How to Install a DVR Security System

Secure your home or business with a DVR security system.

A digital video recorder, or DVR, along with at least one security camera, is easy to install and will add an extra layer of protection to your home or small business. That extra layer of protection also gives peace of mind to you and your family or employees, knowing that your home or office is under the secure and watchful eye of your video surveillance system.

Things You'll Need

• DVR Security Camera System
• Desktop PC
• Cordless drill
• 1/8-inch and 3/16-inch bits
• Screwdriver
• #6 screws and plastic anchors

Instructions

1. Choose CCTV camera locations to cover the areas you would like to monitor. For most small companies this includes the cash register, entrances, computer and break areas. For homes, this includes the front entrance, back entrance and garage. Placing a camera in the corner of a room usually covers the most area and allows you to run the camera cable through a small hole in the corner of a ceiling tile.

2. Locate the DVR near the PC and monitor you want to use for viewing the cameras. Bringing the wiring down from the ceiling in a corner will look best; the cables can be covered with plastic raceway or split-tubing later.

3. Run the camera cables from the DVR to each camera location. If the camera and DVR end connectors are different, make sure to get the correct ends where they belong.

4. Mount the cameras using screws and/or plastic anchors. Mark each mounting hole with a pencil, then pre-drill each one with the 1/8-inch bit. If you hit a wood or metal stud, drill into it at least 1 inch and use a screw to fasten the bracket. If the wall is hollow, re-drill the drywall with a 3/16-inch bit and use a plastic anchor and a screw.

5. Make all the connections to the cameras, DVR and your PC. Connect power to the DVR and the camera power supply. Use a surge suppressor outlet strip to protect the equipment. Connect the DVR to your network server or router using a standard network cable.

6. Install the desktop software on your computer following the included instructions. Set up the DVR with the correct time and date. Choose a name for each camera location to appear on the screen and identify each one. Configure the DVR using the installation instructions as a guide. This allows your video to be viewable locally on your network and remotely via the Internet.

7. Use the desktop interface to view some of your recorded video. Most systems record continuously, regardless of the live viewing mode you may select. Adjust your cameras for the best view, if needed.

Tips & Warnings

• If your DVR system doesn't automatically record all the time, learn how to start and stop recording to avoid losing any video history.

• The total recording time the system holds depends on memory size, number of cameras and recording settings. Check the manual for a table to compute how much time your system can furnish, and adjust the frame rate or resolution to match the length of time you need. Use the Frame Rate calculator in Resources if you do not have a table in your system's manual.

• Most surveillance systems have several live viewing modes, such as quad, sequence, single camera, etc. These typically don't affect what's recorded if all cameras are placed correctly and recording all the time.

• Be sure to change the default password for the DVR to prevent hackers from accessing your system.

• Do not use video surveillance for illegal activity.

References

• DVR Security Systems: DVR Security System

Resources

• Panasonic: Digital Video Recording Frame Rate Calculator