Don Stephens

Has the problem resolved itself or are the cameras still flashing?

Definitely Dahua. I don't know about the HDD accessibility on a Hikvision DVR but you're good with them or sure on the rest of the list.

Now that you say that, it occurs to me that I actually haven't looked at Dahua's 4 channel model yet. It may very well only support one IP camera as well..

Yes, and these: http://www.ubnt.com/airmax/nanostationm/

As long as the switch is a PoE switch, I always go with the separate switch. I only see disadvantages when I look at an NVR with a built in switch, but other people sometimes see it as an easier IP based installation. There's really no right or wrong answer. In addition to being personal preference, knowledge base and the conditions of your installation can sometimes make the decision for you.

Like Dahua, Hikvision does call it a Tribrid. I didn't realize theirs could only connect to one IP camera. The cheaper Dahua Tribrids they recently released are limited to two. There's always the larger 1.5U and 2U Dahua Tribrids if you need more.

Agreed. There's no need to do any running around before you rule that out.

Where are you guys installing these where another camera style just wouldn't do? I can think of a number of spots to place them, but those same locations could just as easily have a dome or bullet in it's place. Is it just their low profile nature that draws people to them. I'm clearly missing something with these and I've been begging people for awhile to lay into me and tell me how stupid I'm being. Edit: Is it an FOV thing and not wanting to use multiple cameras to cover the same area?

I've seen this site recommended on here before but I've never used something like this myself: http://www.mierproducts.com/outdoor_temperature-controlled_enclosures.html This might be able to solve your heat problem with the NVR. The downside is that they're apparently very expensive.

What exactly do you consider to be an "excellent HD image"? How many megapixels? What style of camera? Dome, bullet, box... Do you want a wide angle of view, or something that can zoom in? P.S. - I don't know how much the camera is going to like you for pointing it into the sun. WDR is not a feature that's going to protect the sensor from a sun induced burn out.

Just simply running cable outdoors isn't a reason to install surge devices. I wouldn't waste the time or money if I were you.

It's only my opinion, but I've always failed to see the benefit of using a camera like this. I just haven't seen an environment to date where something like this was necessary/required, or just simply wasn't outperformed by another style of camera. Throw some examples out where there was no other choice. I'll put it on the list, but I can't test it if I can't find the appropriate place to put it.

That is unquestionably just the basic crap that's floating around inside your average home. Unless you want to turn your home into an operating room, you're going to have to live with it.

The PX-IPIR203 is apparently the same as the 2032. That was up for discussion in the past on various forums. 1. How are you powering the cameras? If it's with a PoE switch, can you give us the model number? 2. Where is the power supply located? 3. How did you weatherproof your connections between camera and cable? 4. What are you recording to? Directly to PC or with a standalone unit? 5. What kind of cable did you run?

I would use Milestone. There's quite a few discussions on here related to suggested PC specs for the larger number of cameras you're talking about.

Necessary is up to you. Do you experience a lot of lightning strikes? If not, it's probably not worth your time. It's also not a simple process if you're not familiar with things like running grounding cables, grounding rods, structural steal, etc... Actually, it's really not even a simple process if you do know what you're doing.

You mention DVR but then say you want the ability to add IP cameras. Do you actually want an NVR, or are you wanting something compatible with both analog and IP. If you're after a Hybrid, there's no such thing as a cheap (and still functional) model.

I hate everything about this post

There is one ACTi camera on the list right now and that's really only for balance. I'll leave the rest of the ACTi line for someone who thinks a little higher of it.

I almost recommended Dropcam myself because the OP was practically listing the features of one in the first post. While it probably meets all of his requirements from a hardware standpoint, it still doesn't meet his requirement for a more economical solution. Dropcam also continues to pull money out of your wallet for as long as you have one.

Do you guys have specific models in mind for the Bosch domes, or do you want me to pick them at random? Buellwinkle, when you say "mini dome", are you talking about what they refer to as their "MicroDome" models?

My procedure has been known to change. It's mostly dependent on whether or not I'm going to need to create any sort of special environment or circumstances to test specific camera features. I use Milestone for testing and video capture. I continue to use solid copper Cat5e until Cat6 becomes required. However, I will usually test each camera with some Cat6 as well just to see if there's any change in performance. Any hardware I'm using (PC, router, switch, etc...) doesn't change between tests until the camera specifically calls for it (this usually only involves the power supply). I also try to keep the testing site the same as long as I can so that side by side comparisons can be made between the various models. Apart from hardware and cabling, I try to test the cameras in every available lighting environment I can; well lit ("even light"), low light, complete darkness. I also collect video samples that shows how the camera will react to glare. They're tested both indoors and outdoors regardless of the cameras intended location; I get too many mixed results with how they respond to various forms of lighting. I mount the cameras at a couple different heights. Outdoors, I first mount them at 15-20 feet to see what kind of detail they can pick up, usually in peoples faces, and at what distances. The cameras are then mounted to a tripod at 6ft and tested for license plate capture. The problem with this part is that the cars are only moving at one speed (approximately 15-20 MPH). Indoors, I usually only mount them at about 10ft to account for a basic office type setup. I will occasionally modify this portion of the test depending on what lens the camera is equipped with (IR also plays a role here). Each cameras specific features are also toggled through and tested in these environments. Assuming I've covered everything I needed to with video samples, specs, and features, I move onto covering things such as aspects of included software, mobile applications, what comes in the box, accessibility, GUI, compatibility, etc... The list really goes on and on and I'm sure I'm forgetting things. Is there something specific you're looking for?

I'd have to agree that this doesn't seem likely with your budget. I can't imagine what kind of quality cameras you'd end up with. Decent storage will probably be at least a third of the budget you've set aside.

I'll put it another way. I'm sick of looking at still shots from everyone's Hikvision 2032. I'd also like to diversify a little since I don't have a lot of hands on with Bosch cameras, and I haven't touched a Vivotek camera since they were advertising their "VGA resolution" back in '05. I just want something to talk about other than Hikvision and Dahua for awhile. And before I get laughed at for Vivotek, it's where I started with IP cameras so shut up.

A 16 channel NVR is only capable of connecting to 16 cameras. It doesn't matter if you lower the settings on your IP cameras, you're still only going to end up with 16 channels at the most.