tds1

So I started researching the Avermedia Hybrid NVRs. The ability to add my own HD is a huge plus, of course. Prices look good. Looking at the specs of the EH5108 or EH5216H , a couple things I noticed. 1) It says each IP channel can support 2.3 MP cameras with MJPEG, or 1.3 MP cameras with MPEG4. Isn't MPEG4 what would be recommended? Is 1.3 MP maximum a big deal? The Exacqvision EL-S says it can support up to 10 MP but doesn't say if that is with MPEG4. 2) What softwhere would I use with the Avermedia? Is it the AVerDiGi CM3000? Can't seem to find if there is a IP license fee or what the software would cost. 3) Saw there is a new AVerDiGi IWH3216, but can't tell if that is for sale in the US or not. Also saw a AVerDiGi SA6000E Pro, but I can't figure out how that differs from the EH5108. 4) Wireguys, PM sent. Does the Exacqvision use a single HD (for example in the 500 GB version), or is it a multiple drive setup?

Our house has some prewiring for security cameras on the outside of the house that was done when the house was being built. At the time, it wasn't something I was focusing on so didn't pay too much attention to what the low level folks did (bad idea I know). Anyway, each location is wired with RG-59 and Cat-5e. I am trying to figure what type of cameras they were wiring for? Unfortunately the RG-59 is not Simease cabling so no 18/2 cabling. Most of the cameras I was looking at seem to use 12VDC. Is there a way to do this safely with Cat5e? Or is the only type of camera I can use are ones that support POE? It seems like the POE cameras are a lot more expensive. Am I better off having someone try to retro wire 18/2 cable or use the wiring already there? Sorry for the basic questions - thanks for the help! Forgot to mention that I plan on using the cameras to connect to a DVR system.

Great advice everyone. Much appreciated. I like the idea of 3 cameras in the front. The CNB VBM-24VF seems so economical and well reviewed that this would seem like a good choice for 2 of the 3 cameras. I think I like the suggestion of a bigger lens for the 3rd camera, even if it is a more expensive proposition. Besides, the VBM-24VF is so reasonable that there is plenty left for that 3rd camera. That camera tomcctv suggested seems like a good idea. There is a CNB BE5810NCR that fits the description and is within the budget. Any one have any experience with this camera? It is listed is weatherproof. Would that survive under an eve during a Minnesota winter? Any real life experience with the night ability? So the system so far would be 2 CNB VBM-24VF in front, 2 CNB VBM-24VF for the back and possibly one CNB BE5810NCR also for the front. Any suggestions on an appropriate multi camera power supply. Is something like the CANTEK PS-8DC 12VDC MULTI-POWER SUPPLY an adequate choice or are there better brands.

Interesting. Hadn't really thought about it that way. I do have room in the front of the house for a third camera. So would you have one camera for the door, one camera for the driveway (15-20 feet) and one aimed for the street (50-60)? Would the VBM-24VF work as the street camera or do I need one with a different lens on it? I know I saw a distance calculator around here somewhere.

The 2 cameras I care most about will be outside the front of the house. One will be a front door camera, used mostly for daytime use, but obviously still need night ability. The second will be at the front corner of the house aimed at the driveway and street. I want this camera to have as good night ability as possible. There is some ambient street light at night which will help a bit. I was going to rig our floodlights to be motion activated to help with night ability. Still, low light performance is probably my top priority. I am willing to spend up to about $500 per camera. So far I have been considering the CNB VBM-24VF, Panasonic 484 series, and Bosch 495 cameras. Viewing distance for the door camera would be between 5 and 20 feet. Viewing distance for house corner would be between 20 and 60 feet.

Sounds great - thanks to everyone for the help. I don't think any of the runs should be too long. The majority are less than 35 feet and the longest is maybe 125 feet of so. Now it time to head to the camera section to start learning more about the different options for cameras.

Thanks bpzle and soundy for the quick response! Some of the things I had read was that it was not safe to send 12V over Cat5e, but what you suggested makes sense as I will be in effect creating a larger guage wire. Am I correct that what you mean is to take 2 pair (4 individual wires) joined together to make each leg of the camera power? In other words, I would be using the entire Cat5e as the power cable (4 wires each to make the 2 power wires). The online calculator I found said that combining 4 24 guage wires will equal an 18 guage wire, so it looks like I will be good to go. Do I have it correct?