PELCO DX-8100 Series Video Recorder Is a Mean Machine
The PELCO DX-8100 Series Video Recorder is referred to as an HVR (Hybrid Video Recorder) because it combines the best features of VCRs DVRs and NVRs.
Although the DX-8100 does not use magnetic tape, its user interface a computer screen is reminiscent of traditional VCRs, and is easy for end-users and installers to learn. But the DX-8100 is really a Windows XP Pro-based server with exceptional connectivity and feature set.
A DVR is a video recording and playback device that stores and plays back video using a hard disk instead of magnetic tape which is what VCRs do.
Storing video in this manner facilitates instant, random access to data, as opposed to sequential access inherent to tape-based recording. This means no fast-forwarding or rewinding is necessary to locate the data a user wants to view or export.
Another key advantage of hard disk over video cassettes is decreased operator intervention and maintenance.
With DVRs video remains in the digital domain, so data is easy to store, transport, manipulate, and maintain quality.
Because DVRs rely on hard disks instead of tape, data storage is virtually unlimited. Video data can also take advantage of compression technology to increase the efficiency of storage media.
Modern DVRs, such as the DX8100, allow users to record, play back, and view live video simultaneously. Video can be easily backed up to a variety of storage media. This also means that alphanumeric information, such as date, time, and transaction statistics, can be synchronously recorded with video.
Pelco’s JBOD DX8100 Version 2.0 includes the ability to use third-party, off-the-shelf external storage for video recording. JBOD (Just a Bunch of Disks) storage support means customers can extend their storage requirements to fit within their budget.
Support: Perhaps what I like most about this HVR is the support available for it. These resources include on-line documentation, live expert technical support and a team of factory reps who know the products and know your market region.
This unit comes with a full three-year warranty. It is quality built, and the interface is essentially idiot-proof against goofy mistakes. It is difficult to crash the recorder, so you can be assured that video will continue to be recorded under the most adverse set of circumstances.
If your customer has any experience in professional security, the Pelco brand should get instant acceptance. I see Pelco in military, banking, institutional and commercial environments. At those sites, security is a high priority; long term video archiving is essential and cameras in multiple sites need to be viewed in configurable matrix from multiple workstations located in multiple sites.
Installation: Of course proper installation is required if top performance is to be expected from the DX-8100. You need to provide the DX-8100 with clean and continuous line voltage. A properly rated UPS will fulfill this requirement.
You need to place the DVR in a secured area which physically protects the unit. You also have to program the DX-8100 with passwords and permissions appropriate to the security management level of the installation. If you leave the DX-8100 in situation where power or cabling can be disturbed, or where low level employees can shut off cameras or stop scheduled recording, you cannot be assured you get the video you were expecting.
The DX8100 Series hybrid video recorder (HVR) has long-served the professional security market with a wide variety of search tools, the ability to view up to 72 cameras at the server, ATM/POS recording, and more. The new hybrid recording capability in DX8100 version 2.0 offers an even more flexible and robust security recording platform.
The new DX8100 resource meter monitors system resources in real-time and is a useful gauge for the addition of IP cameras to the system. New configuration tools allow you to easily configure IP cameras. With no licensing fees for Pelco and AXIS ® standard definition network cameras, the shift to IP recording is an affordable transition.
The new version of the DX-8100 has eight analog camera channels, and another 16 IP camera channels. If you’re running analog cameras, you can triple the camera capacity without upgrading the DVR.
Flexible Storage: The DX8100 provides a variety of options for internal storage and data redundancy needs. New 8 TB models provide increased storage retention. New USB 2.0 JBOD external storage meets cost-sensitive demands. Combined, the new storage options increase the HVR’s recording capacity to 16 TB. Customers requiring file redundancy can select from a range of RAID 5 options up to 9 TB of external storage.
Adaptable Viewing: The DX8100’s unique server dual display capability allows simultaneous viewing of up to 72 cameras. Up to four extended composite monitors can function as public view monitors. The DX8100 favorites feature lets users quickly recall any combination of camera and views for easy camera navigation. These extensive selections make the DX8100 adaptable for complete surveillance viewing.
System Health Check Monitoring: When an operating limit is exceeded, an alert appears on the server and connected remote clients. System health check monitoring helps ensure maximum system uptime.
DX8100 networks can grow as security requirements expand. A unit can operate as part of a network of as many as five DX8100s and DX8000s.
The remote client can administer DX8100 servers, and it can simultaneously control and operate up to 36 cameras.
For more information on Pelco products, visit Web Site: www.pelco.com
Tim O'Leary
Tim O'Leary is a security consultant, trainer and technician who has also been writing articles on all areas of locksmithing & physical security for many years.
