Zathras

Should I get an NVR device or use a PC with recording software? And if the latter, how beefy does it need to be?

Here is my project I want to put up internal & external security cameras around my house. (well, doesn’t everybody?) But our house sort of sits up on the side of a hill, and we have a pretty nice view of the Arizona desert, mountains and occasional wildlife. So I think it would be cool to also have a cam to put on my website with user controls, so that friends or relatives (or anyone, really) can check out the Javelinas or watch the haboobs go rolling by. I have quite a few Cat6 drops around the house that I can use to plug IP cams into. If I use PoE cams then I should be all set, right? All I need to do is run cat6 from the rj45 outlets to where I mount the cameras. All the cat6 runs go back to a rack mounted patch panel, where I’d also mount any new equipment for this project. I’d like to record and archive x days of video from all the cams, and have it autopurge the old stuff as it goes. I want to be able to get alerts and view the security cams from anywhere. I will probably start with about 8 security cams but would want to be able to expand in the future if needed. Security cams would be PoE, IR, non-ptz, 720p or better. The ‘scenic view’ cam would be PoE, HD, PTZ, with pretty high zoom factor. Would want to be able to privacy mask the neighbor’s windows, etc. I don’t have much perspective on one style vs another- ie, bullet, dome, etc. Except that it seems dome would be better for the external cams due to the environment (heat/dust). I also don’t have much knowledge yet on all the other components I’m going to need for this project- PoE switches? NVR? Server? Software? Margaritas? I don’t have much preference on brand (which is why I was hoping to find a good cam selector tool). One of our company outlets deals in electronics and carries the Speco line. I have no idea how good it is, or if I could get ‘a deal’ or not on buying some stuff internally. I don’t see much online about it, compared to some of the other brands, so it makes me wonder. But really, I am open to anything except low end junk that will fail when the wind blows too hard. All comments and suggestions are welcome, and let me start by thanking buellwinkle for the valuable info he’s provided me already, both here and on his review blog.

I am starting to research what types of IP cameras I want to get, and the volume of manufacturers & models is pretty overwhelming. Isn't there any site that has a selector tool that lets you filter down the options you want, leaving you with just the cameras that meet your needs? I'm thinking of something along these lines http://www.axis.com/products/video/selector/index.php But presented by an informative site such as a forum or blog, so that it would be all inclusive as to brands and models. Some of the online retail outlets have ecommerce selector tools that are along these lines, but again only going to show what they carry. eg http://www.bhphotovideo.com/buy/IP-Cameras/ci/16665/N/4045021072 hmmm... apparently the URL bbcode is not available to me... (new user restriction?) anyway someone with power can convert those url's above to links if they're so inclined- otherwise copy/paste to see what I'm talking about.. Thanks Z

Hello I've been doing some research lately on setting up some cameras at my house, and stumbled upon this forum. Looks like a good resource so I've joined. I will likely have some questions after I finish reading everything!