Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a Digital Video Recording system?
How is DVR technology being utilized today?
Why should I consider i2i Systems™?
Can I view live pictures from a different location?
Can I view the recorded camera images from my desktop or laptop PC?
How can I connect my system to the Internet so I can view remotely?
I have multiple locations. Can I connect more than one system together?
Is the type of camera and lens really that important?
Do I need a special camera to have zoom functionality?
How can I protect cameras from vandalism or tampering?
Can I use a TV monitor with my i2i System™?
How do I store files I don't want erased or recorded over?
What maintenance is required on the i2i System™
?
How many days of recording will my i2i System™
store?
Can I add more data storage capacity?
How can I keep the recorded images secure so only authorized individuals can view them?
What happens if there is power failure?
Do I have to learn a special software program to operate my i2i System™
?
Does the i2i System™
require a separate PC?
What if I want to archive video recordings?
Can I install the i2i System™ myself?
What if something goes wrong and I need my system fixed right away?
Where are i2i Systems™
being used today? Can I speak with someone who has an i2i System™ in use?
What if I want to add more cameras in a couple years?
Can I finance my i2i System™
purchase? What about leasing?
What makes the i2i System™ different from other DVR options available?
Who do I contact if I need technical assistance?
How are the cameras powered? Do I need an electrician to wire the power source?
Will iTech Digital™
handle installation of my i2i System?™
Can I contract my own installer?
Where should I locate the i2i System™
unit?
Can I upgrade cameras or camera lenses at a later date?
Do I need to purchase special wiring and connectors? Can I get the proper wiring and connectors locally or do I have to buy them from iTech Digital™?
I need to wire a camera quite a distance from the i2i System™, will the image quality degrade with a longer cable run?
How long does it take to install an i2i System™
?
Can I move a camera if I need to in the future?
Do I need a special power source for the i2i System™
?
Do I need special temperature control for the i2i System™
?
What is a Digital Video Recording system?
Digital Video Recorders or DVRs, bring the convenience and clarity of digital image recording to video applications. A digital video recorder takes a digital or analog input from a camera and records the images in a digital format on hard drive storage. The utility and value of digital video recording is almost limitless depending on a combination of hardware and software technology being brought into a total functioning system. DVR system products differ greatly in quality, functionality and value.
How is DVR technology being utilized today?
DVR systems are used extensively in surveillance applications to protect assets and monitor activity in banks, restaurants, shopping centers, retail stores, manufacturing plants, hospitals, schools and a variety of other places. DVR systems can also be utilized to record work processes for efficiency studies and equipment design improvement. With quality remote access capabilities, DVR's can greatly enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of managers and supervisors by providing visual access to a business or work environment from any location. Anywhere there is a need to monitor activity or status easily and effectively - quality DVR technology can provide the solution.
Why should I consider i2i Systems™
?
iTech Digital™
uses leading edge digital video and audio technology, as well as quality components, in every i2i System™ that we build. You can watch and protect your assets reliably 24/7 providing you a complete surveillance solution with great features: crisp digital image quality, motion activated recording, instant access and playback with no interruption of recording, and access from remote locations! i2i Systems™
will change the way you think about visual and audio monitoring and recording, giving you more confidence and saving you time.
Can I view live pictures from a different location?
Yes, i2i Systems™
allow viewing of
"live action" on a remote computer through either the Internet connection, direct dial modem or your Local Area or Wide Area Network. The
"speed of transmission" and, therefore, the quality of the live image depends on the quality of your connection.
Can I view the recorded camera images from my desktop or laptop PC?
Yes. Included with your i2i System™
purchase is a remote client software CD that you can install on an appropriate PC or laptop and allows connection to the system via direct phone line, LAN or WAN. Unlike many DVR systems on the market today, i2i Systems™
allow you to save image files in multiple formats on your remote PC.
How can I connect my system to the Internet so I can view remotely?
Your i2i System™ can be assigned a static IP address and the system can be remotely accessed through the Internet. The system can also be accessed through direct dial from another computer or through your LAN/WAN.
I have multiple locations. Can I connect to each location remotely?
Yes, more than one i2i System™ can be networked through a Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN) using the same remote software application. Each system will independently operate and record the cameras connected to that system. You will be able to view, control and administer each individual system through your network or remote PC.
Is the type of camera and lens really that important?
Yes, very important. The choice of camera and lens must take into account the area you want to monitor (focal point) and the detail you need to capture. i2i Systems™ are capable of capturing incredible detail but require proper cameras and camera setup. There are an almost unlimited number of camera and lens combinations available to meet every situation. We have experience in choosing the right combination and will recommend and provide the best options to meet your specific needs.
Do I need a special camera to have zoom functionality?
Yes, you need a camera with Pan, Tilt, Zoom functionality. i2i Systems™ allow you to control Pan/Tilt/Zoom cameras, both from the server as well as remotely. iTech Digital™ carries several models which will work effectively with the i2i Systems™.
How can I protect cameras from vandalism or tampering?
iTech Digital
™ can provide secure, protective housings for those situations where additional camera protection or security is required. In addition, proper camera placement can hinder tampering as well as ensure any attempted vandalism is effectively recorded.
Can I use a TV monitor with my i2i System™?
Yes, any TV monitor that accepts video input can be used with i2i Systems™. Some monitors may require adapters.
How do I store files I don't want erased or recorded over?
There are several easy to use backup options for storing video image files. Snapshots and smaller video clips can be stored on CD-R using the i2i System's™ built in CD-RW. You can also easily store and/or backup large video files (archives) to USB Hard Drives or mapped server drives.
What maintenance is required on the i2i System
™?
Maintenance is fairly simple for the i2i Systems™. The system itself should be kept in an environment where exposure to dust, dirt and moisture is minimized. Please contact iTech Digital™ for maintenance agreement options so your i2i System™ will perform for years to come.
How many days of recording will my i2i System store?
Storage is dependent on many factors, including the amount of motion and change in the recorded field of view, camera settings, number of cameras, quality and format settings and the size of the storage media. The i2i System 100™ with a standard 1TB of storage capacity with 16 installed cameras will easily store more than 90 days of video.
Can I add more data storage capacity?
Yes, the i2i Systems™ can be configured with more than 2T of storage capacity. Larger, specialty storage options are also available.
How can I keep the recorded images secure so only authorized individuals can view them?
Access to all activities in the i2i Systems™ are password protected. Your i2i System™ gives you the option to assign varying authorization levels to individual users. Individuals who are not authorized cannot access protected data or system administration features.
What happens if there is power failure?
We recommend installation of a UPS Backup (Uninterrupted Power Supply) so that the i2i System™ is protected from power failure and surge. If your power is lost, the i2i System™ will shut down. As soon as power is restored, you can reboot your i2i System™ and it will begin recording. You will not lose your system settings or previously recorded video.
Do I have to learn a special software to program to operate my i2i System™?
No, there is no need to learn any programs. Setup of the i2i System™ and search/access of recorded images is a simple point & click operation. A member of the iTech Digital™ team will answer any questions about your new i2i System™ during the installation or after. You can contact technical support toll free at (TOO) SEE-MORE, at no additional charge for the life of your system!
Does the i2i System™ require a separate PC?
No, the i2i System™ is complete and ready for operation at the surveillance location. If you desire to operate and view the i2i System™ remotely, you will need a separate PC or Laptop at the remote location in order to connect and view video.
What if I want to archive video recordings?
Small amounts of data can be transferred to a CD-R using the CD-RW installed in every i2i System™. If you're interested in archiving larger amounts of data you can purchase our Locking Rack Mount unit that offers a built-in removable hard drive bay. You can schedule back-ups to removable drives in the i2i System™ software.
Can I install the i2i System™ myself?
We recommend you have professional assistance. However, if you attempt installation yourself, iTech Digital™ can provide diagrams and instructions.
What if something goes wrong and I need my system fixed right away?
Our technical support staff will work with you over the phone first to resolve the issue. If your issue requires further action, iTech Digital™ will send a technician to your location and/or ship a new unit for your use until your unit is repaired.
Where are i2i Systems™ used today? Can I speak with someone who has an i2i System™ in use?
There are many i2i Systems™ protecting assets, monitoring customer and employee activity, measuring manufacturing processes and protecting children. An iTech Digital™ representative can arrange for you to speak with a current i2i System™ customer if desired.
What if I want to add more cameras in a couple years?
The i2i Systems™ can handle any of your future upgrades or additions. If your i2i System™ is not at full capacity, you can simply add more cameras.
Can I finance my i2i System™ purchase? What about leasing?
Yes, the iTech Digital™ Leasing Program offers several leasing options. Please contact a member of our team for further information.
What makes the i2i System™ different from other DVR options available?
iTech Digital™ provides exceptional performance while maintaining an easy to understand and simple interface. We use the best components available and the most reliable digital video recording boards on the market today. We are confident that when you compare i2i System™ to any other video surveillance system you will find greater value in our products.
Who do I contact if I need technical assistance?
iTech Digital™ Customer Service is available toll free at 1-TOO-SEE-MORE, (866) 733-6673. You can also fill out and submit the form on the support page of our website.
How are the cameras powered? Do I need an electrician to wire the power source?
We recommend that you use the services of a professional. Cameras require separate 12V or 24V power supply. Although some installations require an electrician for wiring of camera cable and power source, most installations use low voltage wiring which simply connects to a low voltage power supply that can be plugged into a normal electrical outlet/source.
Will iTech Digital
™ handle installation of my i2i System™?
Yes, iTech Digital™ can arrange for the installation of your i2i System™. We have a team of certified dealers and install technicians who can perform the installation. Charges are based on location, building structure and time and materials required for your specific installation.
Can I contract my own installer?
Yes, you can install yourself, with your own electrician or cable/wiring specialist, or utilize other specialists who can route cable for cameras, mount brackets and plug in cameras. Installation is not complex but routing cable can be time consuming, especially if you are dealing with old buildings, brick walls, etc.
Where should I locate the i2i System™ unit?
The i2i System™ can be located in any area that would be appropriate for a PC. The area should be secure, clean, dry, off the floor, conveniently located next to power, protected and secure with normal temperature control. Multiple systems can be mounted in an optional rack.
Can I upgrade cameras or camera lenses at a later date?
Cameras and lenses can be upgraded or moved at any time to optimize the value and use of your i2i System. iTech Digital™ will be glad to consult with you on any of your camera needs.
Do I need to purchase special wiring and connectors? Can I get the proper wiring and connectors locally or do I have to buy them from iTech Digital
™?
You need no "special" wiring or connectors, although there are wiring and connector specifications, these are available from many providers. We provide a list of required equipment and wiring that you may source for another supplier or we can provide this equipment as part of your i2i
™ purchase or lease.
I need to wire a camera quite a distance from the i2i System™, will the image quality degrade with a longer cable run?
Preservation of image quality over the length of cable requires proper video grade cabling (75 ohm). RG59u is the cable of choice for most systems however if there is a particularly long run, RG6 may provide less line loss. Ideally a cable run should be 300' or less although longer runs are possible.
How long does it take to install an i2i System™?
A complete system installation with new wiring for cameras varies greatly depending upon building attributes. If conditions are straight-forward (drop ceilings and studded walls) new camera installation averages 1 installer about 1 hour per camera. If there are special requests or difficult wiring circumstances, this time will increase.
Can I move a camera if I need to in the future?
Yes, some additional cable is left in each run. If you need to move the camera to completely different location a new cable will need to be installed. While most cameras are simple to move, please contact iTech Digital™ before attempting to uninstall and reinstall any cameras.
Do I need a special power source for the i2i System?
No, i2i Systems™ operate on standard electrical power (110v).
Do I need special temperature control for the i2i System™?
It is best to locate your i2i System™ in a room where the temperature is set for normal human comfort. Range of temperature needs to be between 45ºF and 85ºF.
