The EchoVue DVR eliminates the need for switching VHS tapes.  Since the video images are stored digitally, the images will not degrade, as would a VHS tape when recorded over multiple times. 

What are the main features of the EchoVue DVR?

In addition of being a digital video recorder, it has the capability of monitoring sites remotely.  For example, an owner is able to view his shop while he is at home through the Internet connection.    And if he has a PTZ (pan, tilt and zoom) camera, he is able to control the cameras remotely as well.

EchoVue DVR also has a motion detection recording setting that starts recording only when the motion detector is triggered. 

How many CCTV cameras can the EchoVue DVR handle at one time?

Currently, the EchoVue DVR system has 2 models. The EV405 is able to connect and record up to 4 cameras whereas the EV805 connects up to 8 cameras. 

Do I need to connect a computer to the EchoVue to transmit the images through the Internet?

No. The Ethernet cable is connected directly to the EchoVue to transmit the images. 

Do I need any special software to view images from the DVR on the Internet?

All you need is Internet Explorer 6.0  Once you type the static IP address that is connected to the EchoVue DVR, the plug-in software will let you view the images, control the PTZ cameras and even let you view the saved video clips that are in the EchoVue DVR.

Does operating the EchoVue DVR require extensive computer knowledge?

No.  EchoVue DVR was designed to be easy to use with no computer background in mind. 

Which cameras does the EchoVue DVR support?

All CCTV cameras with an analog connection work with the EchoVue DVR.  The cameras can be color or black/white. 

However, to control the PTZ cameras, following are the specific PTZ cameras that the EchoVue DVR is set up for.  If your PTZ camera is not on the list, the EchoVue DVR will still be able to record but you will not be able to control the Pan, Tilt, and Zoom. 

How large is the Hard disk for the DVR?

80 Gigabytes (built-in)

My EchoVue is connected to a Router, which port number should I use to configure the EchoVue and how do I access the EchoVue through the Internet?

The web port number to assign to the EchoVue is 7777 or 80 and Data port is 1104.  Factory recommended web port number is 7777 because commonly ISP providers block out the port 80.  So in order to access the EchoVue that is connected to the Internet through a router, you would enter the IP address followed by a semicolon followed by the port number.

For example:  http://194.28.28.28:7777

Is it possible to upgrade the size of the Hard Drive?

Yes.  However, it is not recommended.  It will void the warranty as well. 

How long can the EchoVue record without overwriting the Hard drive?

It depends how you have set the EchoVue, such as the number of frames per second, how many cameras are being used, image quality, and whether the camera is color or black/white. 

For example, 4 cameras at medium quality, at 3 fps each will record about 21 days without overwriting the hard drive.

Can the EchoVue interact directly with a computer through the SCSI connection port at the back to backup the recordings?

You can download video clips to your computer when you are doing remote viewing through the Internet.  However, you should not connect your personal or business computer to the EchoVue for backup purposes since the EchoVue will try to format the computer before starting the downloading process.

Instead, you should use SCSI backup devices such as SCSI external hard drive or SCSI DAT24 tape drive. You may even use SCSI CDRW.

The manual explains how the back up process should be performed.

The buttons on the EchoVue and remote control has completely frozen, but the device still seems to be recording and working.  What do I do?

Follow the procedure to Reset the EchoVue.

I changed the password to my own and forgot the new password I changed it to.  What can I do?

Follow the procedure to Reset the EchoVue.