Toaster

Anyone have any suggestions for a decent outdoor weather proof rear view backup camera for a car? The one I've been using was NOT weather proof, so it's about done. Would like something fairly covert - That way people won't mess with it in parking lots and stuff.

Yeah man, that quad view system looks amazing! I'd love to do that, according to the youtube page its about $1500??? Like Seanhawg, I would very much like information, pictures - whatever you'd like to share " title="Applause" />

I'm not sure which one the qt426 is, but my qt428 has he ability to "buzzer" on events like motion, disk full, ip conflict, video loss, and net loss....

THE QUICK: Is there a self contained camera I can mount inside my car? THE DETAILED: I've had my car stereo stolen twice, so if I replace it (again) I want to install a camera inside the truck, that would recycle its recording until it were needed. I'm guessing something that would take like a snapshot every second or something, store to a flash drive or memory card? I've seen stuff like that in a calculator, or sprinkler head for retail, stuff like that... Anyone know if there's something like this that you could leave inside a car all the time? That would survive winters and more importantly texas summers...? THANKS.

I personally think the 8w LED (middle picture) looks the best balanced. The 11w LED and 65w traditional light look about the same... I see what looks like "ridges" on the largest planter on the top and bottom pictures, but do not see them in the middle picture, and I'm thinking those ridges are some kind of sensor spike for over exposure?

You know, I never thought of that, but you're right. " title="Applause" /> If it's looped through connecting to the out should work.

So this is my house from a top view, front of house faces North. Our car's are normally parked in driveway in front of garage on right (north east corner of house), and one is almost always parked in front of house on curb by the tree. Front of house is not "flat" - garage extends out further than front door area, as you can see, the front door and porch are in the north west corner of the house, Backyard access is on left side (#4 / west side of house), right side (#5 / east side) is fenced area - no gate access on that side of house, there is a bay window for kitchen and my a/c condensers, phone lines, electrical power access are all out there on this side.. As you can clearly see its a zero properly line lot, with neighbors on both sides, well all three sides counting rear south side too. I have a single back door located in the center rear (south end) of the house, and it sits between a fireplace chimney and bay window area from master bedroom. I'm going to install a 4 channel system. How would you suggest camera placement? I want to get maximum coverage from these 4 channels - I know 8 would be better, but I think thats overkill..?

Here's a question I've been trying to figure out. Front door camera, the way my porch is setup - to get a shot of the front door, that's ALL I'd get from that camera. Is that a good idea? The way I have it now is ABOVE the front door so I see who's walking up, but once someone is on the porch, I can't see them anymore, because they're basically UNDER the camera, which is now facing OUT and above them. Suggestions?

bump.... Still waiting to see some samples from your setups... I'm trying to get a good idea for angle, placement, quality, etc... THANKS.

I would very much like if you guy's running analog security cameras could (would) post snapshots of your images, and maybe some small 30 second video clips... Trying to get a feel for what kind of quality is out there. Post your dvr specs, camera specs, encoding specs, etc... the normal type stuff. If you don't know, you can upload images for free using www.imageshack.us and video's at www.4shared.com Of course there are probably MILLIONS of other places too, but those are the first two that come to mind, and both are 100% free and immediately give you share links to post. I would very much like to see what others are running and what kind of results you all are getting. I have NOTHING to compare to at this point, except what I'm seeing online. Everyone here has been extremely helpful thus far, that's why I'm asking. Video would be awesome, if you can take the time... That's very much what I'm interested in seeing. THANKS.

(note to moderator: I didn't know where this was most appropriate, so since it had to do with DVRs I put it here.) When trying to log in to a DVR using internet explorer, and it wants to install active x controls, surely there is a way to "save" that activex .cab file right? HOW? I've tried searching for it in windows/temp and can't find it. Is it possible to save the active x control installation files during DVR log in????

The DVR only supports like 3 resolutions, none work on my mitsubishi hdtv. I wanted the higher resolution because I leave it on 4 way view.

So I'd like to use my DVR (Q-see QT428 which is actually a TVT 2308SE) on my HDTV at home, to get better resolution. I tried a VGA to HDMI converter, but because it didn't upconvert it to something my HDTV understood, I got no video - as my HDTV doesnt support computer resoutions like vga, xga, svga etc... I tried the same dvr with vga to hdmi converter on my flat panel hdtv which DID support pc resolutions, and it worked --- But I don't want it in that room on THAT hdtv. SO: Does anyone know if its possible to convert VGA to either component 1080i or 720p output or maybe HDMI ?

These are generic replies as I do not have the samsung, nor do I have knowledge specific to the samsung. 1 (email): Depending on WHO your smtp server is, and how its configured or more accurately how you log in to it, that's obviously your problem. Probably either PORT # or SSL. (I had a clover DVR that would not connect to an smtp server (gmail) via SSL so it would not send email notifications). I would suggest trying another smtp (mail sending server) host. Either GMAIL (which does require SSL) or maybe hotmail.com which I believe does NOT require SSL login. Your ISP should offer you smtp access as part of your service with them (free), if not there are LOTS of free email hosts out there. 2 (remote control id): I don't know for sure, but I'm guessing its the unique id between the remote and client servers? 3 (motion/continuous record): Motion record will only record video during motion triggered events (ie: it detects motion and records for 15 seconds or whatever you have it set to). Continuous record is just that, record during the timeframe you set (24/7 or 9-5 or 5-9 or whatever you need/want) 4 (fps): Most DVR's will have a maximum number of Frames Per Second (FPS) they can record, and that will change based on your recording quality and setting. CIF recording resolution is 320x240 pixels and "real time" means it records at 30 FPS at that resolution. Then D1 for example is 704x480 resolution and because it requires more hardware power to record more number of pixels, it may record in fewer FPS. Your samsung probably has a maximum number of FPS the DVR can record, and this number will most likely be shared between ALL 4 CAMERA at a given resolution or recording quality. So as an example if you have 30 FPS max at D1 resolution you'll get 7.5 FPS (frames per second) in D1 (704x480) resolution per camera. or if you have 120 FPS at CIF (or real time cif recording) then you'll get 30 FPS at CIF (320x240) per camera (30x4=120, or 7.5x4=30 ... get it). Sounds like the DVR is telling you how many FPS you have left when you adjust the settings. So you may want to play around until you find the balance you like, but the general consensus here is 7 FPS is plenty for evidence/security purposes especially at D1 resolution. As someone told me, you're not filming a movie, you're recording security video just in case. MY DISCLAIMER: I'm no pro, I'm new here too - These are just some of the basics I have picked up reading here... And I'm trying to help answer questions if I know the answers... You know so I can feel important and all I'm sure anyone else will who will be more knowledgeable than me will step up and chime in. On a side note: I'd LOVE to see some sample video clips from your samsung setup. The specs on the cameras seem really nice (600TVL) - and I've seen the DIY combo on line, I'd VERY MUCH like it if you could download a couple of short 15-30 second video clips (1 during the day, and 1 at night) with someone walking around or driving up or something, to show some detail... and post them so we can all see. CHECK THIS THREAD FOR INFORMATION AND HOW TO POST VIDEO CLIPS.

I know you guys are gonna hate me for asking this, but I have now used (played with) 3 consumer grade stand alone DVR's from Q-see and Clover. None have the perfect set of options or features, just like buying a car... Each had its positive points, and negative points. I doubt any one device has every option for every user. But I know there is a lot of consumer grade bashing on here, and I respect that from a professional point of view - but I don't understand it. I'm curious to know what make's the "Professional" grade stuff that much better than the cheaper consumer grade stuff... Try to answer with specifics if possible. I'm not trying to start a debate, I'm trying to educate myself in this... I have now realized 4-5 weeks in, that this is like all my other hobbies (obsessions) - you can throw money at this to no end! There is always something bigger, better and cooler around the bend. I look forward to reading your posts. THANKS IN ADVANCE.

I know this is a generic and probably a unpopular question, but here's the thing - I'm new to this cctv thing, and don't want to throw money away on useless products. I can't afford the "pro" stuff (ie: $300 each cameras). I'm in the market for 4 to 8 addition cameras, changing from 4ch systems at work and home to 8ch systems at both locations. I'd like dome cameras just because I think they look cool, but bullet cameras are fine too. I'm recording D1 across all channels, and I'm using analog (bnc connectors) dvr's so IP camera's are not an option for me (unless you guys know something I dont). I don't want to post links, as I know that is frowned upon. But I have found some amazing sounding deals online, like 1/3 sony ccd 420tvl ir outdoor domes from china for around $50 each shipped... There are also a few buzz words that I really don't understand, like "TRUE DAY & NIGHT" - I'm assuming this is not the same as the camera having ir led's fr night vision...? And the ir cut filter - I've seen the comparisons (thanks to rory's signature) though I have only seen this option listed 1 el-cheapo camera from clover (the oc175 @ $39 from frys electronics). I guess I'm asking for a little help to avoid getting burned... Trying to buy CCTV locally is either way out of my price budget, and/or the sales associates have NO CLUE how to answer my questions or information about the products... and its frustrating to ask a question and watch them get the box and try to read the specs to answer my question. I KNOW HOW TO READ! I COULD HAVE READ THE BOX. But in all fairness - I don't know anything about this stuff either, and you guys do... that's why I'm asking for help. Feel free to email or PM me with links... THANKS IN ADVANCE!

not much these days, depends on the application. CNB DFL-20s is great for indoors and its dead cheap. CNB VBM/VCM-24VF is great for most other apps. Also not expensive. CNB VBB-34VF is a WDR Double Scan Camera, also not THAT expensive. KT&C has mini color bullets with 3.6mm 1/3" fixed lens, cheap and real colors. or BW bullets for even less for low light apps that dont need color in the day For True Day Night IR bullets though expect to pay almost double the price of say the CNB VBM/VCM type domes, KT&C have something similar in the TDN IR bullet with ICR, 600TVl with 2.8mm-12 lens and OSD but its still alot cheaper than using something like an EX-82 from Bosch (use to be Extreme CCTV). You can find much of the CNB cameras I listed with demo videos on Youtube. ofcourse all that costs 3 times to sell here in the Bahamas due to International shipping and customs duty so its probably the same cost here as you would get a panasonic for in the US LOL. I see. Just have to ask the question the right way!

Alright, here's a question... How much does someone need to spend to get a good solid camera? Something with enough TVL, CCD, etc to get a nice sharp clear analog image at D1. As a consumer, I had no idea there was soooo much variance between cameras. I always assumed the "consumer" brand stuff available at Fry's, CompUSA, etc wasn't top of the line, but I would NEVER have guessed, based on how cheap the DIY bundles are - it would take 5x to 10x as much to get that much better system. So again, can someone recommend a good quality camera without breaking the bank?

I'm sure the first thing anyone here will ask is what is the exact make and model number of the system. That way someone who will answer you will know what you have, and what the procedure should be to resolve the problem. That being said: This would be the things I would ask: Does the system boot up to the point where you can access menu's? IF YES: I'm assuming somewhere in the menu structure, you should see an area where hard drive (HDD) maintenance is available. IF YES: You should have an option for format or prepare drive. IF YES: I would said, assuming the HDD installed is a SATA (serial HDD) its pretty much plug and play, go buy a new drive (very cheap almost anywhere) I would stay UNDER 1TB, without knowing what the limitations of your system are. Replace the old dead HDD with the new one. (Serial drives are simple 2 cable design, and there is zero configuration needed, simply plug the same cables in to the new drive and all should be the same). Reboot the system, go to the menu where HDD preparation/maintenance is and format the new HDD.. You should be back in business at that point. Of course, you'll want to do all of this with the unit powered off and disconnected. (which should go without saying). IF the HDD installed is a PATA (parallel - which is the older and bigger 40/80 pin ribbon cable design with jumpers, etc) you'll want to make sure the settings on the new drive match that of the old drive (master/slave/etc). Once you get that far, complete the format/prepare and you should be all set. If any of the answers are NO, then you'll have to wait until you post your exact make and model / series unit so the expert's here can take a look at an online manual and give you a more educated answer. GOOD LUCK. (PS: Take no offense, but if you don't know much about HDD's, SATA/PATA, etc, it's probably NOT a good idea to attempt this.. Even though it should be very simple IMO)

You do not need Digital DVRs or PCI cards for IP cameras. You will need a Hybrid DVR or VMS software running on a server. As Soundy said you will not get the resolution with Analog as you can with HD/Megapixel. You my get better image quality with high end analog vs low end HD/Megapixel. I know my dvr is not hybrid. What is VMS software?

Hi toast. some cool covery cameras. Yeah I saw some of the screw head cameras on ebay. Looked cool!

I'm wondering if anyone makes, or has any idea's to make, a hidden camera I can mount around eye level outside my retail store's entry door. Something hidden so no one would mess with it.

Not sure why, but I'm getting diagonal rolling line interference on all 4 cameras...? and yeah, the lines are actually at a 90 degree angle..? Any idea's why?

If possible, I'd like to see about 30 seconds or so of video pulled off the dvr from both the monoprice camera and the q-see camera, around the same time of day. For comparison purposes.

After we had a theft incident at our retail store, we installed recording cameras (we had a camera, but it wasn't being recorded and was just for us to see what was going on while in the back of the store). One of the things I did was get a small 20" lcd tv, and mount it behind the counter and cash register with a camera facing out at the customers, so when one of us greets the customer (which happens at the counter), they would SEE THEMSELVES and know there are working cameras in the store. The camera you see on the TV is its own dedicated camera (crappy little $30 fry's job - the original viewing only camera).. I didn't want to show the feed from the 24/7 recording DVR, as I figured there was no reason to show anyone where the blind spots were in the system, etc... I think seeing the live camera feeds get's the message across loud and clear - There are 3 visible camera's inside my store... And I'm ready to add at least 1 more to catch a close up view of anyone walking in. JUST FYI, The theft incident we had at my store was obviously someone who had been in the store before, they knew exactly what they needed to snap a lock on a display cabinet, open it and remove the contents. They entered as potential customers, and then committed the crime.