sundance-communications.com/forum Forums Wiring - Telecom Carriers - Trunks & Services Security, Alarms and Paging Multiple DVR Question

I'm getting ready to install a security camera setup in a hotel. We are going to have 16 camera's total, but think we will need 2, 8 channel DVR's due to a few cable route issues. Both DVR's will be on the network. Is there a way to be able to pull up all 16 cameras on one screen rather than logging onto each DVR separately? What is the easiest way to accomplish this? Thanks in advance.

What kind of DVR's will you be using? The remote viewing software that comes with most decent DVR's will allow you to pull up all cameras on one PC if they are all on the network.

I'm currently looking at some on supercircuits. Im trying to decide on going on a 16 channel with a few long, difficult cable pulls, or 2, 8 channel DVRS. I need about 500 gigs of hard drive space with a burner. Can you recommend anything? Im trying to spend on something mid-grade. Thanks. The last time I tried this was with 2 Clover DVR's and both were networked. We could only view 1 DVR at a time or in 2 different windows.

I would check into the Speco Triplex Line. They have a software the will look at multiple DVR's at the same time in 1 window. Also the new units come with SATA drives so expansion is quite easy.

I would look into speco like Alln1 suggested or maybe check out Nuvico, I would use either one over super circuits. Also have you considered running cat5 an useing baluns for those long runs? I have seen baluns that will let you run 4 cameras over 1 cat5 run. and then just use a local power supply.

I used some baluns on the last system I installed. ( I think you recommended them Anthony). They worked out great. Do you know the maximum distance that they can be used without distorting the picture? At this point im starting to lean to 1 16 channel DVR and approx 8 pairs of baluns. The only thing I did not like about the baluns is that each cable pair had their own balun. I guess I can install a junction box at the nearest TR with the baluns neatly placed inside then run some siamesee to the camera locations.

not sure of max distance off hand...I like the ones from mux labs . The website should provide you all the specs you need.

I agree with Anthony - MuxLab baluns are great but you would be hard pressed to find a bad balun from any manufacturer. Price is definitely a factor though so I would research the best prices on the web. I like the "toolless" ones where you can install the one pair right into the balun. MuxLab also makes a "power-thru" balun if you want to carry your power on the CAT5E also. This week I bought quite a few GV or GVC from ADI and they are fine. I just installed my third and fourth Digimerge 16-channel DVR and installed them both this week and they are reasonably priced, come with 250GB but you can order the 500GB ones if you can wait for special order.