About 5 years ago we witnessed the first revolution in recording surveillance video. Analog video cassette recorders (VCRs) were replaced with digital video recorders (DVRs). Maximum resolution of the recorded material was increased from VGA (640x480) to 4CIF/D1 (706x576). The current revolution is even more significant. Introduction of megapixel cameras has given a new direction in video surveillance and image recording solutions. Small and medium IP CCTV systems equipped with megapixel cameras need new category of managing and recording equipment - standalone network video recorders (NVRs).

NUUO - a well known world manufacturer of IP surveillance software - has introduced hardware digital surveillance recorders for cooperation with IP cameras: four-channel K4104 and eight-channel K4108. The devices can operate autonomously using the embedded software. They have been designed for recording images from IP cameras of standard and megapixel resolution.

NVR (Network Video Recorder) of NUUO is innovative plug &play device for full management of IP CCTV system. The main functions include live monitoring, recording of video streams, playback of the archives. This flexible NVR platform allows multi-server multi-client operation. NUUO NV-4080 K4108 allows to record video streams from megapixel (up to 5 Mpix) and standard-resolution cameras, with frame rates up to 25 fps. Due to Linux OS, it ensures stable operation and resistance to computer viruses.

NUUO NVRs are used in all kinds of maintenance-free systems. In this kind of small- and medium-size systems the NVR can be connected to any node of IP network and provide service for a number of customers (clients) with hierarchical access rights. Such systems are suitable for surveillance of offices, factories, warehouses, stores, businesses, various buildings etc.

The system is operated only remotely (via IP network). There is no need to create or define a monitoring center, because its functions can be performed from any point of the network. The connection is via Internet Explorer or client software. The former solution is convenient for its simplicity (no need to install additional applications), while the latter makes it possible to work on several servers at once.

IP CCTV system with client in LAN

The main task of NUUO NVR is recording data streams from IP cameras. The preparation consists in installing hard drives of appropriate capacity and configuring the system. The 4-ch model can hold two HDDs (RAID 0 or RAID 1), the 8-ch version - four HDDs (RAID 0, 1, 5, 10). Each channel can be managed independently, with recording triggered according to set schedule, by motion detection or external alarm. A unique function is possibility of triggering the recording of defined channel by an event in a different one. Any event can automatically initiate notification procedure (email/s to the defined operator/s of the system). Any event can be easily found with advanced event browser.

Analog systems accustomed us to the fact that any standard PAL/NTSC camera can be connected to any DVR. Unfortunately, in the IP world is not so standardized. Therefore, it is important to know whether a given camera can fully cooperate with network recorder. This objection usually does not apply to the video stream, but mainly to the special features characteristic for the specific hardware of the equipment coming from its manufacturer, such as hardware motion detection. NUUO NVRs cooperate with the equipment from most leading manufacturers: Axis, ACTi, Arecont Vision, CISCO, D-Link, Iqinvision, Level One, Linksys, Lumenera, Mobotix, Panasonic, SONY, Vivotek, ZAVIO.

The uniqueness of solutions based on NUUO NVRs consists of many factors. Among them, the main are the consequences of using IP technology - possibility of building distributed surveillance systems with ease of any extension and possibility of using megapixel resolution. The device is based on Linux operating system which ensures stable operation, free from the errors and virus attacks often encountered on PCs. A unique feature of NUUO is the ability to view live and archived video simultaneously from all channels. The images are time-synchronized with each other and with sound which can be recorded as well (in every channel).

NUUO client software cooperates both with NVR mini and systems based on PC servers and NUUO NVR. It allows to create any video surveillance system containing manned and maintenance-free parts. The system has image analysis functions (NUOO NVR software), and allows flexible extension in the future.

NUUO SCB-IP+08 software pack

Solutions based on remote server-client concept have very important advantage associated with stability and security. The system usually provides access to its resources for more than one operator/user. If all those entitled tried to connect to the cameras at the same time, it could cause overload and, consequently, hangup of the system. In server-client configuration all connections are held only to the server. On the one hand, servers are able to handle more connections than cameras, on the other they are also equipped with mechanisms protecting against overload.
A simple solution blocking attempts to connect to the cameras may be the creation of a subnet that contains the camera and the monitoring server, with outside connections possible only to the server.

Analog video surveillance systems are based on a star architecture with the DVR in the center and cameras as the points of the star. In IP systems, every device is more or less the point of a star, but the real structure of IP networks is much more complicated. For the purpose of video monitoring - one may divide the system into local subsystem with the server and cameras in LAN, and remote points providing video streams via the Internet. The situation is similar in the case of severs and client stations. Designing larger networks, it is indispensable to ensure adequate bandwidth of the links between the cameras and network recorders as well as between the servers and client stations. The former is the condition of stable operation of recording system, the latter - satisfactory access to the system.

Integrated IP CCTV system

Adding cameras - channel configuration requires entering basic network parameters and identifiers (IP address, name and password). After clicking Add button the system will recognize the camera and update camera list. There is possibility of manual configuration (entering transmission port, data transmission protocol, camera vendor/model name).

Channel configuration menu (camera settings)

Camera status - after adding cameras this window allows to check status of the cameras (connection, recording) and transmission parameters (frame rate, bitrate). The sum of the bitrates cannot exceed total available bandwidth.

Camera Status window

Recording schedule - can be independently set for each channel - days of the week, periods of the day. For example, the video from camera 1 is recorded from Monday to Friday, from 8.00 to 16.00, and on Saturdays from 9.00 to 13.00. During the rest of the time the system can activate recording triggered by motion detection or alarm events. Detection of motion in one channel can trigger recording of other channels. These functions have to be implemented in the cameras.

NUUO recording schedule

System information - this window provides information on the NVR, including MAC address and total network flow (inflow, outflow). In the Enclosure Information tab (below) there is information on physical parameters inside the device including CPU temperature, fan speed, power rail voltages.

Enclosure Information window

Live view - there are two ways to use the live view function:

Live monitoring via website

Playback - similarly to live view, the archives can be played back with web browser or remote Playback System application. In both cases the user chooses channels (cameras) and interesting dates/periods of time. NUUO NVR mini does not limit the number of simultaneously played back recordings. It is a unique feature not available in this category of NVRs.

NUUO archives

List of devices supported by NUUO NVR mini

NUUO NVRs is a major step forward in archiving digital surveillance video from IP cameras of standard and megapixel resolution. They are ideal storage devices for small- and medium-size video surveillance systems that can fuction without employing an operator. These compact network video recorders have been equipped with embedded software that ensures stability, resistance to attacks and other threats inherent with any IP network. They can be combined into groups that provide service for many customers/clients.