Software to Convert DRV to AVI

[allanc]

First, let me say that I am not very familiar with camera video surveillance systems.
A bit of background:
One of my clients has a dvr based camera system.
They have a segment recorded that they need to view, provide to the police and take to court in less than a week.
The software that they are running is 'CMS'.
The native format that is produced is '.drv' and this needs to be converted to '.avi'.
The 'CSM' software itself has a conversion function but the resulting '.avi' crashes 'Windows Explore' both in Windows XP and Windows 7.
VLC cannot play the AVI and does not produce any error messages.
So, at this time I am assuming that when the CMS software converts the '.drv' to '.avi' - the resulting file is damaged.
I have searched for third party software that can convert the file but really cannot locate anything from a reliable source.
Can anyone recommend a reliable program and source for converting these '.drv' files?
BTW - in addition to the '.drv' file there is also a '.idx', 'recorddb' and a '.db'.
Thank you very much in advance.

 

[buzzcut]

not too sure if this is what you're looking for....


http://www.bigasoft.com/articles/convert-dvr-with-dvr-converter.html

 

[allanc]

not too sure if this is what you're looking for....


http://www.bigasoft.com/articles/convert-dvr-with-dvr-converter.html

I believe that software converts DVR to AVI.
I need DRV to AVI
Did I miss something on the page - maybe?

 

[JustInspired]

Is it not possible to record the output? So you output the DVR to a DVD recorder or something like that?

 

[KovaTech]

You could set up a screen capture program while you play the file back in the cms perhaps.

This is pretty good http://camstudio.org/

 

[Markverhyden]

I've worked a fair amount with DVR systems. And many times the raw data is stored in typical video formats. Are you able to browse the drive itself through something like Windows Explorer? Assuming that the core OS is MS.

I found this manual, maybe it is the software they are using.

http://www.surveillance-download.com/user/CMS.pdf

 

[Larry Sabo]

One of my clients has a dvr based camera system.
They have a segment recorded that they need to view, provide to the police and take to court in less than a week.

I think you should suggest they consult a forensic examiner or someone who can guarantee the integrity of the final video, if it's going to court as evidence. Otherwise, I suspect it would be considered tainted or unreliable.

 

[allanc]

I think you should suggest they consult a forensic examiner or someone who can guarantee the integrity of the final video, if it's going to court as evidence. Otherwise, I suspect it would be considered tainted or unreliable.

A lot of my clients have this type of equipment and provide videos to insurance companys, authorities, etc. on a regular basis.
They always accomplish this without my assistance.
The only reason that I am involved is because the resultant AVI cannot be viewed.

 

[allanc]

I've worked a fair amount with DVR systems. And many times the raw data is stored in typical video formats. Are you able to browse the drive itself through something like Windows Explorer? Assuming that the core OS is MS.

I found this manual, maybe it is the software they are using.

http://www.surveillance-download.com/user/CMS.pdf

Actually, yes the operating system is/was XP.
I provided new Windows 7 computers yesterday and another company is going to be moving everything over from the XP to Windows 7 computers today.
I am going to ask them if they generate usable AVI from the Windows 7 computers.
Thank you for the link to the PDF.

 

[kwisher]

You might give Handbrake a try??

 

[allanc]

You might give Handbrake a try??

I don't see 'DRV' format mentioned.

 

[allanc]

I've worked a fair amount with DVR systems. And many times the raw data is stored in typical video formats. Are you able to browse the drive itself through something like Windows Explorer? Assuming that the core OS is MS.

I found this manual, maybe it is the software they are using.

http://www.surveillance-download.com/user/CMS.pdf

I think that one of the main issues is that there were too many people involved in this saga - my client (with multiple employees), the DVR manufacturer, software manufacturers, installers, me, etc.
The bottom line is that the contractor that is supposed to move the camera equipment to the new computer was onsite today.
He downloaded some software from 'Speco' which plays the original '.DRV' in Windows 7 and is all that the client actually needs.
So, apparently nobody has to actually view the .AVI.
Thank you everyone for your suggestions which will be useful for other circumstances where I get pulled into video issues.

 

[kwisher]

I don't see 'DRV' format mentioned.

When you select "source" from Handbrake you cannot select your file? I do not see any specifications for the input source. Like I said, it might be worth a try. I haven't found any video type that Handbrake cannot convert.

 

[allanc]

When you select "source" from Handbrake you cannot select your file? I do not see any specifications for the input source. Like I said, it might be worth a try. I haven't found any video type that Handbrake cannot convert.

I will keep 'HandBrake' in mind for future project.
Tks.