What DVR multi channel camera system options are out there that use standard video format?

Check ebay 7"LCD 4CH Car Mobile DVR Recorder with 4 IR Light Vision Camera and Cable #USA | eBay

 

Some soldering skills required to do installation as camera cables connectors need to be cut to pull thru the holes or door. Then you need to solder wires back.
Recording format is h264 means advanced video file compression to store more video data. All CCTV systems use h264 codec.
Converter software is free and widely available. You can search video and convert to MP4 files.
Didn't noticed any changes with original file.

 

I don’t have a recommendation in the $200-$300 range. I purchased a 4 camera system at the Mid American Truck Show about 4 years ago for roughly $500. It was from Roadmate and did very well until recently. One of the video output connections jarred loose from the DVR rendering the system inoperable. I probably could have fixed it but I got my money’s worth from the system. I also went from a 7” monitor to a 9” monitor and it is much better when viewing four cameras at once. I replaced it with a system from Falcon Electronics. It seems to be very similar but the connector that went bad on the old system is heavier constructed on this system. I feel the price range is very worthwhile as several years ago I was sideswiped. I received $21,000 in loss of use pay while my rig was in the body shop due only to the video evidence I had in hand. The Amazon system may have worked, but I am not taking the cheap route when it comes to cameras for my rig. Both of the systems I have the SD card is downloaded on the computer and the footage can be accessed for free.
On a side note I didn’t need to cut any of the cables during installation. I used a hole saw large enough to run the connector and all of the cables through the firewall and then used silicon to seal the hole when I was finished. I have also learned that it is important to put 3-1 heat shrink over the connectors. They are water proof, but after a year or so moisture does still get in and will ruin the connector if you let it go due to corrosion. Dialectric grease does not work on the inside of the connector as the signal won’t go through, but can be used on the outside to keep moisture out. If one camera starts to act up, use electrical connector cleaner to clean up the connection and reseal it to extend the life of it.

 

My side cameras are mounted on the post near the air cleaners. For a normal rig you will find another place as far forward as possible to get the best side view.

 

I may have missed it. Which system did you buy: Roadmate or Falcon? Thank you

 

Never mind. Rereading your post I see it now. Duh

 

I have a joinlgo 4 camera system.
The format isn't too bad, they use...I think it is ogm. It will play in any media player that supports it but not properly, it constantly hesitates. Their program is free and easy to download.

I think it has to do with the video formatting. While each camera does produce a separate video file, their software let's you view all the camera's footage at once as if you were watching it live with the ability to watch multiple cameras or a single camera.

Although the brand does seem like it's on the low budget end of the spectrum. Higher end multi camera systems can cost over a thousand dollars.

 

When it snows/rains how is the picture from those outside cameras?

Does the snow/ice build up on them blocking the camera completely?