Surveillance Cameras

[Jack]

I guess my question is, is it really that hard to install?

If you live in a single story with a good sized attic space, it isn't that hard.

How about this company with the inexpensive package, so they install? If so, how much?

No they don't, its an online store only. I believe they have a referral program where they can set you up with an installer, but I would be cautious about that. If you're going to have anyone work on your house make sure that you ask for their state fire marshal's licence.

I only need like 5 camera's for now.

Here is what I would suggest...

Get 6 of these

http://www.apexcctv.com/p-1206-ultra-high-resolution-sony-effio-ir-outdoor-dome-camera.aspx

Or these(whatever color works for you)

http://www.apexcctv.com/p-1243-ultra-high-resolution-sony-effio-white-ir-outdoor-dome-camera.aspx

This DVR

http://www.apexcctv.com/p-998-9-channel-security-dvr-with-dvd-r.aspx

Personally, I would run it with a 1 TB hard drive, it is more than you'll ever need, and only costs 50 dollars more than the 500 GB.

That puts you at 1600 dollars. You'll still need either a power supply, or a place where you can plug all of this **** in separately. 5 cameras and a dvr will take up a whole surge protector.

If I were to go with a power supply from there, I would go with this one. For 16 dollars more it is UL listed, which mean it has been tested and will work.

http://www.apexcctv.com/p-1306-9-ch-cctv-distributed-power-supply-5-amp.aspx

As far as the cable goes, I would look for some locally, as the shipping charges for that are going to be crazy.

 

[Jack]

If you have a little browsing time and would not mind go to apexcctv.com and click system packages. Check the basic 8 camera system and it will give all the specs that way you can see everything I see and be able to tell me the pros and cons

420 lines of resolution for the domes is really bad. I would build a system myself personally. See the above post.

 

[mikepizz]

this is the system I have installed myself after having some after hour visitors under my carport. very easy to install and very happy with the system so far. I have had this system for close to a year.

http://www.cctvsecuritypros.com/ochpse8cacoc.html

 

[Booseman]

If you live in a single story with a good sized attic space, it isn't that hard.

No they don't, its an online store only. I believe they have a referral program where they can set you up with an installer, but I would be cautious about that. If you're going to have anyone work on your house make sure that you ask for their state fire marshal's licence.


Here is what I would suggest...

Get 6 of these

http://www.apexcctv.com/p-1206-ultra-high-resolution-sony-effio-ir-outdoor-dome-camera.aspx

Or these(whatever color works for you)

http://www.apexcctv.com/p-1243-ultra-high-resolution-sony-effio-white-ir-outdoor-dome-camera.aspx

This DVR

http://www.apexcctv.com/p-998-9-channel-security-dvr-with-dvd-r.aspx

Personally, I would run it with a 1 TB hard drive, it is more than you'll ever need, and only costs 50 dollars more than the 500 GB.

That puts you at 1600 dollars. You'll still need either a power supply, or a place where you can plug all of this **** in separately. 5 cameras and a dvr will take up a whole surge protector.

If I were to go with a power supply from there, I would go with this one. For 16 dollars more it is UL listed, which mean it has been tested and will work.

http://www.apexcctv.com/p-1306-9-ch-cctv-distributed-power-supply-5-amp.aspx

As far as the cable goes, I would look for some locally, as the shipping charges for that are going to be crazy.

Thank you very much for all the suggestions. I have a huge attic and only a single story house. I think I will look them up closer to getting home.

Jason

 

[Jack]

When you get back drop me a pm and I'll do what I can for ya.

 

[W1nds0rF0x]

However you view inside, you will need it connected to your home network router to be able to access it from your phone, which will give you the ability to access it from any computer.

 

[Tboy]

I'd like to have an 11 camera system that recorded to hard drive AND uploaded to the internet while I am in afghanistan, but could be switched to hard drive only when I am home. I am single and I WOULD want the bedrooms, etc the whole house and yards.

3 questions:
1- Ballpark estimate for a system like that?
2- I have a monitored security system already... Should I hook the two together?
3- Would I have to put some sort of sign on my door or something letting people know they are being recorded? Earlier someone mentioned legal concerns.... One ADDITIONAL reason I want the system is to cover myself from he said/she said situations. I know a guy that had a female bring a female friend over at 3AM to have a 3-way and the girl ended up accusing both the other two (male and female) of raping her. True story. I think he got off but he was still charged, pic in the paper, had everyone that doesn't care about "the rest of the story" thinking he was a rapist, etc.

Anyway, I want the system for security, not to make freaky videos, but still, I want every room covered... even if I have to do it myself...

-Neal

IF you are a do it yourselfer AND you can work with Linux, zoneminder (its free) would probably do what you are looking to do. ZM writes the files to the local drive and another app could FTP them anywhere in the world for you. It also allows for remote viewing but like the others you have to have a hole in your router to allow for that. You need cameras of your choice, video capture card (4,8,16 port from eBay) and a pc of some sort. Linux is not the resource hog that windows is so it doesnt have to be anything spectacular. http://www.zoneminder.com/

 

[Xenon]

Have been following the thread mostly to gain info for the future "one day"

Just wanted to add the link to a local shop (that I am not affiliated with). They look a little pricier, but also appear to use quality products (i.e. Sony) http://www.cctvwholesalers.com/

 

[Jack]

Have been following the thread mostly to gain info for the future "one day"

Just wanted to add the link to a local shop (that I am not affiliated with). They look a little pricier, but also appear to use quality products (i.e. Sony) http://www.cctvwholesalers.com/

All of their stuff is more expensive and you would have to pay tax on it, but you might save by picking it up in store so no shipping charges

 

[Xenon]

For those who need a cheap alternative right away, I saw this today. Today only though http://www.woot.com/offers/zmodo-8-channel-surveillance-system

 

[W1nds0rF0x]

Been there done that, you may as well put that $150 in the bank and let it grow until you can afford a better system. Really cheap cameras fail sooner and leave you with video that shows you some blob of a guy broke into your house but ends up being worthless for identifying anyone.

 

[lost]

Has anyone used the cards that go into a computer for video cameras? Been thinking about that for a while, and I have several extra machines (that meet the requirements for the few cards I've looked at). Or would the DVR be that much better?

 

[W1nds0rF0x]

Has anyone used the cards that go into a computer for video cameras? Been thinking about that for a while, and I have several extra machines (that meet the requirements for the few cards I've looked at). Or would the DVR be that much better?

I had one and it was a Lorex. Had absolutely the most horrible, contorted and hard to use interface I have ever seen. Ever. Hopefully that's changed but check out carefully and don't even think about one of those cheap little USB types for use as a serious security device.

 

[lost]

Thanks, that helps me to know what to watch for. Wouldn't consider one of the usb plug in types, but the internal cards had me interested. Just hoping to avoid another piece of equipment if I can use something I already have.