CCTV DVR and it's software program stops 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??

The software is here (but you have to register to d/l);

SecureGuard CMS Digital Download | Speco Technologies®

To Get Your Free SecureGuard® CMS Download, Follow these Steps: Click "Download" on the SecureGuard® installer that matches your requirements Once the checkout page appears, click "proceed to checkout" Fill out all required fields and select "place order" (You will not be charged) An email with...

www.specotech.com

The DVR is here;

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/2885233/Speco-D4vx.html#manual

 

[1freedude]

Wired or wireless on the CCTV? Try an off the shelf router with stock firmware as a test.

 

[videobruce]

It's wired as I stated. Wireless is a 4 letter word with me.
I don't have another Router.
The 2nd unit has gone back for another exchange. I will have to see how the 3rd one behaves.

 

[1freedude]

What is connection to each camera?

 

[videobruce]

Coaxial, these are not IP cameras. IP is troublesome and grossly overrated.
There is no issue when viewing the cameras from the HDMI or analog outs of the DVR.
What I don't understand is if I just let the Windows program run w/o interacting with it all is fine. This is only Live view, Playback has no known issues here, that seems to work fine.

 

[Steevo]

Isolate the issue, if Wireshark shows packets coming in then the issue is with rendering, what is vmem usage when it stops displaying. If there is no data showing up reset the network stack and or can the machine reestablish a connection?

 

[videobruce]

You are going on the assumption that I have heard of that program and have actually used it. Both are incorrect.
After briefly looking into it, I see the User Manual is 350 some pages long and it involves command lines. Unless there is some 'basic' way of gathering what you posted, that surely looks like a non-started for me since it's way above my pay grade. But thanks for tiring.

 

[1freedude]

Lets wait for the new one to get to you. It sounds like the analog to digital processor in the recorder messed up.

And be careful about comments like...IP is troublesome and grossly overrated.

Many of us here make a living on IP.

 

[videobruce]

The IP is referring to communication between the camera and the DVR, not outside as in WAN. I have had issues with installing IP cameras and my friend that I've know for decades who is a 'Phone guy' now turned CCTV installer has had tons of issues with IP camera systems.
Nothing about that comment was directed to Network installers or IT techs.

 

[videobruce]

This has nothing to do with the software.

The replacement arrived and now it drops the connection with the Router after 20-30 seconds after rebooting. It's done it 4 or 5 times. And the connection never returns. The activity LED's on the Ethernet port on the DVR both show active (and I have changed the cable).
The question is; is there anyway that a Router would reject or 'time out' a active device either with a static IP or a DHCP address?? Or for that matter the device itself? There are no conflicts that I know of, this isn't a huge Network, usually 5 or 6 devices active at a time.