newmom

Hello - I came across this site on a Google search I am a new mommy and am wanting to install a home surveillance system to monitor our nanny/babysitters. We currently have a covert wireless clock cam connected to a vcr that I'd like to replace. Question: Is there a dvr card / software system that anyone would recommend? I would like to purchase 2 more cameras (any suggestions?) - one with audio. It would only run for about 20 hours /week. I have a pentium4, 3GB, 800MHz HT. How does installing a Geovision dvr card ($300) compare to something like the CCTVWholesaler's PC-Witness USB Plus ($550) ? Is there $250 difference in function, ease of use...??? Any input would be appreciated. (Sorry if this is too much of a novice question.)

Thank you for the very helpful information! I'm so glad I stumbled across this CCTV guru / thinktank site 60 fps, 120 GB Harddrive, 4 camera input w/audio... for $570 sounds hard to beat One thing I'm wondering about is that this doesn't seem to have motion detection recording options for each camera. It says it records up to 80 "alarm events" - I'm not sure what that means, but it sounds different from motion detection. I was hoping to be able to have the cameras record only when there is activity - so that there would be less to review on 3 cameras. Do you know what alarm event recording involves? Even if this doesn't have motion detection recording, I'm wondering if this may still be my best option... Here's one other thought: I could add a second hard drive (80+GB) for under $200 to a $300 Geovision card... Good or Bad idea Persistently inquisitive, Susan Sorry, I think I got a little carried away with these emoticons...

The more I read/learn - the more confused I'm becoming. DVR cards, DVR stand-alones, and now VDRs!!! Is it true that VDRs have pop-up ads that you can't get rid of and less "flexible" ? Clarification: During the hours of baby/nanny surveillance, this computer would not be used for anything else. So, this computer could be devoted 100% for those 20 hours /week. Then, the rest of the times, I would like to use it for "regular" computer functions. Rory, The wireless camera I have now is color, but under low light, it converts to balck and white. I thought I would purchase the next two cameras as black and white b/c I read it has better resolution than color. And there is no reason that I have to view playback on a PC. I do want motion detection and several faster view speeds to "screen" through the day quickly. Do you still think a VDR is better for my needs? Enirely discombobulated, Susan

Thank you for responding - I really appreciate your advise. I will go with the Geovision card. Do you have a recommendation for any particular company/distributor to purchase from - (one with good software & tech support)? When you say the computer has to be dedicated 100% to being a DVR, am I correct to assume that you mean for the 20 hr/wk that it functions as a dvr? Is there any reason for not using this same computer for all the other "regular" functions (email, games, photo/video...) during the time we are not using it as a dvr? Are there any issues about "wear" on the drive, or resource incompatibilities... ? I guess I'm trying to figure out what you mean by 100% -Susan