel on the DVR with different recording rate than another?

Yes. Our DVR allows you to select the camera FPS and resolution; each camera can be set to 704x480 @ 30 FPS max in NTSC mode & 704x526 @25 FPS in PAL mode for optimal performance.

What if I accidentally go over the maximum FPS on the DVR?

The DVR built-in software settings in the camera setting tab will allow you only up to 30 FPS per camera or lower so you cannot run over.

What types of cameras can I use with your DVR?

The DVR supports Analog/IP cameras. For analog cameras you must use BNC input connections, so any analog camera that has BNC support will work with the DVR. For IP cameras please see our IP cameras support document.

What does IP stand for?

IP is an acronym for Internet Protocol that allows digital computers to communicate over long distance.

How can I view the DVR from another location?

Our NVR (Network Video Recorder) Client software comes free with the purchase of our DVR. Our NVR Client software supports up to 64 channels at once with unlimited features and up to 128 different DVR Server connections. You have to check the firewall settings and enable port forwarding. We have a Web Client to access the DVR Server remotely with limited features.

What is Port Forwarding?

Port Forwarding is a term used for gaining access to a network resource from outside the internet. Since the NAT of a router hides your computer from the internet, the router has an option to specify port numbers to specific computers inside a network that you can give access to. This enables you to access the DVR functions and view the video from the internet.

What are the default port numbers for your DVR?

The default ports are: Remote Port = 5100, PDA Connect Port = 5101, Alarm Send Port = 5300 and Web Port = 80

What if I don't know how to set up the DVR?

Global Surveillance, Inc provides excellent technical support and networking support services. If you are not sure how to set up or have any questions about features and settings, please call us at 1-877-238-5339.

What are IP based security cameras?

IP based security cameras transmit a video stream directly through an existing network.

What is special about an IP based security camera?

IP cameras do not need any extra components, just the IP camera and the DVR. Most IP cameras support PoE (Power over Ethernet) which comes from a network Hub/Router that can be purchased separately. With PoE you do not have to run a separate power line to the camera.

What are the advantages of IP based security cameras?

Our supported IP based cameras and our DVR use the same protocol; our remote client viewing software is able to view the video stream of the camera.

When calling in for technical support, what information do I need to provide?

You need to provide us with the System serial number and a detailed description of the problem.

Will your DVR work with Windows 7?

Yes. Our DVR is compatible with Windows 7, Vista, XP Pro and XP Embedded.

How do I copy an Image or Video to a CD or DVD?

On the main screen click the Playback button/Select the playback mode (Date~Camera~File)/Click on the Backup button/Select burn backup file/Click add file/Select DATA(D)/Click on the file to be saved/Insert CD/DVD media/Click Burn CD.

What is the Electronic Map?

This feature allows you to upload a site layout map enabling you to position the actual camera locations. When an event occurs you can precisely visualize and pinpoint it on the E-Map. On the main screen click the E-Map button to access the site layout map. You then have the option to check or uncheck the Auto Alarm Delete and Auto Popup after Alarm.

Will your DVR support multiple registers for the POS (Point Of Sale) application?

Yes. Our DVR has a POS application built in and supports multiple cash registers of various brands with text & audio over video streaming. In a short period of time we can customize POS for any brand of cash register having a bi-directional port.

Will your DVR support Mass Storage?

Yes. You can have additional storage up to 36 Terabytes.

Is your DVR RoHS compliant?

Yes. Our products are RoHS compliant. We promote, encourage and strive for a Green Environment.