Garage / Home Secuity Cameras

[Jazz]

I was looking at Home Depot and came across some of the newer home security camera stuff. For about $500 you can get a couple cameras for inside and a couple for outside. Most of the systems are digital recorders and are also accessible from the internet (doubt I'd enable that function since I'm sure someone could hack it).

If I purchased one of these systems I'd definitely put a camera in my garage. With 2 teenage stepsons I think it'd probably be a good deterent to them 1. doing something stupid or 2. letting their friends do something stupid, and it would also provide some small amount of peace of mind for theft as well.

Anyone already have security cams for the house and garage? Am I being overly cautious (should I take off the tin foil hat)?

 

[babzog]

I saw some small cameras with night capability on clearance at HD and thinking they would be great to catch the punks who try to beat on, or burn up, my mailbox. A nice "smile for the camera" sticker posted inside the door and the camera hidden in the trees pointed at the mailbox would be perfect. Would only need 1000+ ft of phone wire to get to the house. LOL

 

[Phil S.]

check out "Lorex" Lorextechnology.com

 

[BillGalbraith]

I have a couple of these cameras, which are much lower in cost. I've gotten them off of EBay cheaper than this,

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EXVTJY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

They have wired and wireless, both of which rely on a network, and recordi pictures to a hard drive somewhere, or you can send the pictures via email to any account, or FTP them to some place in cyperspace.

The problem is that you only get to know after the fact that something has happened. No good if someone breaks in, other than you know what the guy looked like. The cops probably won't be able to pick up someone, unless you had a camera on the driveway and captured a license plate. If you send the pictures to your phone and someone breaks into the garage in the middle of the night, you might not realize it until the morning, when they are long gone.

It might help deter your kids or their friends from doing stupid stuff, and you would have a record of it.

 

[Gary S]

I put in a camera system for my house and garage a few years ago. My cameras send their video to a computer which analyzes the video for movement and records the movement. I really like it. I recommend setting it up to work as an internet web server so you can view it when you are away from home. I have mine set up that way, and I really like and use that feature.

 

[nehog]

I have seven cameras, and three more open 'slots' on my system. Very useful, you can check status of things without going there for example. I record all my stuff on a weekly rotating basis (day eight overwrites day one...)

I'd enable the Internet stuff, there is little problem of someone seeing the feed, unless you put a camera in your bedroom then in that case be sure to post the URL here.

 

[rwhite692]

Alarm.com / Frontpoint security FTW!

 

[gabedad]

www.axis.com

ip network cameras.

 

[dlc]

Here's a screenshot of my infrared cameras from about 5 minutes ago. Completely dark outside 9:30pm. I buy all my cameras from monoprice.com

A spider has built a web in front of camera 4. I'll clean it off tomorrow.

 

[OneTon]

You can view mine live: http://208.50.31.214/login.html?1600&1

Be sure to enable/install all "ActiveX" controls that pop up.

User: admin
Pass: 11111111

 

[DMT]

Here's a screenshot of my infrared cameras from about 5 minutes ago. Completely dark outside 9:30pm. I buy all my cameras from monoprice.com

A spider has built a web in front of camera 4. I'll clean it off tomorrow.

dlc,

That is the kind of system I have been looking to get setup for my place. Would you mind providing some tips on your setup?

 

[dlc]

dlc,

That is the kind of system I have been looking to get setup for my place. Would you mind providing some tips on your setup?

No problem. I have four of these cameras:
cameras

I've been installing CCTV for over 20 years and these cameras offer the most "bang for the buck" as any I've seen. These are midrange high resolution cameras.


Along with a GE DVR10 1TB HDD:
dvr

I have it connected to the internet and show potential customers my setup to help them decide what they want in a CCTV system.

 

[OneTon]

I've been installing CCTV for over 20 years and these cameras offer the most "bang for the buck" as any I've seen. These are midrange high resolution cameras.

Along with a GE DVR10 1TB HDD:

Not trying to start an argument, but those are not "midrange". Those are what we call in the industry, "cheapies". Midrange would include EverFocus, Digimerge, Speco etc. Do those even have a brand name?

And, that DVR does not have Iphone viewing capabilities. When I show a potential client live images on a smart-phone, they sign the contract immediately!

(Also a CCTV installer for 20+ yrs.)...

 

[dlc]

Not trying to start an argument, but those are not "midrange". Those are what we call in the industry, "cheapies". Midrange would include EverFocus, Digimerge, Speco etc. Do those even have a brand name?

Pricewise, no,they would not be considered midrange cameras but I would put them up against any of the midrange ones you mentioned. We used to install Speco and EverFocus all the time but no longer install them since we started using these. Try them out, I think you'll agree.

 

[OneTon]

Try them out, I think you'll agree.

Nope. I've seen spectacular and inexpensive "branded" cameras as you show, but I'd rather deal directly with a manufacturer, just in case something goes wrong down the road.

Here's a "midrange" manufacturer (and they're located just down the street...I can get my hands around their necks if need be!):

http://www.usaginc.com/index.php

 

[cowboyjosh]

I like Speco cameras paired with a Dedicated Micros DVR. For Iphone and Ipad viewing I love the app called Total Control; available on Itunes. On my house I have 8 cameras all piped thru the whole house distributed video system so I can view them on every TV in the house.

Im not all about having a house like Fort Knox, I like security systems, CCTV, because I think they are cool to have; on my DVR I have caught heards of Deer running across my driveway, a coyote on my front porch with a rabbit in its mouth. In one instance I had the Post Office say they delivered something to my front door from a online retailer but I never received it, only to tell the Postal Investigator that I have cameras on my house and I can burn a DVD and PROVE they never delivered said package, we got a new mailman.

 

[OneTon]

Im not all about having a house like Fort Knox, I like security systems, CCTV, because I think they are cool to have; on my DVR I have caught heards of Deer running across my driveway, a coyote on my front porch with a rabbit in its mouth. In one instance I had the Post Office say they delivered something to my front door from a online retailer but I never received it, only to tell the Postal Investigator that I have cameras on my house and I can burn a DVD and PROVE they never delivered said package, we got a new mailman.

True. Once you have them, you start finding all kinds of uses (just like tools).

I have one client with cameras at his shipping warehouse. Before he loads a pallet on a truck, he parades the shipment in front of a camera and has the warehouse guy log the time/date. When the pallet arrives damaged and the shipper says "wasn't us", my client retrieves the video of the (undamaged) shipment being loaded and e-mails to the recipient.

 

[evil_twin]

So are you guys running a different TV/monitor to view the cameras?

 

[Gary S]

So are you guys running a different TV/monitor to view the cameras?

I have my cameras connected to one of my old computers instead of a DVR. That computer is connected to my home network, so any other computer in the house can view the cameras anytime. This is much handier than having to use a dedicated monitor or the TV. With the security computer running Apache, it acts as a Web Server so it is not only available in my home network to be viewed, but also anywhere on the web.

 

[no2tracks]

You could also just get the cameras and having them in view could be enough to deter problems. I heard a story where a business was constantly getting graffitied and they set up cameras only, outside and plainly visible, and the vandalism stopped. You can get them with a little blinking red light to make them seem to be operating.

 

[cowboyjosh]

So are you guys running a different TV/monitor to view the cameras?

If your house has a distributed audio / video system you could add the CCTV output from the DVR as a "source" and view the cameras anywhere in the house. Otherwise you can add a modulator and put the cameras say on channel 125 and view them on your TV's that way. Lots of options.

 

[dlc]

So are you guys running a different TV/monitor to view the cameras?

My main monitor is a 32" LCD TV in the bedroom. The video output from the dvr goes into an auxiliary video input. The spot monitor output goes to a 22" LCD TV in the basement/shop area. I can also view the cameras from any computer on my network.

 

[Robbo]

No problem. I have four of these cameras:
cameras

I've been installing CCTV for over 20 years and these cameras offer the most "bang for the buck" as any I've seen. These are midrange high resolution cameras.


Along with a GE DVR10 1TB HDD:
dvr

I have it connected to the internet and show potential customers my setup to help them decide what they want in a CCTV system.

Was just browsing monoprice the other day to setup a system... so I'm assuming you would recommend the GE model above over what monoprice has? I would like to set up an 8 camera system. Was going to purchase the cameras, DVR, power supply & wiring all from monoprice to make it easy (1 place) but if the GE unit provides something more worthwhile maybe I should look into it?

Thanks,
Rob

 

[holland_patrick]

Alarm.com / Frontpoint security FTW!

Woot seconded

 

[dlc]

Was just browsing monoprice the other day to setup a system... so I'm assuming you would recommend the GE model above over what monoprice has? I would like to set up an 8 camera system. Was going to purchase the cameras, DVR, power supply & wiring all from monoprice to make it easy (1 place) but if the GE unit provides something more worthwhile maybe I should look into it?

Thanks,
Rob

Rob,
I haven't tried the monoprice DVR so I can't really comment on it. The GE and Speco DVRs are what I'm familiar with and I'm getting too old to have to learn to set up another brand so I just stick with what I know. If Monoprice's DVR is the same quality as their cameras, I'd say go for it.

 

[Jeff]

I'm holding out for the Logitech Alert. Friends of mine have had the Logitech WiLife systems with good success.

 

[gmhill33]

I like Speco cameras paired with a Dedicated Micros DVR. For Iphone and Ipad viewing I love the app called Total Control; available on Itunes. On my house I have 8 cameras all piped thru the whole house distributed video system so I can view them on every TV in the house.

Im not all about having a house like Fort Knox, I like security systems, CCTV, because I think they are cool to have; on my DVR I have caught heards of Deer running across my driveway, a coyote on my front porch with a rabbit in its mouth. In one instance I had the Post Office say they delivered something to my front door from a online retailer but I never received it, only to tell the Postal Investigator that I have cameras on my house and I can burn a DVD and PROVE they never delivered said package, we got a new mailman.

How much do you think it would cost for 2 or three cameras that can be viewed from my droid or the TV?

Thanks,
Gary

 

[digdug18]

I'm a complete noob, is there a system that is all in one, but that I can upgrade the camera's over time if I feel like it in the future?

 

[Zedder]

I love my camera system

<a href="http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s177/Zedder_photos/?action=view&current=IMG_1898.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s177/Zedder_photos/IMG_1898.jpg" border="0" alt="garage"></a>

 

[OneTon]

I'm a complete noob, is there a system that is all in one, but that I can upgrade the camera's over time if I feel like it in the future?

The "dvr" is all-in-one. You can plug any camera(s) you want into it (with the exception of IP cameras). There are hybrid DVR's that have both analog and IP ports, but they are very expensive. You can go straight to IP cameras and forego the DVR altogether, but you'll need a server of some sort to capture the video.

For the basic home/garage, any DVR is suitable. You can upgrade to any camera you want in the future.

 

[digdug18]

When I say all in one, i'm looking for all the cameras, dvr, wiring, power supplies, all together in one package.

 

[cowboyjosh]

How much do you think it would cost for 2 or three cameras that can be viewed from my droid or the TV?

Thanks,
Gary

For the total control for 8 cameras the APP cost about 40 dollars with no ongoing fees, once you buy the app its yours, some APPS you have to renew the app every year; thats why I like Total Control. Google Total Control App is you want specifics. I like a DVR based system, not a fan of IP yet, but yes Apps are available for your Droid.

To view your cameras from your TV you'll have to at the head end wherever that may be and install a RF modulator and take the output from your DVR and input it into the RF mod
http://www.securitystoreusa.com/On-Q-Legrand-F1001-Single-Channel-Modulator-p/481322.htm

 

[Robbo]

When I say all in one, i'm looking for all the cameras, dvr, wiring, power supplies, all together in one package.

homesecuritystore has a package with everything included.

Rob

 

[evil_twin]

You can view mine live: http://208.50.31.214/login.html?1600&1

Be sure to enable/install all "ActiveX" controls that pop up.

User: admin
Pass: 11111111

Are most those cameras all pointing at the same spot?

 

[gmhill33]

Does anyone know if you have to have sign that says your property is being videoed?

Thanks,
Gary

 

[dlc]

Does anyone know if you have to have sign that says your property is being videoed?

Thanks,
Gary

It may vary state to state but most states don't require a sign unless you are recording audio.

 

[gmhill33]

It may vary state to state but most states don't require a sign unless you are recording audio.

Thank you sir.

 

[Jeff]

In Florida, it doesn't matter as long as you're recording on your personal property.

 

[OneTon]

Does anyone know if you have to have sign that says your property is being videoed?

No.

You can videotape anything in the public view. There are some gray areas where neighbors/fences/windows are involved, but the general rule is, if it is outside and you can see it, you can tape it.

 

[OneTon]

In Florida, it doesn't matter as long as you're recording on your personal property.

LOL. So if the camera view spills over into the street or your neighbors yard, you're in violation of the law?

You can videotape ANYTHING outside of your residence that is in view, whether on your property or not. You cannot put a camera on a pole to look into your neighbors bathroom window, but you can point cameras at your neighbors yard.