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My EIR50 IR Illuminator is for sale on EBay via auction. Here is the link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Everfocus-EIR50-IR-infrared-Illuminator-/121332170935?pt=US_Surveillance_Accessories&hash=item1c3ff600b7 Thanks!

Hi, I have an Everfocus ECOR264-9X1 DVR. It has an eSATA port for an external hard drive, as well as a USB port. Is there a way to automatically backup recorded video footage on an ongoing "overwrite" basis using an external hard drive? I am just thinking of ways to have backups of video footage in the event my DVR is stolen during a break in. I realize the best protection is to have the DVR well-hidden, but appreciate other suggestions in addition to that strategy. Thanks!

Hi, Since Everfocus' tech support has not replied to me and does not answer their phones, I want to see if anyone can help me figure out an issue. I have an Everfocus DVR model ECOR264-9x1. Using the "Main" video output from the DVR (a BNC connector), I have connected the DVR to my Sony 40" LCD TV (widescreen 1080p, etc.). As expected the images from my security cameras are "chopped" around the outer edges. In other words, some of my camera field of view is reduced. I assume (???) this is because the aspect ratio of the output signal from the DVR does not match that of my widescreen TV video the standard composite/RCA video input on the back of the TV. My question is this - I may buy a dedicated CCTV monitor (15" or 17"). How do I choose one which, with certainty, will display my camera images showing their FULL field of view without cropping them? Is this simply matter of choosing a 4:3 aspect ratio monitor? Appreciate any guidance if you have experience and knowledge in this regard! Have a great day!

Good point. Thanks for the feedback. Have a great day!

Hi All, I need to connect my CCTV DVR to my Sony 1080P using a RCA video cable (long story). The "Main" video out from my DVR is a BNC jack. So, I have a BNC-RCA adapter. Then, I connected a standard RCA video cable from the DVR to the "video in" on the back of my TV. That works fine, except.... HOWEVER, the images from my cameras are slightly cut off (or trimmed) when viewing them via the RCA video cable. For example, where I could previously see a door along the outer left edge of my camera's field of view using the VGA adapter, I cannot see that door using the RCA adapter. My images are slightly trimmed all around. I cannot find any settings in my TV which can fix this. I cannot find any settings on my DVR to fix this. Is there a trick?? I need to be able to use the RCA video cable but regain full view of my camera's field of view on the Sony TV. Thank you for a quick reply. I am working on this project ASAP!

I checked all of my DVR settings. There does not appear to be any way to manipulate the output video format (4:3, 16:9, etc.). I also check the TV settings. None of the settings resolve this issue. Any other thoughts?? The DVR is recording the normal field of view of the cameras, so the only problem is the display of the images from the "Main" video out of the DVR via the BNC output. As I said, using a BNC/RCA video out from the DVR to the Sony HD TV causes my camera field of view to be trimmed or reduced along the edges. This should be a simple solution, or perhaps my DVR or TV are a mismatch? Thank you!

DVR is Everfocus ECOR264-9X1. I understand I will not get anything close to 1080p. The main reason I need to transmit the video from the "Main" DVR BNC output to the TV is because I have only a very small space in my wall to run a wire (I would prefer to use a VGA cable, but do not have enough room in my drilled holes to run a VGA connector). I am relocating my DVR but want to retain the ability to view the cameras on my TV. From the new location of the DVR to the TV via my drilled holes and wall space, a VGA connector will not fit. Thus, that is why I need to use the BNC output from the DVR (it will fit through my holes and my wall). THANKS AGAIN!

It is listed on EBay via the following link. The Reserve Price is $50. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Everfocus-EIR50-IR-infrared-Illuminator-/121268346268?pt=US_Surveillance_Accessories&hash=item1c3c281d9c

I bought two of Samsung's SCO-2080R bullet camera. Here's my experience: Camera One: Installed a few weeks ago. Had to move locations (see my other post) b/c it could NOT handle the combination shady areas and sunny areas AT ALL. The sunny areas were 100% washed out. I contacted Samsung support, and had the same issues after going through their recommended steps. Camera Two: I figured my chances of having two bad cameras was slim to none. I was wrong. I installed the 2nd one and it has the same problem. Plus, it cannot find a happy zoom/focus setting. I have been "around the horn" about 15 times through every zoom/focus combination possible. It's just can't find a good middle ground. I will NEVER buy another Samsung camera, and encourage you to consider my experience before buying. I almost bought one of their DVR's....glad I didn't. In my experience with these SCO-2080R cameras, they seem to make crap products and hope it sells because of the Samsung name. I was duped, but never again. Good luck.

What gives? Watch the whole 1 minute of video. BNC video connections are fine/tight. Any suggestions as to cause? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKCfkLKXayk ZKCfkLKXayk

Just bought a Sony brand camera, model SSC-CB564R. It claims 98' of IR night vision. Attached is an image from this evening. Pretty pathetic. Now, this image was captured from my computer network access to my DVR, so there is some loss in that process. But, even viewing the live image at my DVR monitor, it's not much better.

Thank you! Yes, I fiddled with the dip switches. No changes. I think it's just "shame on me" for believing 98' of night vision claims.

Thank you for your reply. Much appreciated. I have not checked to be certain, but am pretty comfortable that the cable connectors are perfect. The cables are connected indoors in a climate controlled area. And, when I installed them, I wrapped them several times with electrical tape. I might check the voltage, but I suspect it's fine too. I have two other exact same cameras...one shows similar degradation due to age and the other does not. Also, the other cameras on the same system and power supply (but different makes/models of cameras) are all fine. The day-time image of this camera improves when the sun is at different brightness levels and/or when it's cloudy versus sunny. So, I think whatever mechanism the camera has inside to adjust to changing brightness must simply be dead. At night, the IR bulbs are likely just dead too. So, I suspect it's just how this make/model of camera ages and wears. Thanks again for any/all input.

Looks like it's time for a new camera. Here are day and night shots from the same camera/same location. What's wrong with it (not that I am going to "fix" it, but am just curious)?

Go easy on me...I know very little about IP cameras. I have existing siamese cabling (RG59 and power). I need to replace a dead camera. My current DVR is not old. It is an Everfocus ECOR264-9X1 (http://www.everfocus.com/product.cfm?productid=181). Can I install an IP camera in place of the existing (and dead) analog camera? That is, I would need to run the video over the existing RG59 with some sort of converter. And, can that signal work with my DVR? In other words, it would look like this: IP Camera with RJ45 out >> plugged into a converter to connect RJ45 to RG59 >> video signal sent over RG59 to DVR and attached to DVR via existing BNC connections. Image attached. I realize I would not get the image quality of the IP camera, but am thinking that if this works, having a somewhat future-proof IP camera in place might make sense?? Thanks!

Can anyone recommend an accurate RG59 stripping tool? Is there one that you have found makes precise cuts out of the box? This will obviously be for attaching a BNC connector on the end (probably a twist-on but maybe a compression). Thanks!

Any suggestions on wall anchors to use to hang my new Altronix power supply? It weighs around 12 pounds. It will be installed in cinder blocks! And, I like to over-engineer things with more than enough support so there will never be a problem with it coming loose. In addition to anchor suggestions, should I screw it into the block itself or the mortar in between? Thanks!

I don't have quite enough experience to say for sure, but I think the final image quality is a result of BOTH the quality of the camera AND the quality of the DVR. Even if that's not the case, you may find that pricier DVR's have certain features you want, or those features may be easier and more reliable on "better" DVRs. The difficult thing for us DIY'ers is to figure out which are reliable DVRs, which are worth more money than others, etc.. That gets to be a tough decision. Unfortunately, CCTV products are not reviewed by a reliable source (like Consumer Reports does for more common electronics). I have had 2 DVR's by Everfocus and have been happy with both. Each had a learning curve and required some time on the phone with tech support, but in the end both work as advertised and give me an image with which I am happy. I think the most important thing is that you get comfortable with the purchase before making the financial commitment, and be sure you understand your recourse if something goes wrong (return policy, warranty, etc.). You can sometimes get a feel for how well a company will support its products by asking them some pre-purchase questions. Are they responsive? Are their answers thorough, accurate and helpful? Or do they ignore you? Best of luck!

PS - For "ease" of installation, the kits would be easier, all else aside. They generally come ready to install out of the box (no need to terminate wiring, easy plug-in power adapters, etc.). From an "ease of use" standpoint, they fit the bill. I just think the quality is iffy and may be hit or miss. Then again, I have spent big bucks on cameras that ended up being complete duds. So, your desire to "not break the bank" might be the best place to start. Especially if your distances are not great, you may end up doing OK with one of the kits. It's just hard to predict. The beauty of Costco is if it turns out to be complete junk, they have a pretty liberal return policy.

First thing I would do is FIRE ADT. If they duped you into signing a monitoring contract, you might be stuck. If you're not in a contract, FIRE them. All you need is a UL certified monitoring station. There should be some sort of alarm cooperative in your area (assuming you're in a major metro area). I am in a major US city, and we pay $15/month for UL certified alarm monitoring. I have neighbors who pay ADT $25-$30/month for the exact same service. RIP OFF!! Second, regarding your question on cameras - it depends on what you want to accomplish and how important it is for you to capture quality footage versus just any old footage. I pieced together my residential system myself. I did not use any of the kits from Costco, etc.. However, for a very small job with short distances and tight budgets, those might be OK if your choices are limited. But, generally I think the kits from Costco are very much at or near the low-end of the quality spectrum. If you ran a Subway sandwich shop and all of your needs would be indoors and over short distances, those kits may be fine. For outdoor use in a larger residential setting, I would be much less comfortable with the Costco kits. One size does not fit all when it comes to CCTV. Your property layout, lighting, distances to be covered, electrical supplies, etc., all need to be considered. If you can provide more details or even a schematic of the areas to be covered, lighting available, etc., you might get some more input. All I can say is I have had good luck with a brand called Everfocus; I have used their cameras and their DVR's. Figure on maybe $200-$250 per respectable camera and maybe $1,000 for a good DVR, plus cables, connectors, power supplies, etc. If this is way beyond your desired budget, then maybe look closer at the kits. Good luck!

One of my big gripes of the DIY CCTV industry is the lack of reviews on products. Unlike buying an iPod on Amazon, there simply is not a big enough market to create a healthy community of reviews for CCTV products (nature of the beast). So, in the spirit of simply trying to give another consumer like myself some ground upon which to make informed decisions, I want to provide my brief and probably simplistic review of a new dome camera I recently installed. As many on this forum know, I had bad experiences with two Samsung cameras. Once I finally got those down and returned to the vendor, I replaced one of those Samsungs with an Everfocus ED610 dome. This is marketed as a TDN camera. It does not have IR. For simplicity sake, I am breaking my review down to bullet points of "like" and "dislikes". Summary: I like the camera overall and am glad I bought it. It is very acceptable for my needs. Likes: * It is simple * It is compact an aesthetically pleasing * It has great low-light capability in B&W * I would rate the daytime color rendition quality (based on my limited experience in this hobby) as about average; the image itself is clear, but the colors don't "pop", if that makes sense. * Adjustments are easy Dislikes: * There is no way to detach the glass from the "shield/shroud" (I got a little bit of drywall dust inside the dome which proceeded to work its way in between the glass and the black shield; I can't get it out) * Night time B&W image is probably a little below average, but is acceptable all things considered * They don't provide extra weather-resistant washers (used to help seal out moisture); so, if you drop one of those tiny bastards in the yard, you're out of luck * The screwing on and off of the dome cover is a little rough (does not turn smoothly); thus getting the dome screwed on while keeping the lens uncovered by the shield/shroud is a challenge Bottom Line: So far (early in its life), it works well, is clear, and I have no doubt it would be useful in identifying criminals and generally doing exactly what it's supposed to do -- serve as a crime deterrent and providing useable footage in the event of a crime. I am happy with my purchase. I'll try to get some sample images up soon! I also have an Everfocus EZ610 (bullet version with same/similar specs) going up soon. I'll do a similar review after living with that camera for a while.

What are you feelings of domes versus bullets for an application needing infrared? Is one design (domes versus bullets) inherently better than the other when IR will be used, or does one design tend to have more challenges over the other? Thanks!

Thanks. It seems like domes might have more problems with IR reflection merely b/c their glass is curved. It seems that if the lens is not seated exactly right up against the glass, there could be greater risk of IR reflection versus bullets. Is there any truth to that?

I'd love to hear from folks who do a fair share of camera replacements -- what tips or tricks can you offer in terms of re-using the old camera's location so that the ceiling damage from the previous camera is hidden. As far as I can tell, there is no "industry standard" mount size for ceiling-mounted cameras. So, when replacing, the new cameras never fit exactly into the old holes. For solid wood this is less of an issue. But, for drywall ceilings this can create a weakening of the hold area. So, I guess it's really a 2-part question: Any tips for replacing cameras in the same location as the old cameras and hiding old holes while retaining strength of the mount?

In camera specs, is a "CVBS" video output just another name for BNC, or are they different connections?