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The software has been designed as universal application for surveillance cross platforms functioning all together with wireless and wired Internet webcams, Television-boards, capture cards, power-line, and USB cameras. It has web interface with the identical form and controls on the local and apart computers. Customers view MPEG coded video and have full control of the program via network that security station can be operated with no screen, keyboard, and mouse connected. Program`s modular composition significantly improves reliability because all modules operate as independent software. If one part stops working, other units go on working. For instance if the `record` component stops working, `watchdog` starts again it immediately that users don`t notice anything because they are viewing picture using a `playback` component. The software performs `repeated` recording that the `hard drive full` situation never happens. The recording can be non-stop or it can be activated by motion, human face detection, or by calendar. The software has pre-alarm and post-alarm recording. Playing back recorded video is pretty simple and performs on the surveillance server as well as on distant station using Web interface. The software makes simultaneous video playback for event examination from multiple cameras at the same time. Also recorded files can be searched by date, time or by face detected. All recorded data can be encrypted and password protected.
What do you need to know about free software?
Click to viewIt's 2009—no one should still be a slave to their TV Guide. With one of these six excellent digital video recording tools set up with your TV or computer, you won't be. Photo by Aaron Escobar.
Earlier this week we asked you to share you favorite DVR applications, and now we're back with the six most popular answers. This week's Hive Five Call for Contenders was one of our tightest races yet, which is why we're featuring six popular DVR apps instead of the standard five.
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Best DVR Applications?
Whether you're timeshifting your TV with pre-built options like TiVo or rolling your own…
Read more ReadNOTE: If you'd like to roll your own DVR using your computer, you'll need a TV capture card. If your computer doesn't already have one installed, don't worry—they're not that expensive (I've always had good luck with Hauppauge cards), and you can install them on your PC just like you would install any other PCI card (i.e., easily).
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Read more ReadWindows Media Center (Windows)
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For many, Windows Media Center is the product Microsoft got just right. It's easy to set up, has a fantastic, user-friendly interface, and comes packaged for free with several versions of Windows—specifically Windows MCE 2005, Vista Home Premium and Ultimate, and, when it's all ready for public consumption, Windows 7. Windows Media Center's biggest downside is its sometimes less-than-portable DVR-MS format, but some of it's more impressive features—like using the Xbox 360 as an extender or streaming Netflix Watch Instantly videos—can make up for its downsides. If you really want to make your Windows Media Center sing, check out how to turn your Windows PC into a media center powerhouse on the cheap.
Turn Your Windows PC into a Media Center Powerhouse On the Cheap
Click to viewIf you've purchased a new Windows computer in the past few years that's…
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SageTV (Windows/Mac/Linux)
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SageTV is the only DVR application of the bunch that runs on all platforms. Like most of the others, SageTV is a champ at pausing, recording, and playing back live TV. It also integrates with online video, supports commercial skipping, and is about as customizable as you could hope for. SageTV is a commercial application; a license can be yours to the tune of $80.
BeyondTV (Windows)
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BeyondTV is a shareware DVR application for Windows. It handles all the duties you'd expect from a DVR with a few extra features you won't get from all the others, like automatic commercial marking and skipping, placeshifting (i.e., viewing your recordings over the internet), automatic transcoding, iTunes integration, and a simple tool for burning shows to DVD. BeyondTV will set you back $99 for a license.
GB-PVR (Windows)
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GB-PVR is a free DVR application and media center for Windows. GB-PVR boasts a great set of features, including everything from basic time shifting and media center duties to automatic video transcoding (to popular DivX or Xvid codecs, for example). The application has an active and loving community of users and a boatlad of great plug-ins, including a plug-in that integrates with Netflix Watch Instantly and others that add support for DVD burning, BitTorrent, and more. Best of all, GB-PVR can be yours for the low, low price of $0.
TiVo
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TiVo is the the device that introduced most of us to the concept of time shifting TV. Without a doubt TiVo offers an excellent service, but perhaps the largest benefit of owning a TiVo is its no-nonsense setup and operation. Unlike the rest of the options in this Hive Five, TiVo is the only one you don't need a computer to use. The set-top box integrates easily with your cable or satellite provider and connects to broadband services like Netflix Watch Instantly or your Picasa Web Albums. TiVo is a subscription service starting at $12/month (unless you go for an annual plan); you can also buy a lifetime plan for $400.
MythTV (Linux)
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MythTV is a free, open source DVR application. First released way back in 2002, MythTV is one of the first homebrew DVR apps. Once only a viable option for veteran Linux users and hackers, MythTV has evolved into an excellent DVR app for those of us lacking much Linux experience, although it still remains a system tweaker's dream. MythTV is available in several flavors, including KnoppMyth, a Linux live CD with MythTV preloaded, and Mythbuntu, a MythTV-focused distribution of Ubuntu.
Now that you've seen the short list, it's time to vote for your favorite:
Which Is the Best DVR Application?
( surveys)
( surveys)
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Whether or not your favorite made the short list this week, let's hear more about the DVR that freed you from the shackles of your regularly scheduled programming in the comments.