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recordit

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Posts posted by recordit

  1. Posted

    Does anyone have recommended pre-built PC's or builds? I was considering building one from scratch on Newegg.

     

    I purchased (4) Swanns with the intention of building a PC with BI, but I realized I could save a boatload by purchasing the Lorex 8-channel 4 camera system w/NVR. This was before I got an update for BI which appears to considerably lower the CPU usage so I could build a lessor system (I was under the impression I needed an i7 before.) I also read a review from 3 days ago about the Lorex system having motion detection issues (too sensitive.)

     

    I now have both of these and am trying to determine which I should return:

    (2) http://www.costco.com/Swann-1080p-2-Pack-NVR-IP-Bullet-Cameras.product.100039914.html

    (1) http://www.costco.com/Lorex-8-Channel-Full-HD-PoE-NVR-Security-System-with-2TB-Hard-Drive-and-4-HD-1080p-Cameras.product.100035609.html

     

    It's critical to me that I upload footage/images offsite to ensure if NVC or PC is compromised I have a remote backup. This seems to be much easier via BI.

  2. Posted

    How does the story end!?!?

     

     

    im just gonna stop second guessing my self and keep what i got... it works for my needs currently.

     

    I'm playing that game now, except I'm going between:

    A. Wait till Swann system comes back.

    B. Buy Lorex system

    C. Build PC and use BI with either Swanns or Lorex cameras

     

    C is more costly by ~$700 but likely the optimal customization, but more maintenance.

    A is unknown when/if the system will come back.

    B seems like best option for me.

  5. Posted

    The specs for the NVR on the Lorex website shows 240FPS at 1080P. Says so in big letters when you go to their website - http://www.lorextechnology.com/

     

    240FPS is BS if you do the math, this is from the manual: "Realtime at 1080P resolution up to 4 cameras (120fps in total). Additional cameras supported @15fps each (8-Channel only)" Quoted from this manual: http://www.lorextechnology.com/downloads/security-nvr/LNR200-Series/LNR200_SERIES_MANUAL_R1.pdf

     

    So...

    4 cameras @ 30fps == 120fps

    4 additional @ 15fps == 60fps

    Total: 180fps

     

    Unless I'm being a tool and missing something obvious or looking at the wrong manual, Lorex has some explaining to do.

  6. Posted

    Annoyed with 15fps at 2 MP??????

    Dude, 15fps is pretty damn good, at least it is for this old guy watching animals. I would be very happy with 15 fps on everything.

    You should try watching something at the two different frame rates and see if you can tell the difference.

    Maybe one of the experts can tell us more about the human eye and how good it is regarding frame rates.

     

    It really is a waste of hard drive to record over 15fps, there are many samples on youtube on this, here is one example:

     

    Full disclosure: I'm a novice when it comes to video surveillance.

     

    I would have expected more blurring and I was thought with 15fps the likelihood of having a good still (visible face/etc) wasn't as likely (hence less fps.) I'd be interested to see that comparison but with a person walking and running. I thought it was a 'bigger deal' as I'd read quite a few comments in various threads that people wanted 30fps. If 15fps is entirely sufficient why bother with 30fps? I imagine it'd also save a considerable amount of HD space.

  7. Posted

    Got my (4) Swanns today, still on fence about buying NVR + 4 Cams or just a PC. Wish Swanns had come with the extra 40ft/cable.

     

    Still considering this setup: http://www.costco.com/Lorex-8-Channel-Full-HD-PoE-NVR-Security-System-with-2TB-Hard-Drive-and-4-HD-1080p-Cameras.product.100035609.html or possibly buying a PC.

     

    Reading the fine print is key: "Realtime at 1080P resolution up to 4 cameras (120fps in total). Additional cameras supported @15fps each (8-Channel only)"

     

    While I only want 4 cameras right now, I don't know if I would want more, and if I did I'd be annoyed with 15fps. Does anyone know how many FPS 8 1080p cameras on Blue Iris would output?

  9. Posted

    I'm curious, can you hook up two NVRs to single cameras? So that the motion alarm is captured by both of them?

     

    Right now we can do that by having the camera upload to a 2nd NAS device via FTP.

     

    I also do that...and mine is also in a LOCK BOX BOLTED TO THE WALL!

     

    If the NVR could upload via FTP on motion detection I'd be sold.

     

    But the reality is a lock box won't stop someone with a crowbar or decent hammer, at best it slows them down.

  12. Posted

     

    My 4 Swann cameras are on their way, someone hurry up and order/review this so I can decide if I want to return (or sell) the Swanns for that all-in-one package or build out my own PC setup. Saving ~$700 sure sounds nice... but Blue Iris has some fantastic features.

  13. Posted

    While I ordered 2 pairs of Swann cams before they took the offer down, I'm starting to think if they post a new setup with 4 cams + DVR I should go that route as I'd save a lot of money. Anyone else in the same boat?

     

    $766 for 4 Swanns + ~$700 for a i7 PC... seems a hell of a lot cheaper to buy a package deal. My biggest concern is about the DVR software being as customizable as Blue Iris.

     

    Thoughts?

  15. Posted

    I'm in the same boat, I'll share what I'm currently considering getting. I'm unsure about buying the PC pre-built or building it myself, I still need to price that out. But if you were wanting full control, flexibility and didn't want to build a PC from scratch this setup may work well for you too.

     

    Likely 4 (2 sets) of the Swann 1080p's:

    http://www.costco.com/Swann-1080p-2-Pack-NVR-IP-Bullet-Cameras.product.100039914.html

     

    This PC to record (i7 core + 4gb ram for HD cams suggested):

    http://www.costco.com/HP-ENVY-h8xt-Desktop%2c-Intel%c2%ae-Core%e2%84%a2-i7-3770-Quad-core%2c-3.4GHz.product.100029672.html

     

    Using Blue Iris for software:

    http://blueirissoftware.com/

     

    Netgear ProSafe GS110TP for POE Switch:

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003KPHYBA

     

    Again, I don't have this setup, it's just what I'm considering current time.

  17. Posted

    I’ve been following this thread (new to forum) and I was hoping to get some input on the surveillance system I was considering setting up. Sorry if this should have been posted in the other Costco cam thread.

     

    Likely 4 (2 sets) of the Swann 1080p's:

    http://www.costco.com/Swann-1080p-2-Pack-NVR-IP-Bullet-Cameras.product.100039914.html

     

    This PC to record (have any suggestions for PC's?):

    http://www.costco.com/HP-Pavilion-p7-Desktop%2c-Intel%c2%ae-Core%e2%84%a2-i5-3330-3.0GHz-.product.100037745.html

     

    Using Blue Iris for software:

    http://blueirissoftware.com/

     

    Netgear ProSafe GS110TP for POE Switch:

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003KPHYBA

     

    Would it be cheaper and/or better to go with the Swann NVR setup? Seems much cheaper. I don't fully understand what I would gain or lose in either case. I like the idea of being able to fully customize my setup, and it seems with an NVR you'd be more limited. Again, I have no experience with them and am new to surveillance systems.

     

    IMO (and I certainly don't have enough experience to spit at), the 8-port switch gives you an option to add more cameras in the future if wanted or needed (taht's good). The i5 desktop should be sufficient but I'd prefer an i7 (if money grew on trees eh?). How many DIM slots inside this machine (if only 2 then you'll have to through out some of the memory it comes with for a future memory upgrade...I'd prefer 4 slots minimum)? Blue Iris really is an incredible piece of work, but it hammers your processor (so it needs an i5 minimum IMO...4 2MP cams on a BI i5 machine should no no problem what-so-ever). Your disk should be 7200rpm so overall that machine looks decent. The verdict is still out on these Swann\Costco 2-pack cameras...initial feedback is that they look good...but it's only the top of the 2nd inning brother. I've been thinking that Acti cams may be better overall, although at a greater cost. Forget the NVR, Blue Iris software capabilities will run circles around those Costco NVRs IMO...yes a PC, POE switch and Blue Iris will cost more but -- IMHO -- if your got the dough do it bro...you will not regret it.

     

    Thanks for input, much appreciated. I read on BI's site "Recommendations when using many and/or HD cameras: Intel core i7", if that's the base then I'm pretty sure I need to stick to i7 as I'm considering running 4 1080p's.

     

    Unless anyone knows of a better deal, it seems like this Costco i7 w/8gb ram + 1TB seems like more affordable option: http://www.costco.com/HP-ENVY-h8xt-Desktop%2c-Intel%c2%ae-Core%e2%84%a2-i7-3770-Quad-core%2c-3.4GHz.product.100029672.html

     

    I just wish it came with Windows 7.

  19. Posted

    I’ve been following this thread (new to forum) and I was hoping to get some input on the surveillance system I was considering setting up. Sorry if this should have been posted in the other Costco cam thread.

     

    Likely 4 (2 sets) of the Swann 1080p's:

    http://www.costco.com/Swann-1080p-2-Pack-NVR-IP-Bullet-Cameras.product.100039914.html

     

    This PC to record (have any suggestions for PC's?):

    http://www.costco.com/HP-Pavilion-p7-Desktop%2c-Intel%c2%ae-Core%e2%84%a2-i5-3330-3.0GHz-.product.100037745.html

     

    Using Blue Iris for software:

    http://blueirissoftware.com/

     

    Netgear ProSafe GS110TP for POE Switch:

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003KPHYBA

     

    Would it be cheaper and/or better to go with the Swann NVR setup? Seems much cheaper. I don't fully understand what I would gain or lose in either case. I like the idea of being able to fully customize my setup, and it seems with an NVR you'd be more limited. Again, I have no experience with them and am new to surveillance systems.

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