RCA audio input
The number of
RCA analogue audio inputs provided in the design of the registrar.
Inputs of this type are used to connect the audio signal from analogue cameras capable of capturing sound, as well as from separately made microphones. At the same time, the number of such inputs can correspond to the number of BNC video inputs, which allows each analogue camera to be supplemented with sound. However, there are models that have only one RCA input with several BNC inputs.
RCA audio output
The number of
RCA analogue audio outputs provided in the design of the registrar.
This type of output is used primarily for audio output when viewing footage, in addition to the BNC and/or VGA output. Therefore, there are few such connectors in modern registrars — one, less often two (one each for BNC and VGA).
USB 2.0
The number of USB 2.0 ports provided in the design of the registrar.
USB is a universal interface for connecting various peripheral devices. In the case of registrars, we are most often talking about "flash drives" and other external media that can be used to copy files or update firmware. However, compatibility with other devices, such as manipulators (keyboards or mice), may also be provided.
Specifically, USB 2.0 allows you to transfer data at speeds up to 480 Mbps and provides a relatively low power supply. Because of this, this version is generally considered obsolete and is gradually being replaced by more advanced standards (primarily USB 3.2 gen1 - see the corresponding paragraph). However, USB 2.0 connectors are still very popular in registrars.
Alarm input
The number of alarm inputs provided in the design of the registrar.
Alarm inputs allow the recorder to respond to various events and signals from other elements of the security system. For example, a door opening sensor can be connected to such an input, and upon a signal from it, the registrar will turn on the camera above this door. This ensures the automation of the security system and makes it less dependent on the human factor.
Alarm output
The number of alarm outputs provided in the design of the registrar.
Alarm outputs are used to transmit signals from the recorder to other elements of the security system — an alarm siren, electronic locks, spotlights, etc. Thus, the system can automatically respond to events recorded by the registrar — for example, block the doors when moving in the frame.
RS-232
The presence of an
RS-232 service interface in the recorder (also known as a COM port). Through such a connector, it is usually possible to remotely control the device’s operating parameters from a computer or specialized equipment using appropriate software. Also, the RS-232 port can be used to update the recorder firmware.
Number of SATA
The number of SATA connectors provided in the design of the registrar.
SATA is the most popular modern interface for connecting internal drives. One connector allows you to connect one hard drive (or other internal media), that is, the number of such connectors is, in fact, the largest number of separate drives that can be installed inside the recorder at the same time. Basic versions can be equipped with
one SATA connector or
two. More advanced ones have
4 SATA connectors, and already models for serious objects have much greater connectivity.
Number of eSATA
The number of
eSATA connectors provided in the design of the registrar.
The eSATA interface is a modification of SATA, but is not compatible with it and is used exclusively for connecting external drives. It provides a fairly high connection speed (up to 2.4 Gbps); in addition, the use of media for this connector leaves free USB ports that may be needed for other peripherals. The presence of several eSATA ports, respectively, allows you to connect several drives at the same time.
Max. total capacity
The largest total storage capacity with which the recorder is able to work correctly. By default, it is indicated only for internal media with a SATA interface (see above), however, in some models, data is also provided separately for external devices connected via eSATA.
Note that the limit on the total capacity follows from the fact that each individual port has its own limit on the capacity of the drive. In this case, the maximum capacity is distributed equally between the ports. This should be taken into account when choosing drives for the registrar: for example, in a 32 TB model with 8 SATA connectors, the limit for each connector will be 32/8 = 4 TB. This means that installing two internal 8 TB disks in such a registrar will not work, although their total capacity will be less than the maximum.
