bike_rider

I have just tested that you can use the advanced I/O functions to schedule audio alarms when a signal is received from an outside sensor. In others, I just setup a virtual dog to bark when my driveway motion sensors goes off in the middle of the day. I can see why GV did not make this function available on video detected motion - there are just too many false positives to make it meaningful. So, what you'd need to do is get a GV i/O card and tie it to an external motion sensor - Passive infrared or photo electric. It is pretty easy to set up.

As near as I can tell, you can set it up to sched email alerts, recording and/or I/O module outputs. If you used an I/O module to drive a relay that might work. I can't find anyway to control the audio output via the scheduler.

No other idea on how to alter the config, besides the macro idea. However, I have to ask, are you thinking about having the outside intercom system make some announcement every time the system sees movement? If so, that is not going to work because the cameras will see all sorts of image changes as movement that isn't really movement. Rain, moths, car lights from passing traffic, etc. All of these will trigger video recording, but you don't want it triggering any sort of loud announcement.

I know trhis is going to sound a little strange, but one of the reasons I picked a PC based solution is the ability to extend it with other tools. I use a mouse macro recorder to move my PTZ's home position between day and night. At 6PM the macro for night mode runs and reprograms a bit of the PTZ on screen display. At 7 AM, the day mode macro runs. I'm still fine tuning it, but the idea should be solid. You should be able to do the same thing to turn on and off the "play a sound" setting.

I've had good success with Voice Alert System-6. It has 6 channels with customizable audio messages when it triggers. Sensors are wireless Passive Infrared, so it isn't perfect. Something odd about the UPS guy's outfit means it only sees him 80% of the time, while the average detection rate for other visitors is probably 95%. Two things I really like - you can setup multiple detectors on one channel, so I could improve my detection rate by putting second sensor offset from the first. The other thing, and the reason that I have the system, is that it will do alarm outputs for 4 of the channels. I can use them to trigger my CCTV setup and notify me when they trigger. It isn't pro quality gear, but it isn't priced like it either.

Under the "Camera/Audi Install" - where you activate cameras, make sure you have checked "Rec Audio" for that channel

That's kind of vague. What part was not adequate?

Not to hijack the thread, but does this include EU countries? Got a link to a source? I'm just curious because in the US you can record most anything in public view.

The answer might be to look at the setups that motorbike riders use. Lots of options for helmet cams and such. Since each one is self contained, you would need one for each view that you want. Maybe something like this (which can take an external video feed) [edit by mod-store link removed] Or better still [edit by mod-store link removed]

According to the manual, you can't. All you can do is set the ALC/ELC dip switch on the back of the camera. ALC: Adjusts the lens iris automatically. ELC: Select this mode when a fixed iris lens or manual iris lens is used with this camera. Default setting: ALC

Thanks guys.

Thanks. CIF recording though? Does anyone still use CIF?

Gee Rory, You are really pitching the local real estate.

If they all give a bad image at once, and you've tried connecting one camera at a time, it certainly looks to me like a bad GV card. Can you put the old card it and run just 4 cameras for a while to confirm hat the problem is tied to the new card?

I'd offer a variation on what Jisaac wrote. Video is one tool in the security matrix. First is a security system that you use every time you leave the house - and when you go to bed at night. Then there is outside lights, putting your cars in the garage, defensive plantings, etc, etc. While it does not deter all criminals, video does deter some. It depends on the nature of the intended crime. I have video of an attempted burglary at my house where the criminals stopped as soon as they saw the camera. I've since added prominent signs about video surveillance. I live in a good neighborhood that is only a 15 minute drive from some bad places. The criminals in this area are looking for easy pickings. They always go to the front door to make sure nobody is home; they like mid-day crime because everyone is at work. They are not looking at my house specifically, they are looking for any easy target. You have to know know the enemy to define a solution that can work. Oh, and faces are all well and good, but if you don't have a license plate shot, don't expect the police to find the bad guys.

I'm happy with my Speco CVC-EX550. A solid mid-priced camera, about $400. True Day/Night. The reason I picked this model is that most bullets (even oversized ones) have fairly short zoom reach. This does 5-50mm. Make sure you know what you need before you buy something because that is an important factor. Dimensions are 11" L x 2.9" diam.

I have an "old fashioned CRT" on my video computer. Get one while you still can.

My experience (limited to the 7 cameras (no two alike) for my home and what I've seen of the neighbor's setup) is that there is a fair relation between price and performance. Cheap stuff is crap, really expensive stuff is not needed. Generally, bigger cameras give better images. So lipstick cameras are not as good as domes which are not as good as box cameras. That is a big simplification, but it works. Let's talk system design first. Then we can talk about specific camera types, and then brands/models within that type. How much are you going to cover? Every door and approach? Don't forget the utility panel if it is publicly accessible. Covert vs Overt. You need some big obvious cameras in a couple of key places, backed up with a couple of signs. You then want covert cameras to see what people do when they are not scared off by the signs and overt cameras. A couple of color cameras on the approaches are great for clothing and car colors and skin tones. Otherwise B&W will give better images and a lower price. Visible lighting is a good thing. Motion lights, low voltage landscape lights, whatever it takes. Put together a plan, maybe draw a map. Let the experts here save you from expensive mistakes.

Oops I meant computer system not DVR, are there any base computer systems you like adding these cards too? Also, Core Duo is a 1.8 ghz good? Plenty of them avail. Thanks for the help. I didn't want to build my own PC, so I went with a machine from End Noise PC. I wanted to make sure that it would be quiet and that's their specialty. There is some chance to pick your own components, so you can be a little flexible. I got one of their value line machines and it is working out fine, added a couple of 500G HD from Newegg. Windows XP.

Thanks Rory, The card is a GV-800 so Mpeg4 it is.

Geovision uses different ports depending on which of the remote options you are using - web cam, remote from a PDA, 3G remote, multicast server, etc. Unless you are using the full suite, there is a good chance that you only need fewer than 10 ports open anyway.

I find that the Sony chipsets are very very good and much better IMO to Sharp. Most are used by the highend manufacturers. What voltage are you using on your DVR? There is no practical way to avoid sony components, I just don't buy their retail prodcuts - of any kind. I use 24V for everything.

I know this topic has probably been beat to death, but most inquires seem to be for smaller budgets than mine. I need suggestions on a fixed dome. I need a camera to cover the front door. B&W is fine because I have a good color cam covering the approach. OTOH, the front porch light is always on, so light isn't an issue, so high res color could be fine. The area in front of the door is small, so I don't want to mount the camera up high - I would not be able to get a flat enough field of view. Right now it looks like I would end up with a dome at eye level with a tinted dome. The wife said it was OK I don't like the looks of bullet/lipstick cams at that location, so they are out. Vandal resistant isn't required - crooks around here are looking for easy targets of opportunity. The area gets pretty hot in the summer - 100+ F, but no direct sunlight. Budget <$400 USD please. ($300 would be great, but what's $100?) I've found Pelco, Bosch flexidome and GE all about this range. Any specific suggestions? Thanks

Thanks guys. I'm kicking around color vs b/w right now. The approach is covered by a color camera. The Sony is interesting but I don't by Sony retail products because of some of their corporate practices.