Redemption

Neighbors got broken into and I have video of the vehicle of the perpetrators. I have a Speco DVR, I downloaded the file on EXE but I was wondering if there is a better format to download the video? I am hoping that somehow I can get them a full raw copy that they can try to enhance trough software? Thanks

Could someone please tell me the best setting for this camera on a very low light situation? Right now in my back patio all I see at night is black and color pixels, also is there a way to have color during the day and black and white at night? Finally what is the best "most affordable" IR I can get to help with the low light problem. Thanks

I can access the OSD.

Well got it to work, as it turns the first camera I pulled out to install is a factory dud When i plug power to it the lens opens and then closes bu no picture comes out of it. The second camera was fine, have to check the other three tomorrow.

One question regarding power, I received my VCM-24VF today, this camera can use either 12 or 24 volts? My voltage box is for 12 volts, do I need to do something especial or can i connect the 12 volt cables right on the green connector? The reason I am asking is because the instructions seem to state they get wired differently for 12 volts. Thanks

There has been a slew of break in's in my neighborhood and I am in need of assistance. Currently I have 4 speco cameras and some cheapos that came in with my dvr "do not laugh" Defender sentinel 3. At this time I am looking for someone to point me on the right direction, I am looking to replace el cheapo cameras. I want some cameras with great night vision, my house is on 1/4 of an acre so range should not be that much of an issue, with the exception of the back yard and the front of the house. Although price is not an issue, I rather buy a good re-branded camera at a lower price. I know there is not such thing as the king of all cameras, but I want a recommendation at least of what manufacturers i should be looking at. I will need dome or compact cameras on the front door and back doors and maybe even by the garage door, the rest can be bullet type cameras. I am thinking about sticking to analog cameras as opposed to the ip cameras. Please help me narrow down the search for the perfect cameras. Thanks

That is some sound advice!!! I was starting to fantasize about retiring my crapo dvr and using my server. Maybe I can go with the VCM-24VF and buy a decent video card for the dvr that will handle analog and ip cameras "so that I can phase the cameras out for better ip cameras as needed over time. CAn I get a recomendation on a good video card. Thanks

Ok after more reading, I am now debating over the mega pixel cameras, which of them do you prefer? I noticed the panasonic seems to be favored by some. I do have a server now that I use for home automation that would work to record video since I already run it 24/7. Bottom line is I want a camera that will provide a good enough picture to see a face. The VCM-24VF right now is on top my list due to its price, but the ip cameras are kind a calling me, the only problem is that I need about another 6 cameras and I am not sure I can justify 600 plus per camera, I already have a gig network with cat 6, so bandwidth would not be a problem.

Again thank you for the links, you seem to favor the DBM-24VF. It looks like a really good camera that is reasonable priced! Now price not being an issue, would you still prefer this camera over others? In other words, do you like these because they are the best bang for the buck "great camera, decent price" or if you had an option and paying an extra couple hundred bucks for another camera that gave you an even better picture, what camera would you select? By the way do you have any picture by any chance of your installs with this camera and the external infrared? I'm just curious about how it would look once installed. Thanks

thanks for the assistance. let me read the suggested threads and then post any questions i may have!!!

I already connected 3 Speco cameras to the DVR using rg59 cable! It has proprietary cable to the little cameras that routes power and video, however on the dvr end the cable splits in two one bnc tot he dvr and one to the power outlet. I am also planing on upgrading my dvr but that will be another thread at another time. For time being the one I have is enough for my needs. With that said, what cameras or manufacturers would you recommend?

Hi, I am undertaking a DYI home automation project, basically consists of HAI automation panel and probably will integrate it with CQC. Although I am far from finished with he automation part, i wanted to start looking into a quality security system. Currently I have some cameras and DVR that I bought from Amazon "Defender" and it is utter crap. I want something that I can integrate with my automation and at least is controllable via rs232. I seen that people build their own DVR's and while I am not against it, unless it is going to be better than a prebuilt dvr then maybe it will not be a consideration, as it is I will be running 2 computers 24/7. I also read that some of this video cards are resource hogs, If I could use one my current computers then it might be worth it! In the spirit of changing my system I ordered 4 cameras the speco HT-INTB8. I wanted something that did not have IR as there is a light pole in front of my house and it used to mess with the cameras I had there. I did not receive the cameras yet, so if I made a bad decision or I can get a batter bang for my buck with a different camera then I would appreciate some imput. I am planing on having at least 8 cameras but would prefer 10 to 12. I will be reading more on this forum in the next couple days, but was hoping that some of the experts would lend a hand and shave a little time on my research by pointing me on the right direction. Thanks!