dca2

Equipment: I am running Qvis EYE-N35-V26http://www.securityhardwarestore.com/eye-n35-v2g-n-600tvl-next2040-28-11mm-36pc-ir-25-30m not from this vendor, but it is a working link, hooked up to an Dahua ESDV-ECONO-8 DVR. Install: Camera is 15 ft off ground, 9 ft above front porch, 2.5 ft right of front door, under eve. Front door has 2 60 watt equivalent LED bulbs on all night, and there is a street light accross street, ~60 ft, partially obstructed by tree. Problem: There is too much light to kick in IR night mode, there is not enough light for yard at street where I have to park my truck, about 40 ft from camera (plenty for front door) The image is VERY noisy. Question: Is there a single camera that would work for this solution? If not, what would be 2 recommended ones? (600TVL) I am not opposed to 2 cameras here, but one would be nice. I do have 4 channels left to work with on my DVR. Thanks for all the info from the past, Dave

Thanks for the suggestions. After looking through a BUNCH of threads, I went ahead and ordered 2 CNB DJL-20S to try out. I really wanted to stay away from wireless and the hard-wired PTZ too much $$ for cats! If the CNB DJL-20S work out, I may put one in each common room. Thanks, Dave

66Chev- thanks for the suggestion, I already have the DVR system and it can network for remote viewing. I am trying to stay away from IP cameras. I'm really looking for inexpensive, decent quality to add to my currently installed system Dave

Clarification: I want cameras in my house so I can view what the cats are doing during the day while I am at work! Thanks, Dave

I have 2 cats I want to view. Im running an 8ch duaha with 2 600tvl eye serve color/ir outside. Relatively inexpensive options? Would prefer low profile domes probably 2. Thought--switch the outside cams for CNB DBM-24VF-W and put the older cams inside, but I'd be out $200+.

I am in the process of research and design. I am a DIY'er and am looking to start out with being able to see my property remotely while I am at work or on vacation and to see the bumps in the night. We have an alarm system and I am well armed At some point in the future, I would like inside camera(s) to check in on the cats and add a camera with vox at the front door. I live in suburban, 80+ year old house that is ~1980 sq.ft. The house is pier and beam, relatively rectangular with high pitched gable roof. Kind of a cross between a double shotgun house and an old cross shaped church -- gables on left and right with attic windows about 20+ feet from ground, long run from front to back with sloped roof at rear. My soffets are pretty high-I have 9ft ceilings and the house is 1 ft on piers in from to 3ft in the back. Roof is 10-12 pitch. I have motion lights on corners-constant low, motion triggers bright. I have about $500 to start with and have no problem taking time to piece it together. My thoughts are to start out with front door, side porch/driveway (boat parked there) side alley with door and backyard with shed. Thanks for reading through this. Equipment I am pretty set on getting: 1. QVis Zeus 8 channel from one of this sites contributors 2. Cat5 with baluns but where/who is a reasonable supplier-looking for inexpensive, not cheap. Equipment I would like opinions on: 1. 9 ch power supply from apexcctv (http://www.apexcctv.com/p-383-9-ch-12v-dc-power-supply-5-amp.aspx) If "no" please give suggestions in the $50-75 range. 2. Western Digital Caviar Blue HD either 500GB or 1TB 3. For alley and/or boat: 650 TVL Outdoor Night Vision Security Camera 3.6mm 4. For alley and/or boat: 650 TVL Outdoor Night Vision Eyeball Dome Security Camera 3.6mm 5. Front door? 5. For back yard (~40 ft to shed from corner of house, yard ~ 50 ft wide) I just don't know. My questions: 1. Is 1TB worth $30 to me (vs 500GB) or am I better spending that on other equipment like baluns? 2. I am in no hurry and am thinking of piecing it together as I get the funds. i.e. DVR, HD, PSU and 1-2 cameras first, add cameras as time and budget allow. Which area should I camera first? 3. I am thinking I need IP6 rated cameras so are the bullets listed below going to give me a fairly good picture? 4. Can the ethernet cable from DVR to router be standard run (<90m)? 5. I plan on mounting DVR and PSU in a closet and running CAT5e to router in another room and VGA to TV ~20ft away. Is this OK? Thanks again-Budget and my techno-geek side prevent me from hiring a professional!

I have a static IP so if I have read everything correctly, I should be ok with a dahua-ish DVR and a Mac. I guess my next hurdle, besides the $$$, is picking 3-4 outside dome cameras that won't break the bank. AND Sincere thanks for the replies

I have been lurking and am getting the bug. I tried to search for my question, but that led to more questions... I like the looks, reviews, price and applications that have been discussed about the QVis Zeus. I would like to start with about 4 cameras but be able to expand-residential, single story-outside entry ways, boat and back yard (shed) then add inside to watch the cats later. I see that Dahua has PSS for Mac Lion. QUESTIONS: (1) Would I still need a PC for the initial setup to put the system on my network? (2) If yes, I can borrow a PC, but would I need access to one to keep it running? I.E. power goes out and I have to reboot DSL modem, router and DVR. (I have 4 Macs and really can't see getting another system) (3) I downloaded the PSS for Mac manual and it looks like I can get complete control of the system from my Mac, but again see question 1. Thanks in advance for any and all answers, Dave

Been lurking and learning. Thanks to all. I am starting to think about a simple system for my home. I know, that's what everyone thinks they want until the old-timers show us what we really "need!" Dave