Surveillance DVR runs Linux

By Eric Brown
2009-11-11

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Lanner Electronics is shipping an entry-level, Linux-compatible DVR for the surveillance market that records NTSC and PAL video using H.264. The VR-1208 offers a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 CPU, a gigabit Ethernet port, four USB ports, and dual 3.5-inch storage bays, and supports eight channels of D1 analog video.

The VR-1208 is billed as an entry-level surveillance system, with the ability to survey, analyze, and broadcast video. It can also be used as a general-purpose hybrid (NTSC/PAL), digital video recorder (DVR), or long distance learning system, says Lanner.

The VR-1208 incorporates the 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 CPU and Intel 945GSE chipset, supported by 1GB DDR2 memory, expandable to 2GB. Two 3.5-inch hard disk drive (HDD) bays with SATA II connections are supplied for storage. The system is equipped with a gigabit Ethernet port, two optional serial ports, and four USB 2.0 ports. Audio/video I/O includes dual RCA inputs that utilize G.711 audio encoding, says the company.

Lanner VR-1208
(Click to enlarge)

Equipped with the H.264 AVC codec, the DVR handles up to eight channels of hardware D1 encoding, and provides four more lines for hardware decoding to D1. PTZ (pan, tilt, and zoom) camera control is offered via an RS-485 interface, supporting Pelco-P and Pelco-D protocols. An alarm interface is also provided, offering eight alarm inputs and four relay outputs.

The VR-1208 come pre-installed with Windows XP, but also supports Ubuntu Linux 8.04, Fedora Linux 10, and CentOS Linux 5.2, says Lanner. A Windows-only Eyeshot 2000 EVK video surveillance software package is also included.

In addition, Lanner provides a software development kit (SDK) for both Linux and Windows. Users can control video streaming, decoding, and display, set alarm I/O, and control camera PTZ, according to the company.

Specifications listed for the Lanner VR-1208 include:

Processor -- Intel Atom N270 CPU 1.6GHz; Intel 945GSE and ICH7M chipset
Memory – 1GB DDR2 400/533 MHz SDRAM via 200 Pin SODIMM, expandable to 2GB
Storage – 2 x 3.5-inch HDD bays with dual SATA II ports
Networking – 1 x gigabit Ethernet port
Other I/O:
- 4 x USB 2.0 ports (2 x front-facing)
- 2 x high-speed serial UARTs 16550 (optional)
- 1 x RS-485 for PTZ control
- 8 x alarm input and 4 x relay output interface (terminal block)
- 1 x D-Sub 15-pin VGA out
- 1 x dual-channel RCA audio input
- 1 mic in
- 1 x line out
Other features:
- 3 x fans
- Watchdog timer
- Hardware monitor
- Real-time clock with Li battery
Power -- AC 100~240V input; DC 12V / 1 Amp output; 100 Watt open frame
Operating temperature -- 32 to 104 deg. F (0 to 40 deg. C)
Dimensions -- 17.0 x 1.7 x 14.2 inches (431 x 44 x 360mm) ; 1U rackmount
Operating system -- Ubuntu Linux 8.04, Fedora Linux 10, CentOS Linux 5.2, or Windows XP

Availability

The VR-1208 is available for sample orders immediately, says Lanner, which did not list a price. More information may be found here.

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