PJNTJ

Thank you for the reply Mr. Sector. In the mean time I thought about it, got another opinion of a trusted friend who said taking the extra little bit of time to run the wire would be worth it.....So I did, worked out well.

NewB here. Was going to build a system but short on time and energy so I went with the Lorex in a box, LNR200, IP 2.1MB cams. Got cams and NVR in place, working. Now onto internet/remote viewing hookup. Directions say plug the NVR into the router. Router is 75 feet across the house. Can I use a wireless network adapter for this? or would you recommend cable? Will be running 4 cameras.

I think you're exactly right on much of that. I might go less cameras, more expensive ones, or just less cameras to start. I'm definately a DIYer though, I have no problem drilling through walls, running wires through attic spaces and drilling into the side of metal buildings. I'm also thinking all outside cameras now. The networking is where I fall short, I don't know a gigabit ethernet switch from a router, but luckily we barter with the computer guy here at the office, he's wired our network and our phone systems for nada. I'm in the country, we still do a lot of business on a handshake. Making sure I get all the proper pieces, that will work together, is why I came here. Those ACTi cameras the motorcycle guy listed above look to be just about perfect for my needs.

Cool. As you can see I only know enough to be dangerous. I may ask our computer guy to install an NAS off the server if possible.

I've got a Dell Optiplex 755, core 2 duo 3Ghz, 3 gig ram, upgradeable to 4. Like I say 4 years old but still chugging away. Hard drive is about filled, 70/80 gig, need a bigger one. Server is a Dell PE SE440, 2 gig ram, xeon processor. Probably only a couple hundred gig available physical space, needing some upgrades here I guess.

Awesome! Thanks for the input so far guys. I don't need to read plates driving by at speed, this would be for an office building parking lot, parked cars. They guy that is stealing everything outside has to come in and park to do it. Being a newB at this point, I'm a bit nervous piecing together a system, thinking I will miss something or have compatibility issues, but research tells me these systems in a box are all really stinky. Not sure I need/wasn't planning a PTZ camera at this point, but it would be a nice upgrade in the future. For a PC we do have a network server here at work, but it's maybe 4-5 years old, not the most powerful thing, I'll try to get the specs if you think that can be used. I'm going to spend some more time and research all the names and ideas above.

First post, jumping in with both feet! I've done 6-8 hours of research on video security systems and have not decided yet. I see the all in a box systems are mostly garbage and I'm looking for a good "commercial" system on a marginal budget. Brand new here, read a few posts, no idea what to expect, but I see there's thousands of members, so I'm throwing out what details I can for you all to help me. Budget: 2500-$3000 Commercial Property 1.7 acres. I think I've decided IP system, IP cameras, ~2 megapixel. POE, I heard wireless stinks. I want to read license plates. Farthest line run ~250-300 feet. Looking at 8 cameras, 6 outdoor, 2 indoor. NVR, standalone system I guess? I've looked at the very top of the line Lorex and Swann systems for $2600, and they seem to be around what I want, but everything I've read says Lorex and Swann are garbage if you really want to identify someone/something for law enforcement. Thanks in advance!!!! Paul