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Yes, I realize everything is ultimately manufactured in China, Korea or Taiwan. However, I would prefer to deal only with companies who have a direct hand in the development/manufacture of a DVR/camera and not a company that simply slaps on their label, marks up the product and sends you on your way.

it never used to be a problem untill a few years ago till the likes of BMW/lexus/audi. started to use a new type of screen. 'Heat Reflective' and here in the uk its been a problem to see faces on these cars. I know the windshields you're talking about...they become very apparent if you're driving around with polarized sunglasses...they jump right out. That doesn't seem to be the problem in this situation. I've sat in the guard booth and watched the monitor as vehicles drive by. Some driver's are clearly visible while others are "whited out". The view changes with the amount/intensity of sunlight it seems.

Is there a camera available with a polarizing filter built it? The only other way I can think of is to use a traditional "box" camera with a CS mount lens and find a small polarizer to screw on the lens.

Don't have much of a choice. Camera needs to be pointed at windshield and my light source is the sun.

Back in the "old days" (last year), I only remember having to open TCP and UDP (and sometimes HTTP) ports. The new machine I installed today has TCP, UDP, HTTP and RTSP ports. What ports need to be open?

Great, thanks for the concise answer. I guess I'll read the manual, but it's written in broken English, so I tend not to trust it.

OK. Thank you for the IT lesson. Now back to the original question: Which of those four (or all?) need to be pinholed/forwarded?

I know the ports to use, just wondering if all the ports need to be pinholed/forwarded in the router.

Well...they know I'm close enough to walk to their location and put my hands around their necks, so they always take my call. YMMV...

EverFocus offers good mid-range stuff. The only thing I don't like about them is they nickle/dime you when it comes time for software. Digimerge is of equal quality and offers free software.

Have you contacted IC Realtime technical support? They're pretty good with their response. Edit: If you search the Android Market for "ICRSS", that's the official program for IC Realtime DVR's. Should work with all units.

I have six Axis PTZ-213's sitting on my shelf. I've decided I'm going to use and/or sell them to clients. Problem is, Axis will no longer support these units after Nov. 1 of this year. Can anyone recommend a client software that will run these cams, other than Axis Camera Station? I don't want to sell/install these units, only to have a problem with the software/support down the road. Thanks in advance.

I typically sell lower~mid quality cameras (Speco/Digimerge/EverFocus) as they are in the price range desired by my clients (small businesses/residences). I have a Speco HT7246IHR installed on the front of my shop. I use it as a demo camera when showing clients remote capabilities of various DVR's. The camera is, as I put it "lower mid-range". My cost was about $250. The camera has on-screen set-up capabilities and three ~ four pages of features. Low-light (no IR), 580tvl, etc. (Full specs here: http://www.specotech.com/cart/products/downloads/specs/ht72464750ihr.pdf ). Today, for laughs, I decided to install what I call a "cheapie" camera next to my existing cam. This camera (color bullet) has no label, no manufacturer information, nothing to identify it/specs. This is similar to a camera you'd buy from EBay, Super Circuits or Best Buy. Well...to my surprise, "Mr. Cheapie" has blown away my Speco cam (at least in daylight...waiting for darkness now). I was under the impression you get what you pay for in this arena (at least that's what I tell my clients), but I am kinda dumbfounded. Your comments are appreciated.

This question may have been posed before (I'm about to do a search), but as new cameras are introduced daily, I figure a fresh question on the subject may produce a fresh response: Client is a high-end marina/yacht club. They need PTZ cameras to watch the docks from the guard house. I have used Axis cams in the past with good luck, but not so confident about their nighttime capabilities. I've read extensively on Mobotix cams, but according to what I've read, they don't seem to do to well at night. Client already is using a boat-load of cameras, however there are no PTZ's and the cameras cannot adequately see the dock areas at night. There have been a recent rash of boat burglaries conducted by individuals arriving by water in small boats. The dock area is lighted, but it is somewhat dim. The only lights are the walkway lighting and the occasional spreader light on some of the bigger boats. My idea is to add an NVR and 2 ~ 3 PTZ's. Although this (private) yacht club has buckets of money, of course they want something "affordable". I figure I'll give them a high-end quote and a mid-range quote (with a disclaimer) then let them choose. Your recommendations are appreciated.

Cool. Thanks.

OK...'nuther question: Will adding IR floods do anything for the image of the Axis cam? There are plenty of places to wire up IR floods. They can't install regular lighting due to local ordiances.

To answer the OP's question: No. Radio interference has absolutely nothing to do with it. Radio interference might scramble a picture for the brief moment the radio is transmitting, but that's pretty rare. The radio interference will not affect night vision or normal camera operation. As other's have said, either the IR's aren't working or they aren't powerful enough.

Don't forget HDMI over Cat5/6 extenders (some require two UTP cables between units):

I think the OP is asking if typical RG6 (CATV) coax can be used to transmit camera signals. Answer is: Yes. You will need a crimp tool and/or adaptors to install the correct ends on the RG6.

Just a WAG: An adaptor (focal length) of some sort...?

LOL. That's OK. I expect some flaming. I also belong to a tool site and enjoy reading threads of the warring factions there (SnapOn vs. Harbor Freight vs. Craftsman).