BrendonTW

Hey folks, Purchased a Q-SEE NVR and 8 cameras a year and a half ago. The quality of the cameras is fine but the NVR sucks horribly. I can't go back in time with half of the cameras and the other half are always glitched on the time stamp. The user interface isn't horrible but it's not great. And the thing either freezes or goes black once a week. Out of the 8 cameras, only two are actually working well on the NVR. I don't know a whole lot about CCTV NVR's and these setups, hence the Q-SEE to begin with. However, I have built a number of computers in the past and know enough about networking to build a basic network and forward some ports. And unless I'm wrong and somehow it's actually the cameras causing the problems, I need to get rid of this thing. I have an older Win XP system that I'm not using. It was built as a server but was never used as such. I can do any upgrades I need to. (If I can still get the hardware) My question is: Can I set up 8 1080 cameras successfully with some nice software and as good of hardware that is available for an older system? What do I need to get to this point? Cameras are there already obviously, do I just need POE, a switch, and some software on the computer? Will it work on an older machine like that? Should I just consider building a whole new machine? I'm not familiar with building an NVR so if you all could just give me a few pointers on components it would be a HUGE help!

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately I didn't subscribe to the thread so I didn't see your replies. This is the system I have. Unfortunately it is no longer available. http://reviews.costco.com/2070/100069855/digital-periph-solutions-q-see-8-channel-hd-nvr-security-system-with-2tb-hdd-and-8-1080p-ip-cameras-reviews/reviews.htm?sort=helpfulness&dir=asc I used a cat5e underground cable I purchased from Home Depot. It was approximately 120 feet. It is all ethernet connectors. I can switch a camera out but I would have to uninstall it from it's location and I'm trying to avoid it. I will if I must though.

I installed this 8 camera system back in February and a week later had problems with the monitor just randomly going to a black feed on random cameras and no positive ethernet connection icon. Normally a reboot would fix it but the problem would happen multiple times per day so even a daily auto-reboot wasn't good enough to get 24 hour recording on all 8 cameras. After a few hours of being on hold with Q-SEE they told me to restore my system to default. (All I had changed was the auto-reboot and a few settings to make the DVR viewable from my iPhone.) Anyway, it worked. However, a month ago or so I noticed at night while glancing over the monitor that one of the cameras was seeing the infrared of another camera flashing rapidly with no noticeable pattern. By the next morning this camera feed was gone and no reboot would fix it. A few days later the other camera mounted in the same area went black and no reboot would fix it. These two cameras are the only 2 of 8 that aren't mounted directly on my house. They are mounted under the roof of a little shed in my back yard. I have three thoughts as to what happened to these cameras; -One - the ethernet connections to the cameras somehow got humidity in them, ruining the cameras, since they aren't completely enclosed from the environment. (They are completely protected from rain though) -Two - The run of ethernet cable was a bit too long. They say the switch inside the DVR will support 100 feet. I think we are at about 120 feet. Could this cause a problem with power and destroy the cameras? -Three - The ethernet wire underground was damaged somehow. This is unlikely since the infrared was flashing right before they went out, and the soil has not been disturbed. I have attached two pictures. What do you think?

You make a strong point. Maybe I should be considering analog HD - but will I break the bank, or can I get started with a 4 camera system and stay within budget?

Looks pretty good. My only concern is that it seems to be a lot of product for only $1600. You certainly know more than me about all of this. It just seems that it's on the "cheap" side of things. Correct me if I'm wrong though. Reliability is just very important to me and I don't expect to get 8 1080p cameras with everything else I need. If that's a really good setup I will definitely check into it though. I found this. Cantek hardware. Opinions? https://www.123securityproducts.com/hd8dome.html

Thanks for that reply. I guess I don't need a power supply as I posted here in the IP forum and power is included. I was looking at analog systems earlier and had to buy a power unit. So I'm thinking about going the kit route since I'm not super familiar with how it all works. I just truly don't know what brands are el-cheapo versus contractor-grade. The only brand I know is Everfocus and there aren't really any kits to fit my needs with them. Any suggestions? Even a online store than has some good options. If I search google I get a list of about 100 online stores which is just too much to wade through - especially since I don't know exactly what I'm looking for.

Can you point me towards a/some goods kit to get me looking in the right direction. I want to be sure I get reliable hardware and don't really know brands. I also don't know what I need to look for in a power supply.

Hey folks, I'm trying to design a quality and reliable HD system for around $2000, $2500 max. The system will be installed outdoors with the max run being about 150 feet. I'd like to have the capacity to have 8 cameras eventually but would like to start with at least 4 HD cameras staying in my budget. The cameras will all be outdoors and will all have approximately the same scenery. Distance of 100 feet, partial night time visibility. I have one large security light, so I'm a bit concerned as to how this will affect the night-time visibility because since I only have one light I have shadows. Not sure whether I should get IR cameras or not. I have one spot that I will definitely need IR capabilities because there is no light on it. I'm fairly tech savvy but not surveillance savvy, so I am seeking input from you guys. I've come to the conclusion that most kits are lower-grade and so I am going to need some help making sure I get all the necessary & compatible components. I've been looking at Everfocus equipment because a buddy in the security industry told me they were a decent brand. Last thing is I need the DVR to be able to send me an e-mail on motion sensory. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all.

I'm trying to find a DVR that will send me SMS alerts because I don't have an actual alarm system so id like to view the cameras if the system detects motion.

I should mention that I am willing to settle for less cameras (as few as 4) for now as long as I get high quality, the features I need, and the ability to expand up to 8 cameras. It seems that the Lorex brand is comparable to Wal-Mart brands, and that scares me a bit.

Hey folks, new here. I regret having to post this but I just couldn't quite get what I needed with the search functions. I have a lawn maintenance business based at home and am needing to set up a system. I have a friend who works at a very reputable security company locally and he is suggesting an Everfocus DVR and I can't remember the types of cameras he said they use. They use analog systems. Anyway, I want to get an 8 channel system and I want it to be accessible via the web and I would like motion sensory so that if it detects motion at times that employees shouldn't be there I can look and see what's going on. The Everfocus doesn't have motion sensory. I'm trying to decide between analog and digital, but besides that I truly don't know what brands and/or things to look for with this. I would prefer a kit because I can get everything I need. I'm trying to stay in the $1000 range. I found this on another thread but it only comes with 6 cameras and is already $300 more than I wanted to spend. Also doesn't say anything about motion sensory. http://www.costco.com/Lorex-8-Channel-Stratus-HD-NVR-Security-System-with-2TB-HDD-and-6-1080p-Cameras.product.100048586.html Any advice? I plan on installing it myself but my buddy offered to help for free.