brianosaur

I was going to post a typical 'tell me what to get' thread but I'm not really to sure where to start. Instead, can you direct me to someplace that I can learn/read all aspects & terms of a home security camera system? Something with a large glossary perhaps? I had been skimming over the forums here and read a bunch of information, but the FAQ's section isnt terribly helpful. There was one thread that had a lot of info on DVRs but as far as all the various types of cameras and wiring available there isnt too much. Anyway, Clicking through thread by thread, getting broken pieces of information that I dont fully understand isn't working for me. There are so many abbreviations and acronyms that I'm pretty lost. I just need a good read on the soup to nuts of getting started. Thanks

So between the Qsee or Lorax what is recommended?

Yeah pretty much decided that is the way to go. Boogieman directed me to this Costco IP system, and I gotta say the price is fantastic compared to all the other sites I've viewed. http://www.costco.com/Q-See-8-Channel-HD-NVR-Security-System-with-2TB-HDD-and-6-1080p-Cameras.product.100128993.html Qsee is just rebranded Dahua? Can anyone else second this purchase? I'm ready to pull the trigger.

Is this system really worth it? It seems to be very low priced for 6 camera HD IP system. Whats the drawback?

Thanks for the info but I'm going to do it myself. I just need a starting point. Last year I installed a complete Vista 20P HSS. Twenty wired & wireless contacts, glass breaks, smokes, pirs, honeywell alpha keypads & wireless keyfobs. Took me a several days to install the hardware and a few more to fully program & tweak the entire system. Set up the programming & contracted with a CSM too. However I spent a nearly two months reading and learning the complete ins & outs of home security before I planned out & purchased all my equipment online. As for as CCTV - The install & wiring wont be an issue for me ...once I learn about the system I want. And it sure as hell has to be easier then programming hss alpha keypads with 35 sensors. So since "this forum is full of idiots" as you say, can you direct me to a good place to start getting educated. I dont want BestBuy analog crap. I'd like a remotely viewable HD system but between all the terms like HS-CVi, HD-TVI, HD-SDI I would like just a bit more more info. Also decent brand names. I've viewed a couple camera comparison videos. Im not seeing a 'huge' difference between 720 & 1mp 1080. Is it worth it to get the 1080? Can easy face recognition still be achieved with 720 at 20-30 feet? Thanks again