Chardler

Thanks for your responses, I'm learning as I go. Not exactly the way I like to do things, but with some help here I'm sure I can get something working to my satisfaction. I'm an engineer with Verizon and a former Central Office equipment installer, so the installation and wiring should not be a problem, I just need to figure out how to navigate through all the different equipment and brands and what would be best for me. No, I have not settled on a DVR, camera or power supply box yet, so any help would be GREATLY appreciated. I would like an 8 or 9 channel DVR (not sure why they make an 8 AND 9, what's the diff?) There are so may cameras out there I have no idea which are junk or not except to go by the price and that's no a precise reference source, any ideas?

I'm in the beginning stages of building a new CCTV system for the home and need all the equipment...cameras, DVR, power box, etc. So far I have started running the cables from the location of the DVR to the outside camera locations using CAT 5 cable (just because I already had over 1k ft on a reel already). I joined the forum in hopes of learing more information before buying anything. BUT, my first question to anyone knowlegeable...Is it OK to use CAT 5 for all my cabling needs? I intend on buying the CAT5 to BNC balun connectors to make the conversion at the ends (or should I not do this?) PLEASE HELP!!