CODEC:

 A term referring to any technology used to compress and decompress large files such as audio and video files for efficient data transfer.

Digital Video Recorder (DVR) :

 A digital video recorder is a computer that converts the incoming (analog) signal from the cameras to digital, compresses it, and stores it. The DVR replaces the function of a multiplexor (or quad or switcher) and a security VCR. There are many advantages of digital video recorders over their analog counterparts.

FPS - Frames Per Second:

The number of still frames (pictures) that give the illusion of motion, which appear in a single second. 30 fps is considered reeal time. You need at least 30 fps for each camera for real time viewing or recording with your cameras.

H.264 Compression:

The latest MPEG4 compression technology, released in 2003. H.264 provides excellent video compression. You get the same quality image as MPEG4 even at the higher resolutions like full screen D1.

IR - Infrared:

IR LEDs are used on Day/Night cameras which allow the camera to record in the dark.

LUX:

The measurement of low light needed for the camera to view and record properly.

NTSC:

National Television Standards Committee; the analog video representation standard used in the US and South America. Compared to PAL.

PAL:

 Phase Alternating Line - the analog video representation standard used in Australia, and most of Europe and Asia. Compared to NTSC.

Resolution:

Refers to how much detail can be captured on a camera or displayed on a monitor. Cameras typically capture about 380 horizontal lines of resolution. High resolution cameras may capture 450 lines of resolution or more. The higher the resolution, the more detail that can be captured in a picture. The monitors and recording devices can generally handle at least as much resolution as the cameras can capture.