The SA-DVR-4 4 Channel Embedded DVR

Let's take a look today at an embedded DVR (Digital Video Recorder). An embedded DVR contains a computer, video card, use interface and hard drive storage, but does not use Windows as on operating system. Instead it uses its own custom operating system specifically designed to work as a DVR. This means that an embedded DVR is as easy to use as a VCR, yet has many more features and is much more versatile.

The SA-DVR-4 converts analog video signals (NTSC or PAL) to digital images and stores them on a high capacity hard disk drive. This means that the recorded video can be accessed almost instantly, without the need to rewind or fast forward like a VCR. There is no tracking to adjust, and the quality of the images do not depend on fragile magnetic tape. Video can be transferred to CD or DVD storage for permanent archiving without degradation of the media. Another advantage of an embedded DVR is that it allows you to index video by date or time and can be instantly accesses by these parameters.

Let's look a little more closely at some of the features of this excellent embedded DVR. The SA-DVR-4 features 4 input channels with convenient audio/video connections on the back panel. There is also one video output channel on the back panel for output to a monitor (not included) or another recording device. The unit contains a 160 GB hard drive that can store up to 332 hours of video - think of the number of VCR tapes that would be required to do that!

Measuring only 7.8"X5.1"X3.2", this DVR unit is quite portable. One feature that this unit lacks which you will find on most non-imbedded DVRs is network capability. It is not networkable and thus cannot be viewed over the internet. But it's small size and ease of use make it the best choice if you do not need Internet capability in a DVR.

The video input format is NTSC or PAL, with an internal switch for choosing between the two formats. Their are four BNC video inputs and one BNC video output. The display frame rate is 120 FPS (frames per second) for seamless video images. The DVR records at a frame rate of 30 FPS, which produces and excellent quality video image. The unit feature two recording modes - continuous or timed. Timed mode allows you to conserve storage space and capture only the video that you need.

This DVR unit can also be motion triggered - another feature that saves on storage space. When in motion-triggered mode the unit will record as long as it senses motion in its field of view, capturing only what matters. The indexing features allow you to search by time, date or event and instantly go to that portion of the video.

Resolution for this high-quality DVR is 720x480 pixels. This is better than VGA quality images. The unit uses MJPEG compression. Frame size is adjustable between 12K and 20K for maximum use of the available storage - up to 332 hours.

This is an excellent embedded DVR with a host of features. It is one of the easiest to operate DVRs available, and is quite portable. With four input channels, it can be used in a wide variety of applications. For more details about the SA-DVR-4 and information on where to purchase, see the following link: SA-DVR-4 Embedded 4-channel DVR