Boogieman

You dont need shielded cable unless you run them right next to power lines or some other interference.. Also varifocal has zero effect on night vision..think of it as a manual zoom - done at the time of install...you will need to spend time focusing the lens...it can be helpful if the area you want to cover is very far from the camera..try the costco system..if you dont like it, its an easy return...If you are going to run close to the maximum length you may want to consider their cat6 which is 23awg that is thicker than their cat5e..but both should work fine...

The technical maximum for ethernet is 100m so its 328 feet...With good quality cable you can go longer, but its out of spec... Make sure to use quality solid not stranded cable and also it should NOT be Copper clad aluminium (CCA).. Buy from monoprice or other trusted sources..dont get your cable on ebay.

Have you tested for false negatives? That is way more important than not getting false positives.

There is nothing wrong with these kits... The swann kit is a rebranded hikvision NVR with the hikvision 2032 bullets. The lorex kit is rebranded dahua.... Both will be fine for your needs.

Free cameras too?

The cameras you have are most likely not that bad. they probably are rebranded dahua... They will work with your poe switches..whats the problem? Post the model number of the camera.

Then you will need to hook them up to the poe switches...the qsee cameras are standard compliant - they are usually simply rebranded Dahua...if you post an image of the camera or a model number it will help - or a link.

If they are qsee cameras and nvr they will be 802.3af compliant...why dont you plug the cameras into the nvr and see for yourself?

That will be just fine for your needs.

Not all swann is rebranded hikvsion...this is an hd over analog coax system..if op is installing new then ip cameras and an NVR should be used.

Lets backup..why do you need a firmware update? Is there something not working correctly?

Buy a swann IP system from costco..they are rebranded hikvision..they will suit your needs just fine. http://www.costco.com/Swann-8-Channel-HD-NVR-Security-System-with-2TB-HDD-and-8-3MP-HD-IP-Cameras.product.100146087.html Take the 700 you save and buy yourself something nice.

Why are you afraid of windows..it doesnt bite...even on linux why do you insist on live cd? Try zoneminder, if it meets your needs then use it..there are lots of better options though...start reading..

http://www.veracityglobal.com/home.aspx

You dont need gigabit for 4 720p cameras... Do yourself a favor and educate yourself on NVR's and IP cameras before you go out and buy something on ebay...just because they say its onvif compatible doesnt mean it will work...

You dont need any adapter..as joey said, the camera allows for power over ethernet OR 12v DC..

You can log into the NVR without hooking a monitor up to it...power going out will not affect any settings...

Then install them the right way, or do not install them at all. You might not find them on the ground after one hour, but if you do a poor installation job, just wait for a windy day to come... I bought the camera system, therefore I'll install them. You need to respect that I'm trying to respect my parents in that no holes will be put into the house. I don't accept that screwing the bracket into the eve is the "only" right way to install. I've used C clamps before. They provide a firm grip when tightened without damaging the house. Most likely that's the way I'm going to go. 2 clamps on both sides of the bracket plate should provide the same solid installation as screws. I have to install the cameras and respect my parents wishes. Its going to look like total crap with all those clamps...there is pretty strong double sided tape you can try...go to home depot..you will still have a hard time getting the tape off eventually.

Nonsense...there is no benefit to ip cameras..even cat5 is fine...being that cat6 is not that more expensive many are using it..but cat7? no way...

Looks like a winner. Thanks. Is there any sense in upgrading to the POE + version? What about Giga (1000Mbps) over Mega (100Mbps)? no

http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TL-SF1008P-100Mbps-8-Port-802-3af/dp/B003CFATT2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432929896&sr=8-1&keywords=poe+switch

The camera will not power from the router..you need a poe injector or a poe switch...or you can use a 12v 1a, power adapter.

buy a dahua with a motorized varifocal lens....Dahua IPC-HFW2300R-Z 3MP, they are about 200... note that the viewing angle is not only dependent on the focal length, there are other factors...varifocal will let you get the best adjustment.

They will work, you simply need to run power to them...

Yes you can use either type of mic..you can select mic or line in the firmware...what we are telling you is that the camera will NOT supply any power...if you intend to use a mic that requires power you will need to run your own.