Toshiba Surveillance & IP Video Products, a business unit of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., estimates that 90 percent of mid- to large video surveillance systems installed the United States have migrated from traditional analog video to IP network technology. However, less than half of smaller systems —those with 16 or fewer cameras— have made the transition, presenting a major growth opportunity for security distributors.

To help smaller end-users realize the value of digital video, Toshiba has introduced its new ENV Series embedded network video recorders (NVR) with the ability to access up to 16 IP-cameras and store a maximum of 12TB of video, while supporting input resolutions up to three megapixels. Affordable and simple to operate, these embedded NVRs add a cost effective solution for new or existing IP video networks without sacrificing security – a major concern for owners of smaller systems. Also, ENV recorders are also compact so they’ll fit in tight closets, crowded storage rooms, and other confined spaces.

The new NVRs address today’s requirements for superior video quality by combining Linux based architecture and H.264 compression to provide the bandwidth needed for recording multiple megapixel cameras at up to 240fps. The recorders are capable of local live viewing/playback of full 1080p HD video on either HDMI or VGA displays, so users can see critical details, colors, and actions.

In addition, Toshiba offers its MySurveillix® mobile app for remote viewing on Smartphones and tablets. Two internal HDDs and an external eSATA drive are supported to significantly improve system reliability and ensure seamless video recording. In addition to networking the cameras, the 8- and 4-channel ENV models feature the convenience and cost savings of Power over Ethernet (PoE) that delivers electricity to all connected cameras, eliminating the need to run separate wiring.

Besides Toshiba’s IP-cameras, ENV Series NVRs support third-party ONVIF-compliant IP-cameras from major camera manufacturers to achieve more versatile video solutions. Ideal markets for ENV Series NVRs include retail, restaurants and bars, SOHO, schools, and residential buildings.