Wildcat1

All I thought I would post in this forum too for your help, advice and recos. Specifically I am looking to purchase (can be all at once or over time) up to 4-5 cams to secure the perimeter of my residence. I was thinking IP cams as I have a POE switch and CAT 5 throughout the residence might be the best option but am open to ideas as I also need good quality nightvision (due to issues in the area) so maybe need to go CCD route and come up with some analog type of setup. My background is IT so am happy from a data perspective but have no clue about things like baluns, hybrid systems etc. Willing to try anything if you can point me in the right direction. My initial budget is $1000 to $1500 to get started and obviously want/need to maximize the investment and allow for a system that can grow. Some of the cameras I have pieced together of interest from the board are: Vivotek IP7361 Vivotek IP8362 Vivotek FD8362E Acti TCM-1231 Acti TCM-7411 Axis AXIS P1346-E Axis 215 PTZ-E Samsung SCV-3080 Sony CH-140 Again, any advice, recos thoughts etc are greatly appreciated

HI there I have posted a few times on here about my situation and am about to jump in with both feet into IP. Specifically I am honing in on either Arecont or Acti and wanted to see what feedback all had. Here are some of the models I am looking at: ACTI KCM-5211E ACTI TCM-7811 ARECONT AV2125IR ARECONT AV3125IR ARECONT AV8185DN I'd like your feedback on these models for any that have used them. I am planning to expand to a 4-5 cam system but will kick off with 2-3. Which software is recommended to capture the IP streams from these ? Is the manufacturer software good enough ? Do either of the manufacturers about have software solutions that support MAC and remote iPhone stream ? With regards to mounting, I have a couple of areas where the camera will mount with the cable going right through the wall behind it whereas others will have to have a cable run up to the camera from a lower level. In the latter case what is the best option for mounting the cable, do these cameras have mounts with notches to allow a run up to them ? Thanks so much as always all

Hi all Was taking a look at this cam and was wondering if anyone can tell me if it supports POE, trying to get my power and data from an IP cam over one cable if possible. If not is there a version of this cam that does support POE ? Thanks

Thats what I saw as well however B&H (have it in stock) show 12vDC and no mention of POE or 802.3 in the specs. Vivotek site seems to be down for me at this time

Hi there I see you posted some feedback on my thread (Arecont or Acti) and just wanted to reach out as there has been comments both for and against. Are the Areconts reliable and give good image for the value or based on the fact that you use multiple cams from different manufacturers is there a better solution/image in IP around that price range. Really trying to hone in on a solution for my house and am torn between Analog and IP (although leaning towards IP due to me technology background) and would appreciate your feedback. I also have a couple of direct questions as well: 1) The Exacq software, that runs on a Mac ? What is the cost of the software ? 2) With the Arecont bullet cams I know they are made for cable through mount but in situations where I cannot mount (cannot drill hole directly behind camera position) is there an option (notch etc in the mount) so I can run CAT 5 up to it ? Thanks so much for any help you can offer, I really want to get started on this but its been a nightmare so far WC Wireguys, how would you go with that many Areconts in a control room environment? 1. How many Areconts at 2MP, 3MP or 5MP @ native res, low - medium compression (H.264) can you effectivley display on each monitor on a 2 monitor workstation? 2. Would you be able to stream and view all 30 effectivley on a workstation? If so, what VMS are you using? If not, what are the limitations? Cheers. At this point I don't know any specs of the system it is not my project I was just contacted to design and install the system. All I know is it 30+ Arecont cameras and Exacq Software. I know Arecont and Exacq very well so am happy to take on this project. Check out this video with 4 monitors and Exacq.

Thanks for your feedback on my thread (Arecont or Act) but I wanted to see which cams you would recommend (IP) currently in the same sort of price range ? Thanks

Hi there I noticed Empire seems to be out of these 72IR Effio P bullets until next year now !!! Anyone know of somewhere else or another manufacturer with a similar product ? Was excited to give these a try as part of my plan Thanks

Hi there, looking at one of these today ad cannot find a lot of info. Seen Lilin mentioned a couple of times on the forum. Are these cameras any good ? Thanks

All I'm having some issues in a residential area and need some reco's from you. Specifically here is what I am looking for: Dome,PTZ or Bullet (smaller the better) IP Camera POE Power Great nightvision Audio (1 way is fine) Ideally would like to put a few around the property. Thoughts ? Thanks as always WC

Thanks Tom, can you give me any idea on pricing for the HD Pro D1 and the Aver ? Also recommendations for Cams (models etc) would be great. I am open to going IP, Analog or a mix to get the best quality over time and as budget increases but am trying to keep it relatively simple to put together and future proof. As I may have stated, I am an IT guy so CAT 5 and POE comes naturally and have it through the residence but baluns are new to me so would need some pointers on best way to cable. Thanks so much the Dahua hybrid is limited. and is way above your budget. it is a DVR with encoders for ip. were as other are DVR/NVR so no limits on cameras your budget will be either the dahua HD PRO D1 (full D1 on every channel ) or if you want to use ip and standard then the aver nano 8 (which will connect to your existing POE network) you can still use CNB or sony EFFIOs or qvis have just releast a full range of EFFIO cameras. and add ip later or mix and match.

So if looking at $500 - $600 per cam (actual not list) what IP cams would be recommended for a blend of good day and night coverage with decent FPS and minimal smear ? Thanks

Tom, initially trying to stay the south side of $1500. understand I may have to add more cams at a later time and start of in the 2-3 range but want to do this right. I have POE and standard CAT 5 running through the residence so thats why I was thinking IP based. I am certainly open to analog or hybrid (I assume you mean through a balun, which I have no clue about by the way) but want good quality especially at night where possible. Seeing some of the posts from the CNB's and the Sony EFFIO's looked pretty good. I also saw a lot of post about the Dahua Hybrid DVRs but could not find where to buy here in the U.S. In terms of FPS from the DVR I really do want to try and get D1 where possible and setup a system where the cams don't drop FPS or have motion blue or vertical smear due to lack of light as some of the things I am capturing are vehicles driving up the street or past the property. Thanks for any help. Due to the situation at this current time I am getting desperate to find a solution, the right solution thanks

Just to piggyback onto this thread was reading with interest and wondered what IP megapixel cams all would recommend. I need to setup a 4-5 cam setup very similar to Low and as I am starting at 0 with POE through my residence thought IP would be the best way to go for outdoor/night ? Thanks for any recos

I know this seems like a loaded question as it entails many pieces but in general or through your recommendations what is the best camera or setup for nightvision that can ensure frames per second remain high, motion blur low etc ? Thanks so much

All, I still need help and am a bit lost to be honest. I already have a POE setup for other devices so was considering that for the cams as I thought it would be the easiest way to go. My key concern is nightvision as well due to needing to capture well then. So I really need help in determining is IP/POE the way to go (quality for image at day and night now rivals analog ?) and which cameras you recommend. I am thinking 4-5 in total to cover the outside perimeter Thanks for any help and advice you can give

All I am about to setup an ACTI IP install and had some questions. A friend of mine is letting me borrow some of his cams to see if this will serve the purpose. I will be using Cisco and Netgear POE devices to power and had some questions: Do I need a video server or if I use Acti cams can I just use their software on a high end PC ? Should and can I place lens filters on these cams or not to protect from dust dirt etc ? On 2 story building better to place under eaves high or at a more reachable level ? I assume the cams can reach full 30FPS at D1 even though most of the literature just mentions the higher end resolutions ? POE wise I am thinking of Cisco SRW2008P or Netgear FS726TP. I prefer the Cisco due to full GIG ports but wondered if anyone had any experience and reco's with either of these. Thanks all, any other help or guidance is much appreciated

All I am trying to put together a home system and am running into a number of questions which I am posting on this board. I do have a couple of questions about DVR cards. 1) I am considering the Aver 6240/6480 or the Geo GV-4008 (launched any day now) and wanted to get some feedback on what users here thought based on an 8 cam setup. 2) With GEO cards it seems I can only use Geo IP cams unless I purchase a license, is this true and if so what are the costs for these licenses ? 3) The Avers don't seem to have 3GPP support yet to allow playback from iPhone etc remotely. Any of the cards support this yet ? 4) If I run straight IP cams instead of older analog mix do I need the DVR card or do I then just purchase the cams and some management software ? Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated. WC

All How do I go about getting the NFR pricing for ACTI. Have 4 units I want to by as demos

Hi all new to the forum and love it so far. I am in the process of building a residential system (potentially PC based) and am now trying to get my head around cameras. As I am in Colorado I wanted to know is it better to go the IP based route for better pic quality (in night as well) and simpler wiring etc ? If I go analog must I use a heater/blower combo in my area or are there cams out there that will survive Thanks all for any help you can offer on brand, recommendations etc

Rory, understand the POE piece for IP cams thanks. What recommendations would you have for cams based on my needs ?

VST, thanks again for the reply. This is a residential system so would prefer to get as close to real broadcast FPS as possible (due to my background ). However will settle for 15 FPS. With that said, the state I live in and the weather etc are there any particular domes you would recommend along ? Also I know that with a standalone DVR I run power and video on the simple cable together, how do I run multiple power sources to the cams when running through a PC based DVR ? Thanks for the help, sure I will have more questions so hope you don't mind WC

Forgot to also ask I see cards like the 6240 stating 640x480 or 720x480 etc is that just for analog and they will support the 1600x1200 of Megapixel cams or do I need something different if I ever want the full res available from those cams ? Thanks

VST Thanks for your reply. I am trying to stay under $2k if I can. I know this may sound overkill for a residential system but I have high expectations. I have a high end PC and have been in the technology industry for many years so am happy with that part of it (setting up system, installing card etc). I am however blown away by the minefield that seems to be CCTV manufacturers (DVR related) Cam wise I think I can get away with a minimum of 4 outside and maybe 2 in for a total of know more than 6 cams for now. I certainly understand the cost increase of megapixel cams but am loving what I am seeing in terms of quality. My thought there being do I get 1-2 middle of the road IP cams and some cheaper analog as well. Setup wise I have gone back and forth on standalone DVR or PC based system. If I go with PC here is what I have so far: Aver NV-6240 card or even one of the Geovision's like the 1240. Something that I can get full D1 at least at 30fps. Thats however where I get stumped because again the multitude of cams out there is mind boggling especially those that are unbranded/rebranded. I need day/night cams and also obviously will need those weatherproof. Was hoping I would not need heaters and blowers due to extra installation etc. Am thinking of going the POE route as sets me up for the future and I can run it pretty simply. So costs I have so far as follows: 6240 - $650 approx Netgear POE Switch - $270 Which leaves the remainder ($1080 max) for a starter kit of cams. Hope that helps define it a little more. I am considering mounting the 4 initial outdoor cams under the eaves of a 2 story house so distance to ground or viewable target will be quite long as well. Any reco's or further help is greatly appreciated. I cannot PM yet as still new and submitting posts. Thanks WC

All I am looking for a 'good' residential system. Due to working with broadcast video equipment my expectations are high but would like ot keep budget manageable. I have come to the conclusion that I need more than 4 cameras so would like the ability to upgrade later on. I also want the option of 15-30fps in D1. Trying to find my way round the CCTV minefield has been interesting to say the least. Blows my mind how some manufacturers try the 30fps ploy even though they are referring to CIF (352x res). So with that said on the dedicated DVRs, I have narrowed it down to : Avermedia EH5216 Intellicam RTA D1 These were the only 2 I could find with decent specs that come in around the $1k to $1.5k mark. I am trying to staying the nice side of $2k if I can so would love to have comments and reco's on the abov and some say/night cams that would compliment this. Thanks all, sure will hav e some more questions about install after this. BTW is the 5108 Aver available here in the U.S. ? WC

I'm also considering a DVR card setup using maybe a 6240. Need to understand how best to run power though when you are using a PC based system rather than dedicate