Hello everyone!
Hailing from East Atlanta, I'm a bit of a CCTV newb trying to learn this industry quick! This stuff is all right up my alley as far as interest goes, as I build computers, understand photography and lighting, and have a real interest in security and techie things, etc...
Anyway, my reason for coming here to CCTVForum.com, is that need to purchase and install 20 to 40 cameras across 2 or 3 sites. The main install is for a small biz with less than a couple dozen personnel, but it's an 11,000 sq. ft., 2 story printing facility with several departments. Here's what they need:
Start with 16 cams, upgrade later to about 24 cams
D1 or higher resolution
7.5 to 15 FPS recording
Motion detection and GOOD remote viewing
Must be stable and secure (this system is to defend from employee vandalism, corporate espionage, etc.)
So I know what I want to buy... The technical side is fairly easy, so long as you can read between the lies that seemingly every manufacturer and reseller feeds you. I've spent 3 days comparing the likes of GeoVision, AverMedia, NUUO, HikVision, EZWatch (I know, I know... But at least EZ shows video samples of their cams!), BlueCherry's offerings (I like the idea of a linux DVR) and so on... But I seem to be right back where I started on Friday, which is to say I'm still looking for a decent wholesale distributor of quality CCTV equipment.
Everyone and his brother seems to have their own brand of DVR cards, cameras and even software, and this is making it impossible for me to get my bearings straight. Even if I want to buy quality products, I can't hardly find any for sale because of the horribly over-saturated marketplace! Could someone with experience please tell me how to wade through this mess without the slime sticking to me? All these chop-suey $XX99.99 specials (usually with no demo or even sample photos) are putting a mighty foul taste in my mouth.
My clients are often my friends, so I can't just sell them snake oil and disappear... Please advise on a wholesaler for quality CCTV equipment in the US (preferably the Southeast)! I can't do anything until I find a good distributor, and my client would appreciate some surveillance ASAP (they're having a big event this weekend, actually!).
Feel free to PM me, as I could really use some help here.
Thanks,
Zach Maier
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