camera security system?

[subarub4]

I know this camera is way off topic but I figured someone might have the home or garage on camera... anyways my friend had a 2nd break in in 3 months.. So now we are looking into a 4 or 6 zone security system.. about $500 to spend.

my question is does anyone use the DVR versions that can be networked and hooked to the internet?

 

[worn shoes]

They work great! Have two systems now at both my homes. Go anywhere and view it online. Just make sure to hide or lock the DVR form the potential thieves

 

[jlckmj]

One of the best things about those is that if someone breaks in, and gets away before the cops get there, you have their mugs on tape.

Most break ins are done by local pieces of ****, the cops know who their local burglars are, after seeing the pictures, they can go slap the cuffs on.

Jim

 

[janarvae]

I recently bought a day/night color 4 camera PC-based DVR system for my office. It comes with siamesed power/video cables. I got 3 outdoor IR LED lights that see about 40-50 ft in the dark and 1 indoor dome camera (also IR LED). I record video straight to the hard-drive. I use logmein.com to view it remotely, but it can be set up to email you through outlook when motion is detected on specific cameras at specific times (we have one facing the road that would be tripped constantly) and you can also access the IP address through internet explorer.

I bought it from Peter (I think he is the owner) at usasecuritystore.com (you can also search Amazon and eBay for his company). There are some cheaper online places and for my home I am planning on an 8 camera DVR card (the 8 video cables go into one connector on the PCI card) and buying a 1000ft spool of siamesed power/video cable off of eBay and adding the BNC connectors myself. The company is based out of California and it seems like a one-man Chinese import shop, but he was very quick to answer my questions via e-mail and even answered his cell phone on a Sunday! The quality of the outside cameras was GREAT with all-aluminum housing and sun-visor and the indoor dome was a sturdy plastic. One tip - do not paint the cameras white as it will create a disturbing white halo at night with the IR LEDs. The company shipped UPS and I paid over paypal after he sent me an invoice.

Total cost was a little over $300 as I upgraded to 100ft video/power cables for 3 of the cameras. The computer I am using I built recently for $250 with dual-core processor and XP and it handles the video processing just fine with the video card built-into the motherboard. I got a quote for over $2,500 from a security/alarm system company for a similar 4-camera set-up. I think I won.

I have no affiliation with usasecuritystore.com.

 

[ih560]

I went the really cheap route. I used an old webcam that someone no longer wanted and some software set for motion sensing. It only records when there is motion in the garage or when the light comes on. I have the computer in the detached garage networked into the rest and all the video is backed up to one of our in home computers.I did this in case they realize there is a camera and smash the computer in the garage, I still have the footage on another hard drive. I was going to put one of the camera systems up that my company sells, but with the crappy economy, I just don't have the extra cash right now.

 

[BHR4CE1]

I use a 12 PTZ camera system which is networked and I can view all cameras on any computer or iPad or iPhone no matter where I am. It also e-mails me a still photo whenever it senses motion in any of the zones. I can also access previous video that is stored on the main server as well as an off-site backup server. After having this system...I couldn't imagine not having it.

 

[Sureshot]

I would also "build in" an external hard drive and leave a "dummy" out for them to take.

We use an EasyN system bought off ebay that move and have easy web access. You can also listen and talk via them but not the greatest quality.
We also have a samsung system with fixed cameras that cover most of the areas.
Both systems can be set up to record on motion.

 

[subarub4]

I'm kinda scared to go the ebay route for the cameras.. not that I have a problem with it but thinking about returns and all..

I was looking at this one here

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16881377028

the area that needs to be monitored is a decent sized area which is why I picked the 8 cam kit.. only issue is the area where it needs the most has a drop ceiling and I'd hate to do a wall mount but if that's what I have to do then so be it (wanted to keep it somewhat hidden)

 

[slickgt1]

i got me some Dlink cheap cameras. About $130 for the night vision ones. Emails 6 stills to me. I can access them through mydlink.com, or smart phone. The view service is free as well. The whole setup cost about 500, and I am happy with it.

oh and the video quality you see on the web, yea its is super amazing. I am shocked by how clear they shoot video and pictures.