recordit

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.

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.

How does the story end!?!?

Has anyone setup a mirror drive with an NVR but made it external? With the wires extending ~6ft? Can you only do it via SATA cable or can you via USB? I read in the Lorex manual you can backup via USB HD but it sounded like mirroring was only for SATA. The key is I want the mirror SATA drive in a secured location.

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.

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.

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?

Ditto I'm still new to all this, what exactly does having an alarm input get you? When I think alarm, I think alerts (email/texting) but I presume it can set off an actual alarm?

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.

Thanks! Very helpful. Is anyone else concerned that someone could make off with the whole NVR unit and you'd be SOL?

Does the Lorex DVR send emails with still photo(s) and/or links to video? I really like the text functionality, does anyone know if you could sent a text via email address with it? I'd assume so, but you never know. 100' cables would be a nice over the 60'.

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.

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?

Wow.. looks like I ordered my Swanns just in time, as they're MIA from Costco's site. Good work on flashing, curious what the video size (mb) differences are for 720/1080/2048..

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.

What do you mean? I haven't priced one out, but I imagine building one from NewEgg would cost about the same, if not a bit more. Plus the time/energy it would take to build it, assuming everything worked out of the box.

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.

Is everyone having the blurring issues with the right side of these cams? If not, is it the cam or hardware/software causing it?

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.