PSIJanuary2018

TEST
This NVR is a
relatively simple to
install, multi-disc
recorder with a good
user interface and
simple operation
NOTE: This PSI Product Test
was carried out by an
independent third party,
not editorial staff. The
manufacturer had no input in
the review or the final result
8.5 out of 10
(continued from p14)
documentation only recommends Microsoft IE
which worked well; no images could be viewed
using Edge, Chrome or Firefox browsers on a
Windows 10 machine.
The printed manual supplied with the unit gave
most necessary information but it was strange
that this was not included in electronic format on
the CD. There was also no access to the user
manual from the main AVTech website although
the manual did give a web address for a pdf copy
of the manual along with a download for the CMS
Lite PC programme for alternative monitoring of
the system. CMS Lite is also available from the
supplied CD as a “.rar” file. This software is
AVTech’s free VMS for up to 24 camera systems.
The first screen icon for each of the camera
display panes allows the camera to be
disconnected from the system with “all
parameters” lost. Although there is a warning
prompt, it would be easy for a casual or malicious
user to create problems so care must be taken to
allocate access rights to users of the system.
There is no forcing of strong passwords for the
system and network security features are very
limited so it would be essential to provide
suitable firewall protection if connected to the
internet for remote access.
The HDMI 1 output supports up to 3840 x 2160
(4K) pixel resolution, HDMI 2 and VGA are up to
1920 x 1080 (HD).
Some unintentional double-entry of characters
was noted when entering the password using the
on-screen keyboard, but this error was removed
by reducing the mouse sensitivity.
Some of the functionality is naturally geared
towards AVTech cameras but the general
performance with ONVIF compliant cameras was
good. Applications are available for both Android
and iOS devices in free and enhanced versions.
The free version is shown to be limited to just four
cameras while the paid version covers the full 16
channels. These apps worked well for basic image
viewing and replay of recordings. Push video is
supported. An “EaZy” networking option using QR
Code access for setup, provides simplicity of
remote connectivity but there is mention of a
different level of bandwidth being available after
a trial period and promotion of chargeable
bandwidth limits and “Cloud” storage facilities so
this needs to be carefully considered before
utilisation.
Performance
The user interface is easy to navigate around and
the image quality is very good, depending of
course on the camera quality and set-up. The
flexible screen layouts and ease of setting to full
screen display mode will be particularly useful for
small systems requiring an overview or customer
display.
Playback was very versatile with a simple but
useful Timeline beneath the image pane that
could be set to a resolution of Hours, Minutes or
Seconds. This timeline scrolled very smoothly
allowing for quick searching through large
amounts of video and then switching to minutes
and seconds allowed precise selection of
recordings of interest.
The video transport controls are relatively
standard with good flyover text that was notably
absent from most other functions. Fast Forward
and Rewind both operate at 4, 8, 16 and 32 times
normal and a Slow speed operates at 1/4 or 1/8
normal. Together with the smooth Timeline this
makes scene or still frame finding
straightforward. The screen display format will
scale the number of panes shown to best match
the number of cameras selected for replay.
Triggered events are indicated on the timeline
and in an event list and can be used to simplify
the selection of events for playback. When
selected from the list, the basic event opens in a
small replay window for review and this miniplayer
also allows the clip to be opened in the full
playback window.
For export, the start and end times are entered
directly or via a slider and then can be exported to
a connected USB device. Exported files are in avi
format so will play with the majority of standard
video players.
In addition to the event list the right-hand
panel also provides some useful performance
information such as LAN and WAN up and
download data usage and camera details
including, IP Address & Port, Compression, Pixel
Count, Images per second and Data rate for each
of the sixteen channels.
The third item on the right-hand panel is a PTZ
control group. This allows compatible cameras to
be functionally controlled, sent to pre-set
positions or instructed to run tours.
The Eagle Eyes app installed simply on both
Android and iOS devices and gave reasonable
results.
Conclusion
This NVR is a relatively simple to install, multidisc
recorder with a good user interface and
simple operation. While it doesn’t have the
extensive network or security features of some
offering, it does fulfil the need for a cost-effective
long-term storage NVR with good event handling
and image replay controls. A large amount of
flexibility can be built in to an installation if care is
taken to fully understand the configuration
process.
14
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