Recording Surveillance Video Cameras

Standard home VCRs can be used to record surveillance camera images but are suitable only for the occasional manually or time activated recording. The professional time lapse VCRs here have features that you will need to do the job properly. They have the ability to go straight into the previously set recording mode when AC power (or 12VDC for portable version) is applied. This means that they can be controlled by an X10 appliance module if desired. (Please note that there will be a delay of several seconds after power is applied before the VCR will begin recording.

For instantaneous recording the VCRs can be put into a "pause" mode and started with an alarm input. When recording in time lapse mode, each frame is spaced out so that extended recording time can be achieved. At 24 hrs the interval between each frame is approx. 0.2 seconds, at 480 hrs the interval is 4 seconds and at 960 hrs. 8 seconds. Since it is possible to miss valuable information in extended recording modes, these VCRs have the ability to automatically switch to a shorter recording mode during an alarm situation. This trigger could be a door contact, PIR motion detector, security system output, etc.

The VCRs can automatically rewind at the end of the tape and continue recording from the beginning, and/or trigger a warning to replace the tape. A time date stamp provides valuable info for legal and crime resolution purposes and can be repositioned.

Some units have a sync output to sequential switchers for best performance when used with those units. All units are designed to handle continuous 24hr a day operation and have a meter that shows elapsed use time for head cleaning and service purposes. Note: time lapse VCRs only accept baseband audio/video signals, they cannot decode modulated signals or TV channels as they do not have built-in tuners.