The alienDVR - FAQs
- Is the AlienDVR required to be connected to the Internet so that it can be accessed by a mobile phone?
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Yes, a mobile phone will connect to a broardband service and then be routed to the DVR via it's broadband connection. Ideally, the DVR broadband connection should have a ‘static IP address’.
- What's the difference between a Static and Dynamic IP Address?
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All broadband connections require an IP address to operate and direct two way communication through. IP addresses come in two distinct varieties: Static and Dynamic.
Static IP Address: This offers a permanent address (Logged at the local telephone exchange) through which broadband communication is directed. They are available from the Internet Service Provider (ISP) for the DVR 's broadband connection and usually incur a small additional fee. It is this address that will be entered in the mobile phone or remote PC's ‘client’ software to communicate with the DVR.
Dynamic IP Address: This offers a temporary address through which broadband communication is directed. Each time the local router is turned on or occasionally when broadband connection is lost, this IP address will change.
This is not an issue when downloading information from the internet. However, when uploading video from a DVR a remote mobile phone or PC will not have the ‘current’ IP address with which to do so. One answer can be to register with a hosting service such as www.dyndns.org. Once registered, a user will be provided with a specific domain name. This is entered into the specific router connected to the DVR. Any change in the IP address will be automatically sent, by the router, to the hosting service.
To contact the DVR using either a mobile phone or remote PC the ‘domain name’ acquired from the hosting service is used in place if the IP address. On connection the hosting service will then resolve the domain name into the latest IP address for the DVRs broadband connection.
- Will the AlienDVR function over a wireless network?
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Once connected to a wireless router the AlienDVR can be viewed over a wireless local area network. Be aware that as a matter of course, any wireless network will tend to slow network communications. In addition, applying some wireless network security features can greatly compromise network speeds.
- How long will the Alien DVR record for?
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Storage capacity relies on hard disk size, system configuration and the scene being recorded.
It should be noted that with all recorders it is difficult to be precise on length of time a particular hard disk will record for, before overwriting old files. This is due to the nature of compression techniques. The more colour and movement a scene contains, the larger compressed files will be.
In addition, the configuration of the AlienDVR can greatly influence hard disk capacity. If motion or alarm detect are implemented to trigger recording the capacity will depend on the number of events recorded. Equally an increased frame rate, quality setting or resolution setting will consume larger amounts of hard disk space.
The alienDVR has a rough guide to storage times, however operators would be advised to specify as big a hard disk drive as the budget will allow to acquire maximum capacity.
- How much does it cost to down load images to my phone?
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This will depend on the mobile service provider and their associated charges. Remember that there are now numerous locations (pubs, restaurants and hotels) where a wireless broadband connection is available, so the service can be effectively free. Connection via a home or business wireless connection is also possible. Operators of such systems can access the DVR from anywhere within range of the wireless router free of charge.
- Will I need a special mobile phone to connect to the Alien DVR?
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Your phone will need to be WAP enabled and compatible with a Java platform.
- How do I back up files on the Alien DVD?
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The AlienDVR has it's own DVD writer installed for making back up recordings. Additionally there is the facility to save backed up files on to a USB memory stick.
- Can I backup all the recordings?
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Because of the amount of data compressed on to a hard disk drive it is impractical to backup the entire drive. Effectively, the hard disk acts as the main storage space for files.
As a matter of good practice events should be backed up as soon after they occur as possible.
- Do I need a minimum bandwidth to connect to the Alien DVR?
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It is important that there is an adequate broadband connection for the DVR to operate. The ‘up-load’ speed of your broadband connection needs to meet, or preferably, exceed 250K.
This speed can be established by logging on to a broadband speed testing site at the location that the DVR is going to be installed. Ensure that it is the ‘upload speed’ that is being referred to and not the download speed as estimated by the ISP.
- Can I record Audio On The AlienDVR?
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Yes. The AlienDVR has the facility to record and play back a single audio input, which can be assigned to any of the four channels. It is worth noting that a pre-amplified microphone would be required for this purpose and a single (phono) audio connection located on the rear of the unit.
The remote PC client software is able to monitor audio and has the added function of ‘Talkback’, so communication can be from a remote PC to the DVR which is provided with a single audio output.
For more help and tips on the Alien please try our Technical Tips page.