videoVIP

I don't do residential work...for this very reason. Good luck with your system.

You did. I just installed a system for a client...4 cameras, 1 DVR and a monitor. Total was almost $8k. We/I occasionally get lucky with the cheap-o systems, but CCTV is one of those things where "you get what you pay for". And, for what you paid, those pics are great. Cue: Rory

Wow! Good stuff there. A little over my head, though. I'll advise the clients to put welding goggles on the kid just to be safe.

Found this: Is infrared illumination harmful to infants? I have a cctv system in and around my home and want to add an infrared illuminator to my newborn baby's room to be able to see her in her bed at night. I am wondering if this infrared light is harmful to her. Since this is a sensitive matter, guesses are not really appreciated. Answer Low-level radiation of that nature isn't any more harmful than being in a room with an incandescent light. Source(s): I'm a spectroscopist.

Uh-oh...do you have anything supporting this? Client doesn't want to use a night-light in kid's room.

If you're using RJ45 plugs, then that would be tough to double-up. Most professional baluns use pressure-activated wire retainers which would allow for doubling-up. You can test the end of the RJ45 plug for voltage if you have some tiny probes (and good eyesight). The rest of us would probably use a breakout box or banjo.

Oops...double-post.

We heard you the first time. No need to repeat your issue. A) Check for voltage loss. Do that first. You check voltage loss just as you would with any other wire. B) Balung King?!? Get real baluns (e.g. Nitek, NVT)

I'd say those are pretty damn good pics for a low-budget system!

First off, no, I wlll not "bare" with you...I hardly know you. There could be a few things going on. Have you measured the voltage at both ends of the run(s)? What baluns are you using? Can you double-up two pairs on one CAT6 for the power? You can only push so much water through a hose. Electricity = water, wire = hose. I did have a similar issue once (not with baluns, though) and the solution was to switch to a heavier gauge wire. I would start with testing the voltage (load & no-load, IR on/IR off) on both ends. Let us know what you find.

You're comparing a Porsche to a Pinto, but we need to compare stropes...

Not sure they're willing to swap out all their TV's for networkable units. They tried the Ipad with a webcam and the Ipad keeps timing out. They want a direct, "live" feed.

That's what the splitter/combiner is for. Prevents "mixing" of the signals. These are different than a traditional splitter. Going point-to-point is the primary goal. If I can get the signal to all TV's, that's just a bonus for the client. Still need a camera with audio...

If I read the installation instructions correctly (page 2 of the .pdf), camera/audio plugs in to modulator, modulator plugs in to cable, converting video/audio to a tuneable TV signal. At that point you can go direct to TV tuner or splitter/combiner. I would install the camera & modulator in one j-box in baby's room.

Correct. And the modulator I referenced in my first post will also do the same thing (with exception of power, which isn't an issue). So we can use a modulator or we can use a "converter". We've got that covered either way. Now all I need is a camera with audio.

Two reasons: How would you pass audio & video thru a single coax without some sort of converter or modulator? I can easily send the video signal directly thru the RG6, but what about audio? Typically, cameras with audio use a separate cable for the audio. Secondly, I would like to give the client the ability to view the feed on any TV in the home, in addition to the "dedicated" monitor.

I know...they're taking a step backwards. I tried to sell them one of the many Axis cams I have laying around. They don't want to deal with computers (booting, locking-up, logging-on, etc.). They're looking for a "live" feed.

Thanks for the info. I think we're both on the same track. Your solution (sorta) puts me back at square one, though. If you'll take a look at the modulator I've linked in my original post, you'll see it passes audio. Now I need a camera that has both audio & video. The modulator you provided splits the audio/video at the final connection. I don't think I could inject that into a TV without an additional convertor/modulator.

I've found some video/power over coax cameras, but nothing with audio. And yes, I have two free RG6 cables that meet in the garage.

I know, I know. It's like the boy-racers in their Honda Civics, who instead of saying "yeah, I have a 1.4l motor", they have to talk code ("Dude...I got the J28 motor with VTEC"...) Brand names are helpful for "the rest of us". Thanks again.

Agreed. What are you recording them with and are those pics from a "live" shot or from "tape"? thats playback, recorded on a Dahua LE-A DVR. Is there a "brand name" on the DVR or is it "Dahua"?

Agreed. What are you recording them with and are those pics from a "live" shot or from "tape"?

Not sure what a "little strople line" is. Please clarify.

I have a situation where the client would like to see the drivers faces as they exit the property. They slow down for a stoplight while passing the camera location. In certain lighting situations, the existing camera can see just fine. However, with the slightest amount of light/glare reflecting from the windshield, the driver is blanked out. Is there a such a camera with a built-in neutral density filter?

Earlier last week I installed a customer-supplied QSee system. I kinda laughed at the customer when they presented the system to me as if it were the best thing going (after installation I was kinda impressed with the GUI and quality). The following day I purchased my first IC Realtime DVR. Mid-range unit (Flex), 2TB storage, etc. My cost was about four times what the QSee system sold for. Well...I un-pack the IC Realtime unit and go to program it when I notice something very familiar...the VERY (EXACT) SAME GUI! Not sure if I should be pizzed, but I'm definitely confused. Am I paying 4x for re-branded QSee stuff or is IC Realtime using some form of universal GUI in their machines? How to determine who is an actual manufacturer vs. who is a re-brander? I'd like to know that the company I'm purchasing from is the company that made the unit (or at least designed it).