Codec stands for compressor/decompressor and is used to compress the data in a video file. Windows comes with a core set of codecs, and you can download others from the Internet. The codec converts data from one format to another, in this case, it converts recorded DVR motion JPEG video into an AVI video file. The converted video is easier to use on other computers and they allow you to export and share recorded video.
If you'd like to export an AVI with the highest possible quality (no additional compression), choose either the "Full Frames (Uncompressed)" or "Intel IYUV" codec.
If you'd like to export an AVI with good quality and good compression, try one of the Indeo codecs.
Note: Not all of the codecs will work with the DVR software, they are designed for other uses, such as teleconferencing.
StarDot DVR options are accessible under the Tools menu:
Don't stretch views in windows - By default, the software stretches the live view windows as large as possible. If you'd rather view the actual image size or an even multiple of size (i.e. 0.5, 1x, 2x, etc.), enable this option.
Show Caption - Displays caption options at the bottom of the live view windows.
Show Frames per Second - FPS value will be displayed in the caption.
Show Image Size - The image size in KB will be displayed in the caption.
Show Image Dimensions - The image dimensions in pixels (Width x Height) will be displayed in the caption.
Use Silent Alert on Motion - If "Alert Sound" is checked (under motion detection properties), a sound is played whenever motion is detected. When "Use Silent Alert on Motion" is checked, it will instead flash the minimized StarDot DVR window.
Run as Service on Computer Startup - Causes the DVR to launch on computer reboot, even before user login.
Show taskbar notification icon - Place a DVR icon in your system tray, this allows you to minimize the application and not take up space in your taskbar (clicking the Close X minimizes StarDot DVR to the system tray).
Hide playback controls when not in playback mode - Hides the playback menu from view while not in use. This will help maximize the viewing area of your cameras.