CCTV DVR and it's software program not continusely communicating

[videobruce]

I have a CCTV DVR (Speco Tech if that matters) that uses a software program to connect to a PC. There are two basic modes; Live TV and Playback. Both functions are pretty much self explanatory.
I was having issues with the 1st unit I received (new) but that one did NOT have this issue. The 2nd one did. No changes on my end, thou I did update the F/W in my Router (running DD-WRT). I reverted back to the F/W version that was in the Router, but NO change. Problem remained.
I uninstalled the software and re-installed it, but no change. Rebooting the DVR makes no difference. I contacted the manufacture (US based support for a change), but they claim none of their units do this (of course), but they did point a finger to the PC (of course, it couldn't possibly be their fault) which I was waiting for them to do that. Except for the fact the 1st unit did NOT have this issue, it had numerous others not related.

If I just open and run the program without changing the 4 camera view, all is fine, data continues to be sent, but when I choose any specific camera, then return to the 2x2 (Quad) view the data stream just dies out and the images are frozen. If I click back to any single camera the data may return, but it usually dies out after a minute or so. Closing the program and re-opening it brings it back to square one.

I use a program called 'Bit Meter' (similar to DU Meter) to continuously monitor LAN & WAN status as to data flow in and out. This is how I determined it was a data flow issue. (I have used one or the other of these for well over a decade, great troubleshooting tool !!). The max data xfer rate is 10Mb/sec. thou it's usually around 5-6 Mb/sec.

Now, to add to the mystery; if I change to 'Playback', the problem seems to go away (AFAIK). Data flow is back and it doesn't seem to be affected my any actions I do.
I don't know if the software used a different port between Live View and Playback, I believe it's the same. That was the only area that may explain this that I could think of.

Details;
Static IP addresses,
Win 7 Pro x64,
AMD based Gigabyte MB, FX8350 processor, 8GB of memory, wired Ethernet,
NO A/V or local Firewall programs running, no suspicious processes or services running. I use ProcessHacker (poor name choice), it's a superior substitute for Task Manager).
This program does install MS C++ 2010


Any ideas out there??

- - - Updated - - -

Here is the DVR;
D4VX – Speco Technologies

The software is here (but you have to register to d/l);
SecureGuard CMS Digital Download | Speco Technologies

 

[file3456]

Is it possible for you to bypass the router for testing?

Is this a new software version that caused the issue? I would ask support for the software, not the hardware. I think the hardware is fine. Ask if their software works with your DVR.

 

[videobruce]

I wouldn't know just how to do that, but as of now, I have sent back this 2nd DVR for another exchange. These were purchased from B&H Photo in NYC, they have been great getting a replacement out even before the return was received back.
I want to see how the 3rd one behaves.

The software was the same version that was used in the 1st unit. They claim they have no issue with it. Naturally, of course everything always works in the companies location. :sarc:
As I stated, the 1st unit did not have this specific problem, but other ones instead not directly related.

How about this MS C++ 2010, could that have any bearing here? From my experience with M$ after 25 or so years anything is possible. :huh:

 

[file3456]

I have my doubts it's a dependency. On its face it sounds software or router related.

To bypass the router just plug the Ethernet cable from the DVR to your computer its self. Do that just for testing.

There is a more advanced way to do this in DD-WRT and that is to use a VLAN for the DVR's subnet. You'd have to refer to DD-WRT's help forum.

About B&H Photo...B&H Photo - Wikipedia (Read the left hand column contents)

 

[z3r010]

To bypass the router just plug the Ethernet cable from the DVR to your computer its self. Do that just for testing.

No, you would need a crossover cable, a direct connection would not work.

 

[file3456]

Unless the DVR supports MDIX, but I don't see it mentioned in any of the literature.

Videobruce: Amazon.com

 

[videobruce]

I guess when you are in business 50 years, there will always be issues that happen.
I will have to wait until I get this replacement, I thought they would send out the replacement as they did the 1st time when they received confirmation that the return was sent back, but that didn't happen. I'll have to deduce some points with that one.
I'll report back when I get it.
(I do already have a x-over cable somewhere.)