cglaeser

Yes and no. The instruction booklet is long and complete. However, the instructions are not designed for the first-time installer. The jargon is well-understood in the industry, but the jargon is not explained in the instructions. I would highly recommend getting the system from one of the online companies that provides good DIY support. Also, some of these online companies have created free DVD instructions that are quite helpful for th DIY. Are you planning to have the system monitored? If so, GeoArm is an excellent choice. They will do all the programming for you remotely. Best, Christopher

Some security surveillance systems can record audio. Surveillance audio recording is illegal in some states. In addition to the penal code, there is also the possibility for civil liability. For example, some businesses and home owner associations have been sued by victims of crimes who claimed that since the business/hoa had security cameras, they assumed a responsibility for security, which they failed to adequately provide. Best, Christopher

Every installer has their favorite, and you will find installers who will recommend each of those. The Honeywell Vista20P will likely do everything you need. Best, Christopher

Yes, or, if the server OS is Windows, you can attach a USB Ethernet dongle. Note that you don't actually have to attach the dongle to the network; it only needs to be attached to the USB port. I used a TrendNet USB Ethernet device and moved it to another windows system and it worked fine. Although Ubuntu will recognize the TrendNet, Exacq will not recognize a USB Ethernet device on Linux, so this will not work on Linux based systems. Best, Christopher

Do you have a PC on the net? Run the Exacq server with a single camera license. Best, Christopher

It's about time ONVIF was more than marketing hype. Best, Christopher

+1. Add some motions and door sensors to the Ademco Vista. If you get the IP version, you can even set and monitor remotely on your phone. Best, Christopher

+1. Some drives are not designed to read/write continuously. Best, Christopher

It includes the EL-S, which is embedded Linux, so I'm pretty certain it will include Linux boxes. Best, Christopher Edit: Also, given the way licensing is done in Exacq, I don't think the server will really care where it is running. It will just check to ensure the license is valid for the number of selected cameras.

If you get a video server with one IP address for all 4 cameras, you only need one license. Best, Christopher

The new free app developed by Exacq is good, but IMO, the original $49 third-party app was better because it could zoom. I have both loaded on my phone, and always use the original. I submitted a request to speed up the new app, and add zoom. They did release the speed up. No word yet on when they will implement zoom. Best, Christopher

See "Start VMS" at https://www.exacq.com/blog/2011/04/13/report-from-isc-west-2011/ Best, Christopher

If you are starting from scratch, I would suggest IP. With the new Exacq licensing to be released shortly, you can build or purchase your own box cheap, and put Exacq on it for a very reasonable price considering the breadth of features. The reason I was looking at the Axis video servers is I needed a drop in solution for 8 CCTV cameras that are already installed. In the end, it made more sense to look at the Exacq EL-S, but again, that's because the CCTV cameras were already installed. At another site, I'm running Exacq on a Linux HP Z200, and it works great. I can run clients virtually anywhere (the clients are free) and see all the cameras for multiple locations, including my iPhone or iPad or Andriod (those apps are free too). The web browser works great, with no need for ActiveX. That means I can walk into any hotel lobby, pull up a browser, and see any of my cameras anywhere. Best, Christopher

Yeah, I've been watching them, and that's the current range. One was at about $250 a couple days ago, but I expect it went higher by the end of the bidding. I was thinking to getting two and creating an 8 cameras system. Too bad the new ones are so pricey. Would make a nice Exacq solution. Best, Christopher

Due to cost? Or something else? Best, Christopher

Axis makes excellent video servers, but they are pricey. Also, the new 4 port models have 4 IP addresses, which requires 4 Exacq licenses. The older versions have one IP address for 4 ports, so there is a savings there. Also be aware that Exacq is releasing a new low-priced license sometime this month. Don't yet know all the details, but I'm guessing it will do everything you need, and pricing is perhaps $50 per camera. I went through the same analysis you did on a new project, and in the end, am leaning towards the EL-S 8. It's pricey compared to Costco, but I already have Exacq at another site, and I can use a client to monitor multiple sites. Exacq has all the features I need. YMMV. Best, Christopher

Agreed. That's why I don't use basic motion detection. I do have some $700 Redwalls that are dialed in, but you're right, you have to design a system that will generate very few false positives. Best, Christopher

Yeah, designing a system that sends critically important information and filters the rest is the tough part. Best, Christopher

I think that's why I have six arrests in the last 18 months. You know, when burglars are put in handcuffs and placed in the back of a patrol car and driven to the police station for processing. Most people only get video of "the two dudes" taking stuff from their car. I'd prefer to catch them, but that's just me. Best, Christopher

Is it possible a sniffer can tell you which port is open on the DVR? Best, Christopher

Yes, well, using Exacq would not be a PC build per se. Instead, you would need to install the software (very easy) and add some video encoders such as Axis or Acti. However, unless you can get 4 port video encoders cheap, I'm guessing the system would be too expensive. If 4 port video encoders were $200, it would be a viable option, but at $500, it's just hard to justify. I've done this myself with a Q7404 because I really wanted Exacq. As IP camera prices continue to come down and everyone moves to IP cameras, then installing Exacq on an embedded atom linux or something will be very cost effective, and very robust in terms of features. Best, Christopher

I know you are usually budget limited, but Exacq also sells licenses, so you could build your own embedded box pretty easy. If you want a hybrid, I suggest getting an embedded box with a couple of video encoders. If you want IP only, it's super easy. I built an Exacq server based on an HP linux box. It installed in minutes. I added temporary CCTV cameras using Axis video encoders. Eventually, I'll be pulling the plug on the CCTV cameras and remove the video encoders. BTW, you can install a single Exacq license at no charge to try it out. And, it's not time limited. Best, Christopher

I hear ya, but email that actually works and scheduling are two features that are commonly missing, even in some not-so-cheap products. For example, scheduling is not available in Avigilon standard; scheduling requires the enterprise version. Not to harp on this, but the reasons I like Exacq include: 1. smtp notification that actually works 2. robust scheduling 3. web browser does not require ActiveX 4. smart phone viewing 5. unlimited number of clients 6. server and clients run on windows, linux, and macOS. In addition, Exacq has announced an entry level license for smaller installations. No word yet on features, but will likely include most features of the standard version. I think pricing will be something like $50 per camera. Best, Christopher

I may be missing part of the equation, but why do you need an SDK to schedule email notification? Why not send email notifications from the DVR to a remote server 24/7, and then filter the email at the server, based on time, to implement the scheduling? Best, Christopher

I think you may be on the right track, but rather than futz with an SDK (that probably isn't available) and try and connect to a local PC that may not be available at this site, another option is to send all email notifications off site and filter them on a server elsewhere. That said, I'm working with a similar kludge right now that was put together just as a proof of concept. It's a bit flaky, and I can't wait to replace the kludge with the real system. Best, Christopher