The OPDVR04-1TB DVR is a 4-channel analogue digital recorder from the Vista Optio range. It is compatible with cameras using CVI, AHD and TVI HD formats, CVBS or selected IP streams including ONVIF compatibility. Monitor output is by VGA or HDMI connection.
This model includes two additional IP channels and is supplied with a 1TB “Purple” surveillance drive fitted, 2TB and 4TB options are available.
For larger systems an 8 channel (plus 4 IP) with 2, 4 or 8TB drive is available or 16 channel (plus 8 IP) with 4, 6, 8 or 10TB drives can be supplied. All IP channels are capable of supporting up to 8MP streams.
Getting started
The DVR is supplied with an external 12v DC power supply of the direct plug-in variety. The unit requires a mouse and optionally a network connection and once powered up after a short duration shows an Optio splash screen followed by a setup Wizard. This takes the user through a series of configuration items starting with the password, unlock pattern and password protection routines. The password must be between 8 and 32 characters and use at least two character types. A well-presented on-screen keyboard is used with mouse control to set the password and other text inputs. This changes to show the case of the characters and has a separate numeric keypad section making it very user friendly. Password strength is indicated by a coloured bar beneath the entry.
Three password reminder questions can be set, these are selected from a drop-down list of 6, 7 then 8 questions respectively.
An “Auto check for updates” option is then given. This appears to require the sending of device information to the supplier for verification purposes. This is followed by a General settings screen for Auto log-out timing and authorisation for monitoring of channels when logged out, Date & Time including NTP, Network configuration, P2P remote access, Encoding settings, Snapshot storage, Hard Disk overwrite and Scheduling options.
Operation
Once configured, the DVR is intuitive to use if familiar with video recorders. The display initially shows a quad view and segments can be expanded to full screen with a left mouse button double-click. The right mouse button is used to call up the DVR’s on-screen quick menu that gives access to the main menu or step back to the previous screen or view.
Camera control is over coax using HDCVI commands or serial commands with a wide range of serial protocols and baud rates supported from the unit’s 2-wire RS485 port.
This is a very compact unit that supports just one SATA internal drive but can link to external storage if required. A small internal fan can be set to “Always On” or “Auto” but is extremely quiet in operation.
Read the full review in the March 2020 edition of PSI magazine
