Birdman Adam

Is a 1GBit network usually recommended when dealing with more than like 4 cameras? Also, what is the low-light performance between, say a 1.3MP or 10MP. Do they just make the sensor larger, keeping each 'pixel' size the same? Or does the light performance go down as the MP goes up? Also, I would guess that as the size of the picture goes up, you need to use a better lens so that imperfections are not noticeable. Is this true?

Since 8080 is alternative to port 80, not usually a good idea to use that. Honestly, I say scrap the whole samsung hosting thing and grab a FREE DynDNS sub-domain that will redirect to your DVR. The DVR, the router, or your PC can be set to update your WAN address in case it changes.

It all depends on the total FPS at a particular resolution your DVR can do. So in your question, if a 16ch DVR can do 400FPS total at D1, that is 25FPS for each channel. If you are only doing 6 channels, you could run them at the full 30FPS.

What OS are you using? XP? Vista? 7? If its a 64bit OS, you may be out of luck. Most likely, this thing is technically a webcam - with the analog input being from a cheap receiver. Many 'older' USB webcam chips don't have drivers for them to work with 64bit OS's. When you have the computer search for drivers itself, none come up? Usually it can find a generic one... This site seems to have some possibilities for you: http://www.drivermax.com/driver/update/Imaging-Devices/VIMICRO/PREMIER-USB2.0-PC-Kamera--VC0326-

So i recently remembered that IPv6 is coming, (eventually)! I am left wondering, how will this affect us? My concerns include not being able to remember those long addresses!! Some info if you aren't informed: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPv6 http://ipv6.com/index.htm http://arstechnica.com/hardware/news/2007/03/IPv6.ars But seriously, it looks like much networking equipment is being left without upgrades in terms of firmware. For example, my WRT54G router. Looks like Cicso/Linksys will not give out firmware which supports IPv6. I will just need to switch to DD-WRT... What about modems? Sounds like monopolies like AT&T are going to force customers like me to replace my 8-year old modem (on my bill of course)... Sounds like some companies are taking the money-making route on this. What about you IP camera guys? Also, it looks like IPSec will become more standard. Does this mean I won't be able to use MITM ARP poisoning attacks to pull Panera Bread customers' passwords right out of the air? Am I joking?

Video loop is just an output that is equal to your camera inputs. This could be used if you wanted 8 monitors to watch live (like in a guard house). All the specs seem fine to me. But I'd say its overpriced for 1TB, 8 channel.

You know, now that I think about it, I know why the DSL modems run so hot... Many DSL modems I've seen (that ran hot) had their transmit power very high to make it down the line to the DSLAM. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Subscriber_Line_Access_Multiplexer#Bandwidth_versus_distance

Modems have failed on me much more often. Always been DSL modems - the the ones they give us around here run REALLY HOT. The one at my house is now a tan from the heat, (it used to be white)! You can't hold it for much longer than 30 seconds before your fingers will start to hurt! Even at my friends cabin, two days after installing the new modem during my install, it failed! The ISP seems to think they ought to be 'disposable'. BTW it failed with a POP and smoke.

That's the max. quality your recording at now? 240x240? That's not even CIF. You will enjoy your new DVR! Yea, those cameras seem like typical cheapies. My go-to cameras are from CNB: As long as they have the Monalisa chip, they perform very well, especially in their price range ($130+ for vandal domes, and $120+ for indoor domes). See my thread in my sig. for loads of test-shots of them! If you need any outdoors, I'd use the VCM-24VF. Its a TDN vandal-dome. Indoors, I've used the DBM-24VF (also TDN), (DBM-24VD for 12VDC only). They are nice and compact, look good. If you want almost the same quality, at $50+, look at the DFL-20S. Here's all of their domes: http://cnbusa.com/en/html/product/product_list.php?maxx=1&midx=4 Looks like they even have in-ceiling domes for low ceilings... How high up is your drop-ceiling? Because you definitely don't want to just see the tops of people's heads! I'm pretty sure they offer "pendants" that will lower the cameras some.

What DNS server does AT&T provide you with? I had some problems, until I specifically set my computers to use AT&T's DNS server. for some reason, my router would ignore requests from some devices, and not pass them on to the DNS server. (BTW Wireshark is great for diagnosing these types of things!)

That really is true. Good DVRs allow easy use of large external USB drives, as well as a built-in DVD drive that can hold more data than CDs. Being able to export the backup to a file format that everyday-players can read is a big deal. Its annoying when you have to use the included player.

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The way I see it, the reason these young people are looting everything, is because there is no immediate repercussions to what they are doing. Is it true these police have nothing but batons and a little shield?? They don't even have guns? WTF! Get them in there with bean-bag shotguns - fire at anyone who is actively causing trouble. Give them rubber-bullets for sidearms. Get the fire dep. out there and spray these people with lots of water. Throw tear-gas canisters into the crowds of looters. You can't just stand by with a stick!

Search in google shopping "12004MLLP". There are a few websites that have 'em.

The camera you suggested has WDR (although not true double-scan WDR). Do you really need WDR? You will definitely pay more for it. I would probably do something like this: This camera, which by itself can see quite well in low-light: http://cnbusa.com/en/html/product/product.php?seqx_prod=1076 And then this lens: http://cnbusa.com/en/html/product/product.php?seqx_prod=952 (5-50, you can zoom in far) With this IR illuminator: http://cnbusa.com/en/html/product/product.php?seqx_prod=1059 Then you'll need an enclosure. Like this, along with a bracket: The BBM-24F by itself will do okay with only that street-light. But the IR will fill out the whole picture. If you need a tighter IR angle, they make a 15 degree version as well.

So there is no CD-DVD drive, OR a USB connection for using external drives?? That is the best way to backup!

OK here's the vid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi4zLasNu-w I just took a bunch of captures in succession - they are full-quality, D1 @ max. quality. Would have narrated it by audio - but needed to change a setting, and forgot... So I put subtitle in showing sunrise, sunset, etc. BTW civil twilight is the bright(ish) time of twilight, before sunrise, and after sunset. If you guys wanted a better picture after this camera can't see (after 1 hour after sunset), it would pair nicely with a wide-angle IR illuminator. In this setup, we didn't need night-time viewing. If you want to see more of CNB's cameras, there are many vids online, including ones from surveillance-video: <--(Not very good comparison) I can certainly provide more shots by request.

Sure - I can grab some night-time video! BTW guys - I totally messed up when I said that 3.5TB lasted only 1 month with 8 cameras at D1, max quality, 15FPS each. It lasts a whole 4 months.

Yea, I partly agree with Rory. Not sure if its easier to install IP cams... -Network length is short compared to analog -Harder to crimp RJ45 connectors -You pay a whole lot to power them (POE) -COST of the cameras!! -Recording software can be expensive, with dumb license fees

Honestly, 15FPS is fine for most situations. But since you mentioned you run a store - I can see where 30FPS would be required for slight-of-hand movements (like sneaking stuff into pockets). I haven't used Geovision before - but if you really can add IP cameras without paying outrageous license fees - I say do it! (As long as you have the money!) You could benefit a lot from added resolution. As long as your store is well-lit - you will be good-to-go. Now, if you end up looking for a real nice 16ch DVR, I highly recommend Samsungs SRD series of DVRs. The SRD-1670DC if you need 16-ch.

Sounds like some above-average thieves. Do you knwo for a fact that they shut off the power after they cleaned out? I would think they would have done it before. A tip for the future - please by a UPS (uninterruptable power supply), and use it to solely power your DVR and cameras. I have UPS's on all of my equipment to protect against this exact scenario. An average UPS will run most DVRs+cameras for a couple hours (assuming ~140W load or less). Also, how were they able to shut off the utility power? You must have a disconnect upstream from your main breaker? Or is your breaker panel outside? I would place a lock on the disconnect and/or panel. As long as you own it there should not be a problem doing this. Also, if you have exposed communication lines (phone), you need to protect those as well - (so alarms can call-out). For now I would set it to not record any more - or else it will eventually overwrite the video of the break-in. I'm sure the data is still there, its just a matter of getting it! I am clueless on what to do for this - maybe you should contact AVTech? BTW how is the dog? Feeling better I hope.

Here is the link to watch the Samsung SmartViewer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-Iht143Dcs

Yea, the state DOT has something similar here - hundreds of cameras are all accessible completely over the internet by one room. They showcased it on the news... A whole wall of monitors (like 100+ cams), and two little guys with joysticks and more monitors.

Coax is old... I love cat5! It is so much cheaper, as well as easier to pull/run, and easy to connect.

Dunno why but that voice cracks me up! That is another option though... Have a PIR motion detector sense movement, and trigger a voice or (short) siren.