Stand-Alone (imbedded) DVR's
Stand-Alone DVRs also carry the name "imbedded systems" because the software that determines their operation is generally hard coded (or imbedded) in Read Only Memory. Once manufactured, what you see is what you get. Software upgrades are generally not available and add-on applications, such as flexible Point of Sale (POS) or intricate remote access applications (remote client software for a PC or smartphone software for the next version of phone that hits the market, for example) are not available or are limited in scope.
Stand-Alone DVRs are generally lower cost and therefore provide an entry level price point that makes them an affordable option.
Stand-Alone DVRs are generally lower cost and therefore provide an entry level price point that makes them an affordable option.
Price advantage is not always the case as imbedded machines are available in a wide-range of price points. Generally, DVR equipment (Stand-Alone or PC-Based) that provide similar functionality and have comparable features/benefits are also comparitively priced.
Imbedded machines (except for the very expensive) are generally not as "user friendly" as PC-Based equipment. Software writers have literally invested a generation of time and effort writing software for PC-Based DVRs. Software modification to keep up with application demand is generally a simple revision level change. Stand-Alone machines, becauses the hardware tends to change with the latest application enhancements and the software package is limited by e-PROM size, a generally limited to being capable of only the most basic of video security functions, various record modes, system-wide resolution changes, 2-3 different screen displays and simple date/time searches.
Some consider all the above to be deal-breaker limitations however, for many simple applications Stand-Alone DVRs provide a very adequate and lower cost alternative to the more sophisticated PC-Based alternatives.
Imbedded machines (except for the very expensive) are generally not as "user friendly" as PC-Based equipment. Software writers have literally invested a generation of time and effort writing software for PC-Based DVRs. Software modification to keep up with application demand is generally a simple revision level change. Stand-Alone machines, becauses the hardware tends to change with the latest application enhancements and the software package is limited by e-PROM size, a generally limited to being capable of only the most basic of video security functions, various record modes, system-wide resolution changes, 2-3 different screen displays and simple date/time searches.
Some consider all the above to be deal-breaker limitations however, for many simple applications Stand-Alone DVRs provide a very adequate and lower cost alternative to the more sophisticated PC-Based alternatives.
