backup files

johnnyb6

Hi last night I had some coal and blocks stolen and I managed to record most of it on cctv. However when I backed up the file onto a disc and USB stick, I cant get either to play on my computer or tv. I haven't done this before so I would be grateful for any help.

Ctrl Alt Del

You may have to "export" the recorded files from the DVR, in to a format that can be playback on PC. Not only copy or backup ! I guess VLC can play virtually any type of files.

Or, try to playback locally on the PC and export / record it on the screen.

Also, possible is that you'll need their software client application to ... play the videos ! Check the website of the manufacturer and see if their is a Download section and some Playback Client links.

oscarBravo

This reminds me of the philosophy that if you have a backup strategy but haven't tested your restore strategy, you don't have a backup strategy.

Ctrl Alt Del

oscarBravo wrote: »

This reminds me of the philosophy that if you have a backup strategy but haven't tested your restore strategy, you don't have a backup strategy.

Is a correct principle in IT world but not same "backup / restore " system applies in CCTV...

However ,in CCTV DVR world, you don't have "backup" ... you have the logs /saved files on the local hard drive(s) and from there, using a procedure that largely depends on the manufacturer of the DVR you export them in AVI format or you copy them on DVD/CD or USB media or lately with a client, manipulate them over the network with a proprietary file format for security reasons: tamper proof video.

When exported, you have to preserve some files properties just in case any third party and / or forensic requests them or challenge them as been ... executed nicely with some software !
Been there, done that !

Regards

oscarBravo

Ctrl Alt Del wrote: »

Is a correct principle in IT world but not same "backup / restore " system applies in CCTV...

The analogy isn't precise, but the principle holds: if you buy a DVR and you can't export the recorded videos in a useful format, then you might as well not have a DVR.

Obviously having a DVR is better than not having a DVR, just as having a backup strategy is better than not having a backup strategy. But knowing how to extract useful video from your DVR, like testing your restore strategy, is better still.

Capt'n Midnight

photorec to recover missing files

vlc to play most formats, but I've had the problem before where you had to get a proprietary program to play a proprietary format

Ctrl Alt Del

oscarBravo wrote: »

The analogy isn't precise, but the principle holds: if you buy a DVR and you can't export the recorded videos in a useful format, then you might as well not have a DVR.

Obviously having a DVR is better than not having a DVR, just as having a backup strategy is better than not having a backup strategy. But knowing how to extract useful video from your DVR, like testing your restore strategy, is better still.

Thanks.
I hope the OP will have it fixed by now, whatever strategy he will use I wish good luck ...as I'm out...
Regards

johnnyb6

Ctrl Alt Del wrote: »

Thanks.
I hope the OP will have it fixed by now, whatever strategy he will use I wish good luck ...as I'm out...
Regards

Thanks for all the help and I see I started a lively chat. I had major problem getting my files to play on computer as they were down loaded in VVF format which couldn't be read and I even downloaded a converter and this wouldn't convert it either. I contacted Maplin where I bought it few 5 years ago and they informed me that I could only convert it with CD that came with unit. To my relief and after major search I was able to find this CD. So got all sorted. Without this I would be at nothing. Was I lucky or what.


Thanks Again