ncpilot

SSH tunnel if using VNC--you're referring to that, right? With logmein, it's basically already there, nothing extra to set up... that's why I think it's nice--much simpler...

I'm using logmein to access my home machine while at work (shhh, don't tell my boss) and it works just fine. They have a free version, can't remember the limitations offhand compared to the pay version... file transfer is one I think (need the pay version). It's nice because it is completely encrypted without having to worry about how to do that with VNC. Works ok so far for light use...

You definitely need to either setup your router to "talk" to dyndns.org or you have to run a small piece of software that will contact dyndns.org if your IP address changes. They have to know somehow what your IP address is... I think Netgear is ok to use their internal dynamic DNS updater, but Dlink for example has been banned (by dyndns.org) from using the internal updater, instead you have to run a program that will periodically look at your IP address, and if it changes, the program will go to dyndns.org and update it. (I have a Dlink, so I'm running the program...) You are on the right track... Also, I suspect you have to set your PC to have a static IP address, otherwise your port forwarding may not work. Typically you would forward ports 80, 4550, and 5550 to 192.168.0.2. But if you have your router and PC setup up for DHCP, the router will assign an internal IP address to your computer, if it's not the same one you port-forwarded to, then you won't be able to access your video server from the internet. Others can chime in, but for me, I prefer to set a static IP on my PC's (even my laptop), and turn off DHCP on the router. Try that to see if it helps...

I knew there was a reason why I hadn't installed DivX before.. from their EULA: Components bundled with our software may report to Licensor and/or its affiliates the installation status of certain marketing offers, such as toolbars, and also generalized installation information, such as language preference and operating system version, to assist Licensor in its product development Sorry, sounds like spyware to me... I'm well aware of the widespread use of DivX, but I'm not willing to download that type of software... And yes, I really do read all EULA's--even before Sony screwed people with their rootkit "protection" and only later put it in their EULA after the story was busted wide open...

I've got WMP 10--apparently no DIVX codec... And I am running XP SP2... I'll try some more...

I've got the same problem... Same with some Geo clips, even though I tried to download the codec, and ran the program from the link in one of Rory's posts... The wrestling clip tries to run in Windows Media Player as default--and I've seen WMP trying to download the proper codec, but it always fails to find it... I hate proprietary codecs.....

Oh man! You had to mention crawfish etouffe and red beans and rice.... Only lived in NOLA 2 years, and that was back in '88-90, but the memories linger on... I agree, I'd love to get down there and spend some money...

OT--you got a funny home website!!!

Paraphrased from my weather forum... If you want to prevent a lightning strike, just install a 2-iron somewhere in the wiring, because not even God can hit a 2-iron...........

What are the browser requirements for these cards? Does it have to be IE? Is ActiveX required?

I've tried the best I can to read all the info on the various DVR cards (to include downloading and reading the manuals), and it seems that Video Insight is the only one that doesn't require both IE and ActiveX? I don't want to be limited to IE, and especially don't want ActiveX controls...

Couldn't come up with a better subject line... Here's what I want to do, and bear in mind this is not a professional application... I'd like to have at least 2 outdoor color cams to post pictures and possibly have a live streaming option for a weather station website. In addition, I'd like to have some cams for home security purposes (indoor and outdoor)--could go B&W, but color is nice. This implies recording ability, either time-lapse or motion detection. Remote access necessary for all cams. Still a bit uncertain of the pros/cons of using a DVR card/computer combo versus something like an IP video server (Axis 24x type, but too much $$, or the StarDot Express 6). I like the idea of a standalone IP server, somehow it seems more robust than using a computer since it has a dedicated function and the software/OS is designed with that in mind as opposed to a PC with Windows OS which has to be multi-functional. OTOH, in order to save any images from a server, I'd still need a local machine, or upload to a webspace.... I used to be amused at all the posts in the home theater forums about guys having terabyte storage servers, but not any more... storing HD programming is about 8 GB per 1 hour show... could be useful for storing video surveillance... But I digress... I built a PC for home theater use, but it's being way underutilized. I do use it for recording HD network programs, and have tried to use it as a DVD/audio server, but it's a bit too much trouble right now. It also serves as my link to my weather station for uploading to my webspace. Probably too much crap on it already for use as a DVR solution. If I go the computer DVR card route, I'll probably just have to bite the bullet and build another PC... So far, after reading as much as I can stand in this forum, overall the Mace Cam53CIR looks like a good entry point for the exterior color cams... (I guess that might indicate my price points?) Beyond that, I'm open for suggestions... I don't necessarily have a budget in mind, but obviously if you get too high in pricing I could just get someone to install something--kinda want to get involved in the DIY aspect of it all... and of course I can do this in pieces to see how it all works, and to spread out the costs. Thanks in advance--this truly seems to be a forum where most everyone knows what they're talking about...

All cameras will be at my house. I have a weather station (fun/hobby) in my back yard that for now throws up a simple webpage on one of my free Earthlink accounts. I'd like to add a couple of camera views of the weather--static images that when clicked on could provide live streaming for example. They don't need to be particularly high resolution, nor night capable, in fact, for streaming, I, like most people with normal broadband service, wouldn't really have enough upstream rate for a hi-res streaming image at any decent frame rate. Vandalism is not an issue. I've got 2 IP cams already, a DLink DCS-900W, and Veo Observer XT, both wireless, that I can observe remotely over the web. I've played with some software that will grab a static JPG from IP cams, but haven't really been satisfied, and concluded that I needed something more robust. I do use the Veo to observe the interior of the house, and actually get a half decent frame rate when viewing at work. Don't have any motion sensing capability at this point, so it's not really a security solution. Surprisingly perhaps, I've had very good wireless uptime with both cams, and the flexibility of placement from day to day is fun, but I figure a wired system is the way to go. For exterior security cams, I'd like something to monitor the front and back doors, both of which have overhead 40W porch lights which are automated but not photocell activated (there's no lack of lighting around my house ) Maybe another one that would look out towards the driveway. I've got 2 light fixtures on the garage that each have 40 W bulbs (that's the HOA spec for exterior lighting BTW, max 40W). I also have a street light at the end of my driveway. I bet I've got more than enough light to eliminate the need for an IR capable cam... VST_Man, are you allowed to pimp your product like that??? And here I thought I'd get me an eBay Geovision knockoff card...... Just kidding... BTW, I do like the idea of not needing a friggin browser plugin to do remote viewing. Don't use IE, don't want ActiveX, etc... My current PC has slots open, but is running XP Home, and has an AMD Athlon 64 3000+ 1.8GHz (but you know that's somewhat meaningless for AMD and comparison to Intel chips). With the new duo-core chips out, maybe we'll see a nice price drop for the "old" stuff... Enough for now... thanks for the input.

Just as an FYI, amazon.com has a good price on the Mace Cam53CIR, free shipping, and their reputation is pretty decent...

I just can't let that one go... pet peeve of mine... There can only be ONE number one of anything, unless they are all absolutely equal, otherwise you have THE number one, then number two, etc... Or you can say one of the TOP 10 distributors, or something like that... Nothing personal, I just see people using that phrase all the time... Ok, back to regular programming. BTW, I am carefully looking at a card solution for my needs, so I am reading with interest..

Hello all, I've been reading this forum for a while, and last night looked at posts going back to mid-year 2005, and did a search for "hurricane"--but couldn't find anything specific on how well cams will withstand hurricane conditions. I'd like to install at least 2 exterior cams, possibly under eaves, not sure at this time... I'm inland about 2-3 miles from the shore, and since I've lived here, have been through 4 hurricanes--granted, of fairly low intensity once they've made landfall. Or, should I consider the cams to be sacrificial if a "big one" hits? Is that a better strategy in choosing a camera?

...there are so many other more important things to worry about during a hurricane, like... will my anemometer survive? (well, my anemometer I think is good beyond a Cat3, but I don't know about the pole...) Thanks, just wanted an experienced point of reference... I'll most likely just go for something that will work 99% of the time, and worry about the 1% when it happens...