The secret to the effectiveness of Smartec STR-1684 is freedom from excesses.
Many CCTV specialists often face the task of installing a small video surveillance system at a client's site that could record high-quality video, store it for about a month, transmit it over the network, respond to alarms in the frame, and at the same time be expandable, reliable and, most importantly, inexpensive. Today, Smartec also offers its solution to this problem, and its lineup now includes 8 and 16-channel video recorders (DVRs) of the STR-0884/1684 series. This article will focus on the STR-1684 model, but all of its main characteristics and capabilities also apply to the 8-channel device.
Smartec STR-1684 digital video recorders are ideal for small and medium-sized video surveillance systems with serious requirements for reliability and recording quality. They record video from 16 analog cameras in MPEG-4 format with a resolution of up to 720×576 pixels and a speed of up to 200 images/sec.
In addition, these DVRs have 16 alarm inputs, 4 relay outputs and come with a built-in 250 GB HDD. The package also includes RMS software for remote video surveillance and an IR remote control. For local video monitoring, the STR-1684 is equipped with three outputs for the main monitor and one for the Spot monitor.
The DVR can be controlled using the front panel buttons or the IR remote control, as well as via the RMS software interfaces using a computer mouse that connects to the DVR via the USB port. Using the RS-485 interface, you can control PTZ cameras directly from the DVR or via the RMS software.
Setting up recording modes and resolution for each channel
The STR-1684 allows you to simultaneously record video, view live video, and transmit video over the network. This DVR can record video automatically, manually, on a schedule, by event, or in emergency mode. Using the schedule planner, the operator can set up to 7 recording modes for each channel and create an hourly schedule for each day of the week. You can also create up to 32 schedules for weekends and holidays. Pre-alarm (0-5 sec) and post-alarm (5-180 sec) recording functions are available. For the operator's convenience, there are algorithms for searching a video fragment by date, time, and event.
Recording speed up to 200 fps
The STR-1684 converts video from cameras into MPEG-4 format, and then records or transmits video over the network. Due to the relatively small “weight” of MPEG-4, it is ideal for remote viewing of “live” video and for video recording. Therefore, in this format, the STR-1684 can record 16 video channels at a speed of 200 fps with a resolution of CIF. You can individually select other quality settings for each channel, such as 2CIF or D1 resolution. In addition, these video recorders have 4 audio inputs, which allows you to transmit and record up to 4 channels of audio information synchronized with video over the network.
Reliable storage of video archive
The basic STR-1684 comes with one built-in 250 GB hard drive. If necessary, the disk space can be expanded by installing two additional hard drives. Video and audio can be backed up to a built-in CD-RW or to an external drive connected via a USB port. Support for the S.M.A.R.T. protocol allows you to continuously monitor the current status of the hard drives to which recording is performed. In the event of a threat of drive failure (overheating or breakage), the system will warn the operator in advance, and this will help to avoid the loss of valuable data.
Free software for remote video surveillance
The operator can remotely access the video recorder from a standard web browser, such as Internet Explorer 6.0. Using the RMS software included with the STR-1684, you can significantly expand the functionality of the video system. RMS supports multi-user access, with the maximum number of simultaneously connected users determined at the rate of 5 users per channel. This software allows the operator to view live video and an archive, as well as control connected PTZ cameras and record video locally to a PC hard drive.
Built-in motion detector and operation with security sensors
The STR-1684 has 16 alarm inputs for external security sensors, as well as 4 relay outputs through which controlled actuators can be connected to the video recorder, including lighting devices, a siren, and an electromagnetic door lock. The motion detector built into the device is configured individually for each channel. When a signal is received from sensors or a motion detector, the DVR, depending on the settings, can send an email notification; activate one or more relay outputs; change the recording quality settings or enable recording for one or more channels.
