I am tying to put together a quote for overhauling a CCTV system in a club/restaurant. They currently have a PC based DVR that was left over from the previous tenant of the building that I installed along with the cameras that were in place. The PC/DVR isn't perfect, and is a bit clumsy in its control. I am looking to replace it with a stand alone unit. We currently have 16 cameras running on this system, including 5 vandal proof DW cameras around the outside of the building. We will be adding another ~ 16 cameras on the Restaurant side, which is in the process of being renovated right now. In addition to these ~ 32 cameras, we will be adding cameras focused on the registered at the bar locations, and most likely will be on all registers. We just don't have a total number of registers between the two spaces yet.

They currently have a Micros POS system, and would like to have the CCTV take snapshots of transactions. They MAY be ok with us simply focusing the cameras on the registers, and not require the snapshots. We are still working this part out. What I need to know is what options we have for the DVR's. I was looking at the DW-VMAX480D 16 which states POS support on their site. Can this system be expanded with multiple DVRs so they will be able to view 32 or more cameras on one screen, either locally or remotely, or both preferred. I didn't see in the specs whether the DW-VMAX480D 8 has the POS support. Ideally I would think 2 DW-VMAX480D 16 and a DW-VMAX480D 8 would give us what we would need as far as coverage, but have to make sure the features will work for us as well. I have zero experience tying into a POS system, so I am not sure what is involved and looking to figure it out before moving forward.

Any suggestions on the best way to tackle this, and if the DW equipment I mentioned will work? Also is there any additional equipment required in order to tie the Micros system into the DW?

Still looking for some input if anyone has any. Thanks.

Lessee now... do you want to view 32 cameras on one screen? If you had a 60" monitor... 32 cameras would likely be 6 high x 6 wide with some blank spaces... so each image would be on the equivalent of a 10" monitor. Now, if, instead, you have a reasonably sized monitor, say, a 24," then you'll be looking at 2.4" images, about the size of those on most URC and RTI remotes. Will this do?

I suggest you call DW. I've worked with a guy who installs these and DW's customer service is excellent!

He's seen a couple of setups with Micros where they take snapshots as you describe, but for some reason the snapshots were tighter than you'd want for general surveillance. This is something to ask about.

I really think you'll get better info from Micros and DW than from us.

They are currently using a 55" set as their monitor for cameras. I think they could view 32" without a problem on it. I tried to call DW and was looking for a number on their site, and believe I only saw contact info for dealers, not direct. I will take another look and see if I can come up with a number. Thanks Ernie.

If anyone does have some experience with this, I would love more input. Thank you.

DW can be definitely a right solution in your project . Their Pivot software will allow you to view all cameras from different DVR's on one monitor. You will also need a text inserter with an rs232/485 adaptor to connect POS to your DVR . I dont know about Micros POS , but i am pretty sure that DW or whatever text inserter manufacturer you will choose will help you with the right product .

866 446 3595 option #4

Don't just look, CALL! If they don't list a number that you feel you can use, call the number that they list and ask them who to talk to. They know those numbers better than we do.

One trick I've found when trying to locate someone is to call the Sales Department. I file this method under "oh, those guys always pick up the phone when it rings!"  I spent a half hour once trying different ways to get into the service department somewhere.  I called sales, explained the problem, and the guy walked over and yelled at someone to pick up the phone.  This doesn't always happen, but it will never happen if you decide not to call because the number looks wrong!

ICRealtime has a flex series 32 channel or better yet steppe to their elite series which are 16 channel stackable. This means they can expand more if needed plus have master workstations for viewing all cams on or off site.