ini

thanks EricPaul- I greatly appreciate the info....

I'm not an expert (with these DVR's ) but this almost sounds like a licensing issue. Did you import the license file on the workstations that can only see 8 channels? I think it's called dvspass.dat...or something similar. I have an 8 channel 8000 Gen IV running 5.29 and I could not see all channels from multiple clients until I obtained the correct .dat file from the vendor I purchsed the unit from (for what it's worth, I will be purchasing any future units from Mike @ shoreview..bought a couple of cameras from him after purchasing the DVR...great guy with tons of patience!).

It's just on my porch for now so I'm using the adapter that came with it...PoE switch isn't in yet. "But keep in mind the 1231 and 3511 you can't change the lens" I understand. I made a general comment that I thought the lens that the acti's come with is less than desirable...no models mentioned. That's the thread that I read that got me wanting to post these comparisons in the first place....don't know what I'd do w/ out you TWG!

It is fine during the day but at night one minute it can see IR, the next it can't. Cycling the power from 1 to many times usually fixes it. That's why I'm thinking it may be faulty. I'm a newbie but not quite that bad. I am comparing it to other 1.3 Acti camera samples posted on this forum and elsewhere that are using a lens other than out of-the-box. Here's an example of a 4200, I'm sure you've seen it already... about half-way down the page. http://www.cctvforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=11322&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=90

Just the light level in the room Why compare them to analog cameras? Megapixel will have better day time images and analog will have a better night images. Been done already ...but it's outside Because I thought other users may benefit from seeing actual examples. As you can probably tell, I'm not that experienced and I gain from seeing actual examples. You seem fairly experienced and have certainly been there-done that but other users may not be so fortunate...I didn't say I was doing it for your just your benefit.

You told me to adjust my light level higher or lower and this should stop but then tell me that the models in question have unchangeable values? Forgive me but I'm not following??? I just told you the other day that I have no experience with any other IP cameras....trying to make me feel bad?

The Acti cameras use photocells to change from day to night. Adjust your light level higher or lower and this should stop. What Megapixel cameras are you comparing them to? What exposure settings are you using? thanks TWG- I'll give that a shot tonight to see if it helps. When you say "light level"..can you provide more details? "What Megapixel cameras are you comparing them to?" I said that I would be comparing them to analog...dont' know of any analog megapixel cameras I'm on-site at a client's at the moment...I'll check the exposure settings tonight when I get back to the office and let you know.

Just got in a 1231 and a 3511 for testing. I'll be posting demos and comparisons to analog in a couple of days. The only problem so far is that the IR cut filter can't make up it's mind where it wants to be on the 1231. I may have to send it back unless I can find something that I'm doing wrong that's causing it to go back and forth. Haven't setup the 3511 yet. I can tell you from testing last night that a decent analog will whip the sh1t out of it in low/no light (only confirming what others here have already said). Daytime images are what I would expect for a lower-end mp cam. I do think the lens that ships with them is fairly crappy...again, to be expected for the price.

Thanks a bunch! I found it.

TWG- Respectfully, where do you see that the model in question doesn't support H.264? All of the documentation I'm finding says it will. Plus it does motion dection recording which, in my situation, will practically double the amt of days I can record. Can't figure out why the NUUO mini's don't offer that option...they seem like sweet little NVR's otherwise. The Mini doesn't have on board motion detection but it supports camera based motion detection which every IP camera has so this isn't a big deal. Also most cameras have privacy masking so this is also not a big deal. As for the h.264 the spec sheet that I looked at didn't have h.264 on it but you are correct it does support h.264. My only complaint with the NUUO is the bandwidth limitation but that is because on the lack of processing power. QNAP has more powerful processors that's why they can do more. One thing I did notice with QNAP you have to port forward all cameras for remote viewing which can be a pain in the a## and a BIG security risk. With the NUUO mini you only have to port forward the Mini not the cameras which makes setup a lot easier and secure. http://www.qnap.com/pro_detail_application.asp?p_id=121 How does QNAP do there camera licensing? Does the price of the unit include the licenses or are they extra? I will diffidently look into there product more but the port forwarding will be a big issue for me. TWG- May I trouble you to tell me where the motion det settings are on the 1231? I'm looking at web configurator and don't see it anywhere. Thanks so much for your help!!!

thank you Sir!!!..checking now... Thewireguys, noting your impressive sig...do you mind me asking if you have any experience with Acti products? Yes.... thanx....you've already provided the info I was looking for in another thread.

Thanks Soundy. That's along the logic that I'm following as well.

North Ga, USA

"Have you ever used a IP camera?" Nope...that's why I'm asking so many questions in this thread. I have a couple of NFR's on the way but they shipped out yesterday and with the holiday weekend it will probably be mid-next-week before I get my hands on one. "Cheep IP cameras like ACTI will stream video and have on board motion detection, AXIS adds event logic so say on motion even email images or upload to FTP server. Mobotix can do all of this plus they have a built in NVR so you don't have to have a NVR." Correct, I guess I was speaking more about the NVR side. I apologize. "Why do you what to use IP cameras?" Because my main business is network engineering and IT consulting. Those are my strengths. And IMHO I think the TCO and ROI for my clients are superior with IP-based systems (speaking of client's that have no pre-existing surveillance system), especially mp. I understand that in some situations (night) analog is still the one to beat but I think in the near future that will be changing so why not plan for it now?

I'm planning on using ACM-3411's and either 1231 or 5611 and an enclosure. They will work fine..... But ACTI does not support masking. I have a couple of el 'cheapo analog cameras that don't support masking either but my Hikvision 8000 Series DVR does so I am able to do so. Is it not the same with NVR's? In re: the motion detection: so I can set the cams to only record on motion even if the NVR doesn't support it? I'm sorry for asking such entry-level questions....