johnny916

I'm installing 10 cameras outdoors, 2 in each corner of the building.. Would you choose Dome on Bullet cameras and why?

I am installing a security camera system from Costco (Lorex) but I don't want to use their cables and/or power supplies incase I am not satisfied with their system I am simply swap out the cameras and DVR with another. I want to use cat5e cable along with a power distribution box, all cameras within 200 ' of power box, 8x cameras being installed with LED's for light.. What's the best way to power these cameras?? Can I simply double up on some of the cat5e wires?

Any decent quality IP Cameras for cheap? What's a decent and cheap software package?

Hi, I've been installing simple 4-8 Camera DVR Systems here and there but want to take it to the next level now. For all you pros out there I would appreciate any feedback you can give on any of the following questions: 1. How much do you charge to install simple 4-8 camera DVR systems? How much $ per cable run? 2. I've got a few requests to run cable inside walls and had to decline because I didn't want to mess up their wall and not even find the damn cable. What are your thoughts, prices, and labor challenges of running CCTV cables through residential walls? 3. What are you MUST HAVE tools/equipment when doing an average CCTV install? 4. What steps do you take (and in which order) when installing a system? 5. What type of CCTV installations should I as a fairly new installer pass or get help on? I am highly trained in electrical trouble shooting, and computers/internet not so much on CCTV systems but know the basics. 6. Any other advice or educational material I can look into?

Would I need some sort of network interface? Or can I just use a regular switch?

I was thinking about installing one of those 9 ch, DC power supply units next to my DVR, max run is approximate 350' and I am using CAT6 network cable CL-9POWER - 9 Channel CCTV Camera Power Supply Distribution Box Should I attempt to run the entire 350' on the cat6 cable or find a local power source for my cameras.

Of their going to have IR's, doesn't every camera have them these days?

I'm trying to figure out if it's legal in CA to setup an AUDIO recording system for a business that wants two way audio on their DVR camera system?? Is this legal?

What are IP cameras and what's the advantage of using them? Any drawbacks? How many of you are installing these over regular cameras?

If you were going to install a 10-16 camera system for a business that wanted functionality like two way audio, siren alerts on the motion detection, internet alerts sent to their smart phones, flood lights to help with identify suspects at night, and complete internet monitoring, which would it be? Their budget for the system is around $1700-$2000 for a system of 10x cameras initially (may add more later). Building is 400' by 70' and the DVR will be located somewhere in the middle section. All 10 cameras will be outdoor, 2 on each corner, 2 in the middle back area, approx. 15' high. No need to include the flood light into consideration as I'll probably just grab those from Home Depot. What are your top 3 favorite DVR companies??

I am looking at Samsung's Web site at their latest DVR's and they only record at CIF res??? What am I missing here? I am looking for full D1 res..

Rory, wow you get good money.. How much per sq ft for wire runs? Say you have two or three wires going the same way. Price also with conduit and without?

geeez no wonder no one else in my neighborhood has security cameras on their house, they're too expensive!

Well I'm coming up on a 10 camera installation outside a 400' by 70' building, I'm thinking around $1700 for labor alone.. I hope I will not be under bidding.

Hey is it true that everyone not working in service is RICH is Dubai? And if so, how to do I move there and what would I do to be rich like everyone else?

Thanks guys, so I guess it's safe to say that most DVR units aren't compatible with IP cameras because of the resolution, and second, how on earth would you put together a nice DVR display, record, and setup screen if using all IP cameras?

I've noticed people using the term baluns, I usually just install the cameras with the wires that came with the customers system. How do Baluns work? What cable is used with them? How do you install a Balun on a cable? Do you always use them for most CCTV installations now?

Chaz, I was wondering what you guys charge.. I guess we can now include into that equation whether or not you have insurance, nice trucks, etc..

From the wireguy "But keep in mind 95% of our installs are IP and the 5% is mostly moving analog cameras to new locations." Wow really? Why is everyone going IP? What exactly is the difference between installing all IP cameras vs regular cameras with a DVR that can connect to the internet?

Thanks, perhaps I am over thinking.. The last system I installed with regular CCTV cables and one out of 6 was bad. But at the time, I didn't have the connections to cut and make a new one. The Cat5e with Baluns sounds so much easier to work with. Even running it through holes without having to insert the whole damn connection piece sounds great.

Just for the system $2000 max budget for equipment only, I'll probably charge them another $1800 to install it in their 400 sq foot building. "and by audio do you mean the ability to speak to tresspassers/perps from a remote location?" They wanted the ability to do that, but it's probably not in their budget, so I think we can settle with an alarm on motion from the cameras.

Just read that they make Cat6 UTP Solid Cables (OutDoor), does this mean I don't need conduit for this type of cable?

Thanks, I think I'll choose PVC.. But what's the best technique for getting it through the conduit and across a 400' building? Do I string one pipe at a time?

Is it really necessary to run conduit outdoors? The cable is already going to be pretty high, is it solely for protection from people trying to cut the lines?

I'm looking for complete clarity, perhaps even hi def. What about DVR systems? This is for residential use.