HI,

I have a few of your DVRs and quite a few of your cameras and have been very happy with their quality and your great service. I'd like to get your advice on having a secondary backup of the DVRs in a different location than the DVR but still within the LAN. I am afraid if a break-in attempt was made in any of the offices where the DVRs are located and the DVR was stolen any evidence would be lost. I have additional locked offices within the main office (where the DVR is) that I can dedicate a computer to somehow cloning the original footage. Do you have any recommended programs that could be used for this situation? My location only offers DSL so bandwidth is an issue which is why I'd like to duplicate the footage locally as opposed to having the footage saved off-site.

I appreciate any information and guidance in advance.

Thank you,

Eric Fishback
ericfishback@gmail.com
(559) 786-2164

Eric,

There are a lot of choices when it comes to back up recording. We have deployed several different configurations. I think the best option is to use the two DVR option. Here is an example: You install the main DVR into the ceiling, attic or secure room. Then you run the loop outs (or use T-connectors) to a second DVR (use our Elite-Mini series for this since it is less expensive) which would be in plain view. Connect a monitor to the second DVR and only let employees and others use the second DVR. The hidden DVR would be a DVR only you would have access to. You can even use a full sized Elite Series or Ultimate series as the hidden DVR, then add lots of storage (they are capable of up to 16 TB internally). Now, if you have an employee, or a criminal that tries to disable, steal or break the DVR that is in plain site, they will have no clue that the main DVR is still functioning and recording.

The second option is to use our client software installed on a PC (can be inside or outside the network) which will be connected remotely to any DVR you choose. The schedule can be set up to record any cameras you want to that PC. The problem with this solution is the recording will be using your bandwidth. Attempting this from outside the network would be very challenging unless you have exceptional bandwidth. Even inside the network can have a negative impact on your network. Unless you have a Gigabit network, you will be limited to a maximum of 100mbps internally. A single camera streaming at the highest quality to the PC can use up to 2mbps. so 16 cameras could theoretically use 32mbps. Assuming that you will get a maximum of 60% use of your bandwidth, this will not leave a lot of available bandwidth. The other issue is you will need a watchdog built in to ensure that the client software doesn't crash. Also, if a thief or employee were to shut off your DVR or worse, you would no longer be receiving a stream to record.

I personally prefer option 1. I think you can see why. I hope this helps!

Regards,

Your Tech Support Rep.