Abstract: The invention relates to a stand-alone video recording, playback and Monitoring system. It has network switches, non-volatile storage devices, IP cameras, video servers, and NTSC cameras. The system uses communication channels that are WAN/LAN based and can be hard-wired or wireless and has a flexibly implemented watchdog to detect, for example, hardware and power failure as well as other failures in the system.

Abstract: A method of correcting a lockup error condition of a device includes a watchdog apparatus receiving an indication of activity from the device. The method also includes making a determination, from the indication of activity, whether the device is in a lockup condition. The method also includes interrupting power to the device with the watchdog apparatus if the determination is that the device is in the lockup condition. The watchdog apparatus includes a power input port for receiving power from a power source, a power output port for providing power to the device, and an activity port for receiving an indication of activity from the device. The watchdog apparatus makes a determination, from the indication of activity, whether the device is in a lockup condition, and interrupts the power provided to the device if the determination is that the device is in the lockup condition.