rory

for a varifocal low light day/night, auto iris: http://www.csi-speco.com/cart/products/productDetails.asp?prodID=543 And a long going mobile DVR: http://www.geindustrial.com/cwc/products/ge-interlogix?pnlid=9&famid=63&catid=1088&id=MobileView&lang=en_US Though i wonder how well the mobile DVRs actually work, they are probably designed for good roads, which we have none of here! You may need some sought of wireless transmitters or server so you can record it out of the vehicle instead. have fun

I dont even use PC based DVRs anyway. Security in most peoples minds around here = Stability, and that is where the stand alones and conventional CCTV shines. I still dont see IP cameras taking over CCTV, it will more than likely just stay in the computer company areas. For example, Casinos cannot use it, as the quality is not high enough, and the bandwidth would be slow. Perhaps for home users it will if it hasnt already take over, but the software would have to be free. Anyhow, will see in the future,, yes moving the head end unit is easier, but then you can do that with conventional CCTV when using a DVR for remote video, same thing. Still your cat5 network cables come back to one switcher, same as CCTV. If they can get the same quality and speed of conventional CCTV, i will start using it, but not to date. Anyway, on to the VOIP, check this out, it will make you laugh! In our country, the government run telecommunications company has made it illegal to use VOIP with a $300K fine! They are rackaeteering, they are a monopoly. I think they are getting to friendly with cuba!! http://www.freedombahamas.com/ Rory

everything you can do with IP, you can do with conventional CCTV, but with better quality. Including long range wireless video, fiber, etc.

if you 'think' it is hogwash, whatever that means, then run them side by side and test it. I use ME every day, and XP on other machines, and ME is my main PC and beats them by 50% speed. I would never switch to the worst ever OS with 30+ hot fixes to make it work! For some new computers, you dont have a choice, as they are only made for XP.

Actually, i wouldnt use go the UTP way unless i use an Active UTP transceiver, that gives you no loss up to 1.5 miles with cat5. As for Baluns, you can run around 600' with just the balun to balun. Passive to passive video transmission over UTP will have image loss similar to RG59 at same distance. This is because the signal is attenuated by the resistance of the cable. If you intend to use a DVR at the monitoring end, you should limit passive to passive transmission distances to 750' or less. (Digital recorders will reject or muddle video signals after 6-8dB of loss). Passive transceivers or transmitters will give you up to 1000', or 3000' when using a passive transmitter with an Active Transceiver, or 3000' when using a passive transceiver with an Active Transmitter. Active Transceiver and an active Transmitter will give you up to 1.5 miles with Cat5 cable, 3000' with cat2 or cat3 wire. You can also repeat them to give you longer runs. I like to keep the security seperate also. You can link up to 32 DVRs/Keypads on 1 RS485 network, in any combination of DVRs and Keypad controllers. A larger matrix system can have 512 cameras, 64 monitors, 64 keypad controllers, 64 muxes, 64 VCRs, 512 Alarm Inputs, 512 switched audio locations, unlimited remote surveillance. Up to 10,000 feet between each system device using RS422 wire. All rackmountable and does not use your PC network. This is where conventional CCTV shines with large facilities, universities, etc, of course it is not cheap though. They also have PC control with GUI software for all of this, that can connect and control all of the above, and also view a visual layout of everything in the system, and when things happen like a gate is activated, that camera comes up automatically, and the person using a badge for access is identified compared to their id record in the database. I can see where IP cameras will be useful with wireless internet. It really seems the majority of people installing iP cameras are computer companies. This makes it easier for them as they do not have to learn all the other CCTV equipment such as matrix, muxes, BNC connections, etc. Its simply easier to install. Thats why I was actually looking at it in the first, was because it seems so much easier. Rory

From what you are saying, it still doesnt make it any easier or cheaper than a true CCTV system. You should take a look at www.nvt.com, and their UTP / cat5 solutions. A PTZ camera is still better quality than a IP PTZ camera, when using a keypad controller to bring up the camera on a CCTV monitor, and with active UTP you get no signal loss or interference.

you should know better than that, XP is the ultimate worst OS ever made. My ME never crashes. XP, always on every machine i have seen, never restart, buit always a software crash and a 'send or dont send box', and much slower than ME. and dont forget the security fixes needed for XP, none at all are needed for ME. Side by side ME is more powerful. I dont know what you use it for, but gaming, video, imaging, program development, etc, it blows XP down. Ofcourse depends what hardware you are using, and if its a dell, well its going to crash anyway! If you are rich enough to have a 3 Ghz CPU than anything will be fast, but guess what, when everyone is getting all the latest worms, etc, Ive never been touched. I never ever have to update my OS software which is just a waste of time, and half the time makes it worse and slower in the end. XP = windows Update = Worm Infested = SLOWEST OS EVER XP would be the last OS I would choose for a DVR for security.

I have used Channel Vision so far. One issue is I had to buy a Cable TV Filter as the Cable signal would cause interferenc in the CCTV video feed. Other than that it is very simple to set up. Its nowhere the same quality as using a direct feed from the CCTV mux/camera into the TV input, and nowhere close to the quality of a CCTV monitor in any event. Rory

hi ive used the Kalatel RSM-1600. It is a phone line transmitter. 3 video inputs, with an expansion module to 10 (I think it is 4 now with expansion to 12 in the newer version). You can use one on either end, just using a TV at both locations, can have 2 way audio and video (no PTZ). For PTZ, you use one at the location, and a PC at the other, you can listen to audio and view video. Cannot remember off hand if it supports PTZ, but may. It is one of the most well known, been around for years. Another is OZline, not sure how well that one is, but here is the link:(http://www.ozvision.com/final/index_home_2003.htm .) Video quality is something like what you would have seen TV News using during the latest Iraq war. Video is much slower and not as good quality as over a Network, but streaming audio and video with no internet charge, its ok. I still advertise it, but try not to sell it, I push the Network DVRs over that, though some clients still want it. I have 2 clients with both, incase the internet is down, which is very common over here (i know, you wouldnt have guessed with the amount of total posts I have!! ) RSM1600: PC Software: http://www.geindustrial.com/cwc/products/ge-interlogix?pnlid=9&famid=63&catid=1089&id=RSM-PC2&lang=en_US RSM FAQs http://www.geindustrial.com/ge-interlogix/support/technical/faq/rsm.html Rory

my main request for a video server, is that it has streaming audio, as most stand alone DVRs dont have that feature. I would sell a DVR otherwise as it will record on site, and has remote video.

For multiple building applications, i would think standard CCTV is better, You can link multiple DVRs/Muxes, with 1 cat5 cable or fiber, between them, for miles. You can have as many of these DVRs/Muxes rackmounted, at each building. At a central location, you have some keypads, which can bring up and control all of the cameras, in high CCTV quality, no need for a PC at all. Traditionale CCTV systems are designed specifically for this type of thing. However, it will cost alot more than an IP system, but you will get much better quality. You can also run cat5 to each camera from each DVR/mux, if needed, not using IP. Only the DVRs will have 1 IP each for PC access.

what DVR do they have, alot of them have POS/ATM add on options.

Alan. do you know of any with 8 or 10 channels, multi screen, 8 channel video and audio, at a good price? Rory

Best quality is a stand alone DVR, high resolution cameras, high resolution CCTV monitor, and either amplified UTP (cat5) or Fiber transmission. Most DVRs have built in Lan for Remote Video.

i doubt it, unless it becomes as good quality as wired, and a computer co. would need to learn CCTV.

Just an idea. There really arent any good forums out there, google's forum is full of spam and no moderation, i think it would be a good thing to have and label it a sister site or something. Maybe get advertising from alarm resellers to pay for the site. If you are interested i can help with ideas on forums. Id do it myself but i dont have the cash (or credit card) for the monthly fee. My current host only charges $10 pm for 150GB of storage by the way, mostly ASP hosting, maybe PHP also. (www.discountasp.net). I still have 2 sites on my old host a $22 per month but will switch soon enough. Rory

1/3" Exview (Sony) Had CCD, 480TVL, 0.1 Lux (0.01 Lux Faceplate), 0 lux under IR Light, 520/60 lines, >50Db The (GE) Kalatel KTC-840CE is impressive, evenly switches between color & bw with flashing light in low light, in other words in a dark room with the TV on, as the TV image changes, the light in the room changes from brighter to darker, from color to BW evenly while still giving a high resolution image. For the price, a better choice than the day night camera which costs double, though has a lower lux level and higher res in BW mode. Also, the KTC-840CE uses infrared light to produce brighter images in pitch dark, tested with a ir bullet's IR leds. Image in fully lit room is great also. A decent High Resolution color camera, for day and night. It also accepts an optional adapter for Fiber or UTP. Will test in a night club's dance floor and post some more info next week. Rory

so far so good, will post images here. changes to IR responssive B/W in dim light. IR light works well. Full light image is crisp and color is good. Works well in warehouse. Tested one in home this eve, great high and low light, will add outdoor tomorrow. Next week once Cable internet is connected, will have images of all. Not as low light in B/W mode as the KTC-840CE exview camera. Also, it is only 4-9mm (3-8mm 1/4") so if you need an ultra wide angle, go traditional. Strong camera otherwise, it IS vandal proof. Non auto iris version is used in warehouses, and need no focusing or setup. Auto iris Varifocal version going outside. Installation is a bit of a task though. eg. mounts etc. Shoulder is a killer. Rory

one thing I do like with the Kalatel Descreet cameras (mini domes etc), they come with everything you need, BNC connector, power splice connector, etc. and 12DC or 24VAC power supply. Really they now give you everything you need without having to go to somewhere like radio shack. I want to try a Ganz next. They look even easier to install.

ok, from experience, what do you think are the best settings for tradditional cameras indoors, such as retail with alot of lighting. Ill leave the dip switches up to you guys, on which ones and which ones to have turned on or off, as different cameras have different ones, but most have the most common ones. EG: BackLighting - On / Off? Rory

Hi I was actually wondering, the day night camera, I guess the Color/BW one that costs double, is just that it gets High res BW an lower lux BW, in BW mode, while this one stays the same res and same lux, but will recognise IR lighting, does this sound right? With 6 IR leds it switches fast enough. No external contact. I have used a Sanyo Day/Night that had something that goes across the lens, which means its a little slow in changing to BW, but It works with 2 UF500 IR LEDs. At first though I had too much glare like on a tree, which made it keep switching, but got that fixed by getting rid of th strong glare. That one had a external contact. Not sure if the Day Night (KTC-2000) Kalatel model has a contact or not, this exview version does not though. I have a DR-1800VFA in my hands tonight to set up, test, its a day night Dome, 1 lux in color, 0.1 lux in BW. Will let you know how this dome is. One thing to note, the Kalatel Exview camera, is much better than the other Exviews I have used in the past, like Provideo for example, and even an older Kalatel Exview from 2-3 years ago. I guess its using a newer chip, new technology from Sony? Rory

cant find it on the search engines anywhere, where is it from?

i am working on, we own the domain name also, bahamasyellowpages.com, will sell the app to the highest bidder!

I dont quite understand. But incase this is what you are asking, you can use the additional ports on the router to connect to PCs, and other devices, to utilize the internet, or direct on the LAN. They will each have their own local IP. The static Ip is entered also in the router, and you can port forward any requests to the static IP, on which ever port your cctv or security or other uses, to forward to the designated local IP address that you enter into the local devices.

Hi Sounds like you need a wide dynamic camera. You would also need a housing to accomadate it. There are different manufacturers of WD cameras, ganz, kalatel, etc. Ok for an example: 4x Wide Dynamic 480TVL cameras, 2.5-10mm Auto Iris Lens 4x channel 24VAC power Supply 4x EMI Steel Housing EMI has a parking garage specific housing actually, you can find in on VSSCCTV.com: http://www.vsscctv.com/ProductDetail.asp?ProductID=442 Or wall mount steel housing: http://www.vsscctv.com/ProductDetail.asp?ProductID=437 You will need to specify the mount seperate also, as the mount does not come with the housing, even though it shows it in the picture. These will depend on where you can mount them in the garage. If mouting over head then the garage specific housing would be good. there are also ceiling wedge mounts, depends on whether you have concrete ceiling or ig you can get into the ceiling to wire it and or flush mount the housing. GE (kalatel) has a new wide dynamic camera, you can find the info here for it: http://www.vsscctv.com/ProductDetail.asp?ProductID=453056152 I have a PDF file on my web site for it: (ignore my prices, they are foreign) http://www.bahamassecurity.com/ms/show_details.asp?id=235&cat=56 You will need a lens for the camera, a varifocal auto iris will work best, you can adjust it time of installation. 2.5-10mm should be good enough, or something close to that. For Digital Recording, I use Kalatel, but that part is up to you. VSSCCTV has Kalatel DVRs, and others. If you want a easy to install DVR, with no PC required at the location, they have some good units. The StoreSafe-4 channel DVR should be all you need. Hard Drive Size will depend on how long you want to record for approximately. If you need a DVR that integrates into access control systems or home automation ,then you will need the Kalatel DVMRe-CT, it costs more in the 4 and 10 channel range. You can always save by buying a Provideo DVR-16/IP DVR, alot cheaper than kalatel, but not quote as good, though will do the job. Then the PC cards are even cheaper, but more work. As for VSSCCTV, not sure what the laws are in the US, but I imagine if you get a business licence for your new company, then you will be able to get an account with VSSCCTV without a problem. As for what parts, really depends, let us know some more. Rory[/url]