MarcM

Thanks for your replies Brian and Riri, I'll have a look into using wireless - could be a good alternative.

Hi, I need to very quickly put together a system to protect an empty property. I've decided on Hikvision domes and Milestone Xprotect Essentials VMS. However, I am quite overwhelmed by the different Hikvision models out there! I will be buying from on eBay in UK, possibly getting Chinese models (with English firmware preloaded). I'm not too fussed about IR, as will use either external IR's or security lighting. Requirements: - External dome cameras - Internal dome cameras - two room sizes - room 1 = 4 metres x 12 metres. Room 2 = 4 metres x 8 metres. Any recommendations?

I get your point. I thought they were genuine Hik, but just local market versions. If they are fakes, I'll probably stay away. Going for full priced Hik's is not an option, so will investigate Dahua (just need to find a reputable dealer). May go with an NVR temporarily, but the building will only be empty for a month or two whilst it is being renovated. After that, we will need to go Milestone, as the CCTV will be integrated with access control (Paxton) and some other systems. NVR won't be an option then.

Thanks for the reply. Not too fussed about warranty - I figured with the price difference for the 10-12 cameras we're going to need, I'll just order a few extra and keep them as a buffer stock. We have a couple of cheap Dell i3 and i5 PC's knocking around, so happy to take a chance on this. I also intent to record a stream over FTTC broadband for added security. I live close by the building, so I'm really interested in in motion detection if we get intruders / squatters, so that we can quickly investigate. Thanks for the tip on Dahua - so you rate these ahead of the Chinese Hik's?