Boogieman

Its a DVR video file for certain. I tried the tips here but it wont open. https://groups.google.com/forum/#!msg/uk.d-i-y/jU8c4rx2Tn8/Mvk_1SBJ57sJ I set it to exe buy says i have the wrong version of windows and it makes mention of 64 and 32 bit. I am going to try and open it on a 32bit installation tomorrow and see if that works.

If you are not using it for gaming or as a media extender, then just get a cheap, chromebox, laptop, or small form factor pc attached a webcam and wireless keyboard and you have 10 times the functionality of the xbox for less than half the cost.

I doubt you can do this unless the xbox browser can install a plugin....regardless, why in the world would you get an xbox to skype? you can get a cheap laptop or chromebook or tablet...

I am with ssuro11, the swann NVR and cameras that are rebranded hikvisions are a great value and are good systems. Its the bottom barrel DVR/analog systems that you should not touch. There will always be snobs out there who say hikvision and dahua are low end, but that is not correct. They are VERY good brands. I have many of each installed with ZERO issues. They beauty of costco is that they have an awesome warranty and return policy. So bottom line do some research and see who the oem of the system is. If its hikvision or dahua you are good to go.

It would work very well...get the 2.8mm unit so you can cover the full room. You want the DS-2CD2532F-IS model, Make sure you specify S which means it has sound capability with a built in mic. It does not have a built in speaker, if you want a speaker function you need to add and power your own speaker. If you dont get the S model there will be no way to add audio at all. A better choice may be the 2432 http://www.hikvision.com/en/products_show.asp?id=9441 has a built in mic and speaker as well as a pir sensor. It is also available in a 2.8mm version.

For indoors, hikvision 2432... has poe but can also be run via 12v adapter. http://www.hikvision.com/en/products_show.asp?id=9441

I have not seen any ir bleed. The IS model comes with a built in MIC

I very much doubt its dead. They likelihood that it went dead just as you mess with the settings is very low. What model is the camera?

This will not work, the VGA/hdmi on a laptop is only output not input. Your best bet is something like this http://www.amazon.com/GeChic-ON-LAP-Portable-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B00H4MWMWQ/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1406854472&sr=8-5&keywords=portable+vga+monitor

For Costco just bring the cameras back. They will not hassle you at all.

If you are going to run new cable and run 2 independent systems then you should get a true ip system not SDI and run ethernet.

The poe is 100% active poe and will travel the full distance.

Dont buy any random camera assuming that they will work with any NVR you buy. They will not.

POE like standard ethernet, has a max range of 100 meters or about 328 feet. This is a hikvision rebrand and generally hikvision supports other popular cameras but the ptz may not function. The swann firmware may prevent the acti from being recognized...but in theory you should be able to record the stream. Aside from the ptz, the NVR must be able to use the in camera motion detection which is sometimes an issue when mixing and matching brands. Do you really need a ptz? Its useless in most applications. With regard to the price its pretty good. Even if you went via china and got the cams for 100 each, then add the NVR and hard drive you are getting close to the Costco price. With costco you get a three year warranty via swann and no hassle returns to costco(even after the 3 years)/

Don't get ptz, are you going to sit there and watch the cameras 24/7?

If your video skips then you may have to adjust your motion settings in blue iris. Make sure you have a decent break time (15 seconds or so) that is the time the system keeps recording after the last motion event. Increase the sensitivity as well. 30fps is way overkill, you really only need about 12-15. Keep your bitrate at about 4096.

Get a professional to run the cable. It will solve all your problems.

Get your friend this kit. Its not the best, but WAY better than anything for 250. The image will be very good. He can add more cameras later if he likes it. Its better to have 4 decent cams then 16 crappy ones. http://www.samsclub.com/sams/qsee-8x4-720p-ip-secrty-dvr-bullt-cam/prod10700191.ip?navAction=

If you want it to work outside your network you will need to set up port forwarding. You only need to port forward the NVR. Assuming you left the ports default you will need to forward ports 8000 and 554. You need to read up on port forwarding as well as dynamic dns.

hikvision or dahua

Dont listen to that review. The poster is an idiot. You will be fine with the either switch.

To fix you nightime issue, you need to login to the cameras themselves and change up the noise reduction to 100 percent. Make sure the wdr is set to under 10. What is the exact issue you are having with night images?

cool

"150" max is that per camera? Capture card route is not the best regardless, cards are very limited to the kind of software they are compatible with.... how important is image quality?

+1 on milkisbad's recommendation. You don't need 20tb of storage unless you are recording 24/7 with no motion detection...you might consider vandal proof domes instead of bullets depending on the application...