Security DVR - VGA splitter

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Security DVR - VGA splitter

taylorroach

61 posts

Master Geek

Topic # 150057 10-Jul-2014 00:26

Hi

I'm going to purchase a Orion 4 camera DVR (SC144)

The situation I have is that it has a VCA output, I have to TV's I want to plug it into at the same time one is a small tv that will be on all the time then occasionally I would like to turn on the big tv and watch it when I want a bigger picture. So my question is would a VGA splitter do the job and if so what's the difference between just the cable splitter and the powered box unit ones. And also will it effect the quality at all if so how much.

And if anyone has used these Orion DVRs how have you found them?

Any help would be hugely appreciated.

sbiddle

26472 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6027

Moderator

Trusted

Biddle Corp

Lifetime subscriber

Reply # 1086179 10-Jul-2014 07:25

To split VGA or composite you need a powered splitter.

No idea what model you're looking at but if it's like most low end CCTV systems it'll be very average - there is quite honestly no reason to install analogue gear these days when IP CCTV kit is so vastly superior.

taylorroach

61 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 1086198 10-Jul-2014 08:51

Okay thanks, how come a non powered one won't work?

qyiet

454 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 95

Trusted

Reply # 1086204 10-Jul-2014 09:01

sbiddle: there is quite honestly no reason to install analogue gear these days when IP CCTV kit is so vastly superior.

Devils Advocate:The SC144 IS cheap

That said, I'd never touch it. My journey messing about with home security started with setting up a couple of cheap network cameras with software running on a standard PC. However I've ditched that in favour of the Unifi Video/Airvision products. They are the correct combination of cheap enough and 'good enough' for me so far, and I'd not bother with anything cheaper/nastier. But I could be sold on something better.. if it's out there.

You can get them from these guys http://www.gowifi.co.nz/ubiquiti-networks/ubiquiti-aircam-ip-cameras.html and you don't have to buy the NVR if you have a PC you can install the NVR software on. Be aware the NVR software isn't just a tiny utility.. it does load the PC up a bit.

So there is my 2c

Warning: reality may differ from above post

taylorroach

61 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 1086218 10-Jul-2014 09:06

Okay thanks for this, this is just going to be used for home use so didn't want to spend money, the great thing is I don't have to tie up a computer with it and I can watch it remotely with an iphone app

richms

21121 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 4210

Trusted

Subscriber

Reply # 1088915 14-Jul-2014 22:00

Just dont portfoward to a cheap embedded linux DVR, Not only is it insanely bad for security, they will lock up all the time with the constant hammering they get from the internet of people looking for interesting things.

Richard rich.ms

taylorroach

61 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 1088918 14-Jul-2014 22:06

Ah how you mean port foward, cause I have a feeling it's not secure..

richms

21121 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 4210

Trusted

Subscriber

Reply # 1088925 14-Jul-2014 22:25

port foward is when you open your DVR up to the internet and access it with either a static IP or a dynamic DNS name, so anyone online can get to its "authentication" page by just connecting to your external IP address.

Richard rich.ms

sbiddle

26472 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6027

Moderator

Trusted

Biddle Corp

Lifetime subscriber

Reply # 1089018 15-Jul-2014 08:36

taylorroach: Okay thanks, how come a non powered one won't work?

Passive splitters are a waste of time - they simply result in a worse picture quality as their is no amp, and more often than not won't work as EDID can't identify the monitor type.

When you can buy an active splitter for NZ$15 it's not like they're expensive.

taylorroach

61 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 1089044 15-Jul-2014 09:09

Where can you buy these from ?

richms

21121 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 4210

Trusted

Subscriber

Reply # 1089142 15-Jul-2014 10:39

Any computer retailer should have them. I would recommend PB tech because I have seen them on the shelf there.

Richard rich.ms