A video recorder, most often in the VHS format, that can slow down the recording process and create a time lapse between recorded frames. This increases the amount of recording time on an individual tape. Unlike a standard VCR which has a maximum recoding time of 8 hours, time lapse recorders can record from 2 to 960 hours on a standard VHS tape. Recording speeds available on some Time Lapse VCRs: (table below)

A type of video recorder that can be set to record continuously over long periods. This can be anything from three hours to 480 hours, achieved by the tape moving in steps and recording one frame at at time. This means that if set to record over long periods much information can be lost. On receipt of an alarm signal these machines can be automatically switched to real time mode.

Used primarily by CCTV systems, this VCR enables increased recording time on a videocassette by not recording all the frames.

VCR that can record for extended periods of time on a single video tape by using frequent tape "pausing". The longer the time of recording, the fewer number of "pictures" recorded per second.

Is a type of video cassette recorder especially designed for CCTV requirements. It allows more recording time on a single video tape by not recording all the frames.

A video recorder, most often in VHS format, that can prolong the video recording on a single tape up to 960 hours (this refers to a 180 min tape). This type of VCR is often used in CCTV systems. The principle of operation is very simple - instead of having the videotape travel at a constant speed of 2.275 cm/s (which is the case with the domestic models of VHS VCRs), it moves with discrete steps that can be controlled. Time Lapse VCRs have a number of other special functions very useful in CCTV, such as external alarm trigger, time and date superimposed on the video signal, alarm search and so on.

A video recorder that can be set to record continuously over long period of time. This can be anything from two hours to 960 hours.