shockwave199

It's just not a good idea, imo. If you don't mind the risk and are willing to toss them out if they fail, fine. I couldn't and wouldn't do that in my climate. Too many extremes here. And why bother- there's tons of outdoor cameras to be had.

I ummm, have a stand alone 408 dvr from them. A modest one yes, but it's still kickin and doing great. I can't speak for every single dvr they offer, true. I haven't had any experience with anything other than the 408's. Which ones have you personally had in line with these problems lately Tom? I think we agree on some cons about q-see, but from my experience only- it's not a certainty you're getting busted equipment. And it is a certainty there are higher quality options with better customer service. The choice is yours.

And then there's the remote software, which spanks the crap outa active-x web application manager anyway. But I've been happily using IE8 and have no plans on moving to IE9. It looks like most q-see dvr's, including mine, now have an update for IE9 if you wish. Even the remote software now supports Mac. And to your point about 300 bucks of spelling a problem- a retailer carries CNB's for 165, quite a bit below what other places charge. That makes it an attractive deal- it doesn't spell a problem for the product. I get that you don't like q-see and think it's crapola Tom. I'm just sayin- base your assertions on bench testing everything you're claiming before you factually state there's massive problems with remote networking. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that's probably just not a fact, especially since you're back pedaling with an old senario that was true of MANY brands of dvr's- no support for IE9. As with anything that costs this amount of bucks, buy with a good return policy and kick the tires and see if it's all working before you just plunk the whole thing into place. And seriously, if remote viewing is a big factor, just know you'll have to do some network tweaking to make it all work. Not hard to do, but some find it a very difficult and frustrating part of the equation- no matter WHO makes the dvr. What it often comes down to is customer support, and I've already spoken to that.

As far as a current update- http://qsee.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1275/kw/QT426-841-5 But I'd do nothing and see how it goes. If you know how to tweak your wireless network, it's a good bet the default OS in the dvr will be fine. If anything, buy with money back policy, hook up the cameras and set them on the table or floor, get the dvr going remotely, and see where you're at. You need to be comfortable with tweaking your router, port forwarding, and dynamic address settings, that's all. That whole thing is what trips up most users when it comes to remote viewing. Watch this amazing course on it and you'll be well informed- http://wifi-wiz.net/ Good luck with your choices. And try to fear not, too much.

LOL! Take it easy there man! I simply mean that sometimes a simple thing can get over analyzed, that's all. I'm gonna guess from the OP's description the problem is probably this- And that's why I suggest a look at some pics from his cameras would help determine the problem. But the OP titled this thread 'what determines CCTV quality' and that's open to larger discussion too- so rock on. Let's just say I'm looking at the smaller picture and you're looking at the larger one, that's all.

Before a simple problem gets twisted into rocket science, how about some pics from some of your cameras that you're not happy with. That'll tell the tale one way or the other.

You also have an umbrella pretty close to the camera in the back. Maybe that's affecting things a bit?

???! What's the exact info on that claim Tom? Where is that fact coming from? Judging from the forums here, the only problem with networking any brand of dvr is the end user, not what the dvr can or can't do. What you're saying is news to me. I'm not defending q-see, but to just say they're pulling stuff out of rotation by 43% and have major problems networking should be clarified as fact with something.

I wouldn't assume anything when it comes to placement. In fact, if it were me I'd get the cameras up in a temporary fashion just to confirm that each one will give you the best view- before I ran any permanent wires. The fact that you're running all this permanently before siding is good. But you want to be sure that your placement is correct, taking into account any obsticles or exterior lighting that may make a chosen spot less than good. Beyond the cameras suggested here, put a LOT of time into where they will be installed because once the wires are all run and installed and siding is put in place, it's over. Before running permanent wires and all, get your cctv gear and gaffer tape up the cameras with temp wires run- anything to make sure those placements are correct before you lock yourself in. Good luck. Dan

Why aren't those cameras going to b&w at night?

Cameras, cameras, cameras. They make a hell of a difference no matter what. I only have experience with a q-see dvr, but having decent cameras goes a heck of a long way to providing shots that will work for you in time of need. I just put this video together as a short demo of q-see remote software. The quality suffers with a screen capture, but you get the idea. Even a modest dvr such as a q-see coupled with decent cameras can be helpful and work for you. GrpvIellz_8

I like my system. Peek at my vids if it helps. I don't know of any dvr's that don't have ptz control as standard in there anyway, so you won't be sacrificing the fuction in your choices. Everyone always points to this one- Qvis Apollo HD 4 (Dahua OEM DVR) I would suggest if you only want a 4 channel, get an 8 channel one. But just know that to get anything decent going, without looking at it and thinking it looks like garbage, you'll need upwards of a grand. That's the low end budget for this stuff. Good luck.

From one of my favorite movies of all time- Moonstruck. THIS says it all. WHnXIBHq73w

Are these cheap systems supplied by the customer and they hire you to install them, or is this a package you've been recommending? I guess I would make an awful installer. I would always feel the need to educate the client towards a better package, which of course would be more money, and which of course I'd probably lose the gig to someone who installs garbage for cheap. There isn't a chance I'd be caught dead installing 420tvl cameras for anyone under any circumstances in a professional hiring. I'm sure there's other awful specs to those cameras along with the tvl shortfall- not to mention the pictures they must give day & night. I'd certainly only install cameras with at least 480tvl, with a host of other bottom line specs to them for best results- and that's in the BUDGET package. What I'm really interested in knowing is- what are you installing for your PRO line? I don't mean to blast you man- I'm not an installer. But if it were me, even my budget packages- just the gear mind you- would have a certain standard of quality that ensures the customer actually has something of quality for all my effort and their money. There is decent budget gear out there to make that a reality. And because even that budget package has good quality, that would be the blend. The budget gear would produce great results for residential and businesses alike, and the higher end gear would be for the more demanding clients and installs. And mixing the two at certain times wouldn't be so drastic in quality. But that's why I'd never make money as an installer. I'd be too busy talking the client out of a mistake instead of talking the clients money into my wallet.

I'm NOT an installer, but like I said- we have flat tar roof on our offices and they truely suck balloons. Either the roof guy stinks at keeping them serviced, or they just flat out fail often. Everytime I turn around I'm literally putting a jug under a drip in severe rain storms. Amazes me. I wouldn't pop any holes that didn't need to be there in our roof, that's for sure. Personally I think you made the right choice. Before long there'd be a drip on the inside and they'd say oh, that's where the camera's mounted. Who needs that. Good luck.

Where are you? Does it seriously get super cold and remain that cold day and night for extended periods of time? If it does, you may want to consider that cnb with the heater. Here in NY, we get into the teens [F] frequently at night but extended periods of 20f or lower aren't common. It happens, but usually our temps fluxuate higher within a week or so. And this year was flat out warm and snowless the entire winter- whoo hoo! So my unheated gadspots do just fine. But if you don't have extended periods of bone chilling cold, my guess is this cnb would do fine for you and save some coinage too- CNB VCM-24VF In all the reading I've done here, I haven't read one case of a camera crapping out from cold temps. I think even unheated ones can take a heap of cold, is my guess.

If you're not comfortable and confident with sealing, than the deadline get's pushed while you exchange. Not your fault they were listed incorrectly. But if you really do prefer that mount, seal like a mofo. And tar it in as well. We have a flat tar roof on our offices and they suck and need attention every so often with NOTHING installed on them. Good luck.

It's gonna be really tough to find anyone here who's used that gear specifically. Most would even say it's crap- spend your money on better quality. However, I've been using a q-see 408 dvr for the past year and it's been very good. I don't use q-see cameras with it, but the dvr is good for me. My one observation is that their tech support is marginal. They often refer you to their online documentation instead of personally helping you- very frustrating when you've already read all their documentation. And an RMA could have you waiting for a replacement for upwards of a month. It takes two weeks on average just to get an RMA number, let alone getting the replacement product moving to your door. So for after purchase support, they get a fail from me.

I think it would be cool if cctv suppliers offered 18-2 without the coax too. Sometimes you just need the power wire. 18-2 is readily had I know, but if you're dropping things into your online cart and simply need some 18-2 for a run, it would be convenient I think.

GET YOUR MONEY BACK and end it. PERIOD.

I....hate....that.

In short, it means the CNB is a much better camera and the price of course reflects that. Consider moving the camera outside under the eaves and if possible since you're going through that well worth it trouble, try and frame the shot with the lamp out of the frame. A possible affordable solution in the eyeball dome camera variety is a gadspot GS4030SM. Good luck.

They aren't nearly the same cameras at all. Just two quick diff's, CNB low light no IR's, TDN. The others have IR's and aren't TDN with IR cut- at least I didn't see it mentioned with a quick glance. Before you pick a camera, your positioning has to be corrected. You can't have a camera give you anything useful hung in that spot. Something else will have to be worked out for a clear line of sight, with no screen in the way.

It's always a work in progress My critical channels are set to D1 24fps @ highest resolution. Everything else is set to HD1 17 fps @ highest resolution. I don't have much choice in that matter- my dvr only offers D1 on the first two channels. But I balanced all eight channels in such a way that gives the D1 channels, which have the most important cameras of course, the lions share of highest settings. But the other channels remain high as well. It's so tight that if I bump up one frame rate on one channel, I have to bump one or two frame rates down on another to accomodate it. For recording and remote viewing, I prefer no less than 15fps even on less critical channels. Even though 7fps is fine, I try to balance it all so every channel has room for higher settings as well. Far as bugs and motion, pain I know. That's why even though in some respects cameras close to lights is a good thing, it's mostly a pain for even non-IR cameras. Motion will be triggered. I find that flying insects aren't attracted to my IR cameras. Only spiders, and only a couple a cameras have it the worst. And it's not webs so much- they just park it right on the lens. That's where low light non-IR cameras rule outside- no spiders.

Wait, is someone talking about me? Someones talking about me, I know it!