archik100

Sounds good. Since I already went with AverMedia for my home installation, my installer recommends that I go with it in the business as well for better interfacing. Your recommendation just boosted my confidence. Thanks for the camera recommendations. For this setup, I'm going to use the NV7240, since I need the split view for the screens and cannot get it in the NV5000. Anyone has any experience with these guys? avermedia-nv7240c08-nv7240---8ch-hybrid-dvr-card-pci-240fps-8ch [mod edit no store links] Also, any more recommendations for camera brands? Cost is somewhat of a factor, but I'm willing to pay in order not to get junk. Thanks, Ben

You have a history of spamming the place here. Anyone here with some good suggestions?

Hi all! I feel proud to be the first topic on this forum! " title="Applause" /> My question is as follows: I want to complete a setup with the following existing hardware. 4 units of the Sony SSC-CD77 / SSC-CD77P. A Intel Core 2 Duo 2.33 GHz with ample space. 2 units of Acer 19" X193W for kitchen/bedroom viewing. I originally wanted to go with a pure IP system but my boss didn't want since he originally "invested" in CCTV wiring. The cameras were purchased by someone else, so I'm stuck with this unless the results are really bad. Anyway, I've been leaning on the side of a PC based system over embedded/standalone since PC based is usually more upgradeable. Additionally, I plan to access the feed on the iPhone/Touch and online/over my network as well. My assumption was that PC based would handle these functions better. So, if indeed the PC route is the way to go, what hardware (DVR card etc.) would you recommend? If you think the embedded route is better, why? [Another queer idea I have (mentioned above) is to have the feed displayed in my office and vice versa. I plan to unite my office and home under one network, using wireless bridging, so there is enough bandwidth. The office will, hopefully, run IP cameras, since there is no CCTV wiring there to deal with.] Any ideas? I did a lot of research but I just keep on getting more confused. Many thanks! Ben

Perfect, thanks! Sorry about bothering you, but just one more question. Is one video output enough for two viewing screens, or do I need a card that has multiple outputs? Thanks!

I see. As far as catching a criminal is concerned, its the capture resolution that matters more than FPS, unless he's pretty fast. That means that 15 FPS is acceptable to me, if it doesn't look to bad on the viewing screen. Is this a good example of 15 FPS? Thanks!

Anyone?

Soundy, If so, what what resolution/FPS combo should I be looking at? I'm looking to get the most I reasonably can from my cameras. In other words, what minimum model would fit my needs?

Just saw this on another thread. Does it mean that I have to bump up another model to get the resolution I need? If so, I might as well go with the GeoVision Combo card for a similar price.

Is it worth bumping up to the next model (from AverMedia) to increase the FPS to 120? Its raises from ~$100.00 to ~$200.00. Also, I have two screens where I want to view this on. Do I need more outputs? Thanks, Ben

Makes sense. This is not something I'm going to skimp on. Avermedia does seem good. But NewEgg buyer(s) complain about the lack of support.

I know, but I also need to broadcast it to other screens. That would require a combo card. Thee are a few other brands that seem to be popular online. A quick Google yields the following brands: Any experience with 'em? Apposonic, Lorex, Q-see and Sabrent. Worth a look, at all? Also, I see some third party software that can possibly manage my cameras with generic cards. ZoneMinder and Visec etc. Anyone tried them?

Got it. But I do want to take advantage of my cameras as far as I can, so a 540 TVL does allow for higher captures, resulting in lower FPS. Is it possible that after paying for this card, at this price, I would have to pay for each CCTV cam additionally? Yeah, but I still want a higher quality record, as well at the display screens. The phone is not really a requirement, just a nice touch. I'm looking for that one!

Your a Mac, aren't you? Some research: Video Insight: The entry level Video Insight model wont fit my needs, since it wont give me even 30 FPS at my resolution, which is 540 TVL. This means that for Video insight I have to start with this, which already give me 8 channels too. Model: VJ60-8 Channels: 8 60 FPS Cost: $549.95 Gevision: This card is similar to the one above, but offers 120 FPS instead. Model: GV-1120 Channels: 8 120 FPS Cost: $589.00 3xlogic/Vigil: I don't find any merchant online selling this, although it does look like a good product. They all ask to call for quotes. Avermedia: Weak tech support from what I've read, although they seem to have a nice interface (but how often would I use it). This one has only four channels at 30 FPS but a great price. Whoo hoo! Model: NV3000 Channels: 4 30 FPS Cost: $107.00 Nuuo: Similar specs to the one above, but seems like better software. (Really no clue, but the impression I get from their website.) Model: SCB-1004 Channels: 4 30 FPS Cost: $172.66 This list is really for my too keep up with option in order to properly evaluate them. I plan to add & update until I reach a decision. I didn't expect the cards to cost this much.

I see. Good to know. In other words, I should look for the manufacturer that offers the most stable, constantly updated software. I need iPhone/smartphone access as well.

Thanks! My list now includes the following brands: GeoVision (!), Nuuo, Video Insight (2), Avemedia, Vigil (2). GeoVision seems to be leading the pack here in popularity, although some seem to swear by other brands. (From what I read on the forum.) Another question: Is good software purchased separately, or is an excellent one included? To take it a step further, can I purchase the card from one manufacturer and the software from another, or are they tied together? If its tied, then I should possibly be working from the software down. One more question: I also need an output for the kitchen/bedroom monitors. (The wiring is already done.) Is it included in most cards? Thanks! Ben

It will be in the basement of the home. I don't think that there will be any extreme temperatures there, although it might be a little dusty there for a while. Not enough to create computer problems though. I'm quite literate in computers. I've built my own, flashed firmwares and tinkered a lot, among various OS's.

Anyone?