Don Stephens

Edit: Sorry, I can't read. IP cameras are generally going to be the more expensive option. If you don't want to spend more than around $50 a camera, just don't expect miracles from them. I wouldn't be worried about the image or features not working for you. The problem with cheaper cameras is usually longevity; they just don't last as long. If you're already committed to upgrading in the near future, I would spend the money on a good quality NVR now and stick to $30-$50 cameras to learn off of. You don't need to worry about whether or not a $50 camera is going to suck. The answer is always yes when being compared to something on a more professional level.

What kinds of fines and penalties are people going to incur who don't keep their systems in 100% working order, or who forget to update their information with the state? It's a nice a thought if we play pretend for a moment, but it's just going to open the door to another controversy. This is the same conversation people have been having for decades about registering firearms.

That's not a real thing for that price. Not even close. And if someone actually recommends that Hikvision camera under the pretense that it can manage that, they're lying.

What pricing are you looking at for Hikvision? If you can't put a 12 camera IP system together using Hikvision products for $2K, then you're buying from the wrong people.

This is completely incorrect. Having an NVR that you'll be connecting any cable to, other than a single connection from NVR to network, is uncommon. NVRs with built in switches are advised against as they're poor in quality in comparison unless you're just looking for as simple of an installation as possible. If you have a central hub where you've located your modem, router, and switches, then that's where you should be running all of your cable. Running a cable or two for your NVR and PC back to that hub makes a lot more sense than running significantly more cables to a more inconvenient location where you don't need them. It's also going to unnecessarily stretch out the lengths of your runs.

Firmware can cause the issue, but a malfunctioning hard drive can also be the cause. Try disconnecting the hard drive from the DVR board and then power the DVR back up. If you make it passed the welcome screen, the hard drive is defective.

It will power the cameras just fine, but if you have four cameras, they'll be taking up all of the available ports. you won't have any way to connect this thing to your network in that case. You'd need at least a 5 port so that you can connect and power all of your cameras, and the fifth port needs to be used to connect to your network (router/modem/switch). Without being connected to your network, the video is just hitting a dead end and you have no way of connecting with the cameras.

I can't say that I'm familiar with this camera, but don't make the mistake of thinking that it's a good camera just because of how much you paid for it. This thing is remarkably unimpressive for the prices that I'm seeing it at.

This was my thought as well. My problem with it now is that, like you said, it's a very good camera for an overshot. In a position like that, the microphone is going to become almost negligible. It's a feature that probably won't work well, or at all, but one that you're still paying for. It's kind of a shame because I really like the camera, but I couldn't ever expect anyone to be happy with the audio quality. Thanks for the info.

What he means is that IP cameras don't normally attach to the back of standalone NVRs, unless they have a built in PoE switch. Most people are not going to recommend a model with built in PoE as having a separate network switch is much better quality and more reliable (among other reasons). As long as your IP cameras are PoE capable, they can be powered by a PoE network switch as well as being connected to your network from that switch; all you have to do is dedicate one port on the switch to being connected to your router. The camera feed is brought into the NVR via a device list in the main menu of the NVR. It's very similar to adding video recorders to software for viewing purposes. It's a couple extra steps to install IP cameras but the steps are simple, and IP cameras are worth it.

I would rethink and upgrade the camera system if you want to be able to identify the person. I don't think the flood lights that respond to motion are a bad idea either. My only experience with Ubiquiti is with there access points. I'm not sure how well the rest of their products work, but I'm sure someone on here can enlighten us all.

Look into Dahua and Hikvision DVRs. If you have any network/connectivity issues, it won't be as a result of the hardware you get from either of these guys. These two are just about the same in every way so flip a coin. One is not necessarily better than the other and people on this forum know every in and out of both of them, so finding help with either won't be an issue for you.

I learned something new. Everything I've ever seen was maxed out at 16 channels, but it's always been cheap stuff that I've seen. Just different manufacturers. That's probably good for him to know though if he's seeking out a cheaper DVR.

According to Dahua, the incoming bandwidth is 200mbps, and it supports up to 5MP. Unless they're selling an older generation, there's no reason to think it shouldn't be able to 1080p on all 4 channels. Do you have a link to one you're looking at purchasing?

Try an alternate power supply. If you don't see any changes, check your cable and make sure the connectors are fastened securely. If you still don't see any changes, you might have a ground loop issue; a ground loop isolator may be worth trying at that time.

Shockwave, is this the camera: http://goo.gl/WN03xi If it is, I just tested one of these myself about 3 days ago. I was pretty unhappy with the audio quality and I was wondering what your opinion of it might be. Having said that, I'm not big on audio anyway, so I don't get a lot of exposure to cameras like this. Also, how do you feel about the image quality and noise at night with it pointed in the direction of that light on the back of the house? When I tested it, there were some flood lights around but it did alright. It was nothing as direct as the setup you have there though.

I've been relayed information regarding matters like this a few times by our customers. The complaint from the HOAs is always the same; changes to the "common area." Other than making sure you address the issue with the HOA, I never know what else to recommend other than to show them that those cameras aren't overlooking anything but your own property. Unless you've installed the cameras like a drunken monkey and created an eyesore for the whole neighborhood, the only issue is people thinking you're spying on them. Your best approach for this is at one of the HOA meetings. I also don't think it would hurt to bring your own attorney along if it means that much to you. The presence of an attorney will show them how far you're potentially prepared to take this. Unfortunately, I don't know the outcome. Our own customers never called me back to update me. That usually means that they're pissed, or it was problem solved. Either way, it's up in the air.

I believe we carry one that we've had some good success with. I think the primary reason we started testing it and carrying it was for law enforcement and I generally don't hear any complaints from them. I can probably get you a link to something by tomorrow if you want.

Hmm, I definitely don't agree with most being limited to 16 channels. Maybe I'm just looking at different manufacturers, but 32 channel recorders aren't exactly a rarity; in fact, I'd say they're ridiculously easy to find. Those same manufacturers also produce 64, 128, and 256 channel options depending on the system type. The only thing I've seen that's limited to 16 channels are Hybrid and Tribrid DVRs and I'm guessing you're not in the market for one of those.

My problem with CCA Cat5e is not that it doesn't work, but that it's usually such terrible quality that it breaks apart in my hands while I'm trying to strip it. I don't think you'll have any issues with it, other than maybe some frustration while installing. You'll also want to be very careful with it while you're doing your runs.

I'm sure somebody is. Those are a popular firewall as well. ...I meant in his system.

I still have installers and other people who know what they're doing use PSS. SmartPSS looks nicer and it's fine for the laymen, but I'm hoping they continue to improve upon it.

I don't suppose any SonicWALL devices are being used here...?

The length of your cable run is probably the issue. There are plenty of models out there that need that 24V power supply within 10-20 feet of the camera or they start acting buggy. It has to do with either voltage and/or amperage drop; I've seen both. It would also help to know exactly what your problem is...

For Dahua, you have to use SmartPSS for P2P access. PSS does not support P2P (and I doubt they will update PSS any more). I've been told twice now that once Smart PSS has the same capabilities, as far as DVR/NVR configuration is concerned, PSS is going to get dropped. "Probably by mid 2015."