jimbo435

Well then never mind. I guess I can ask these questions once my sister finds a licensed installer. Thanks for letting me know. Jim

OK, I think I see now. You need an installation license if you install for a business. Electrician for any electrical work, etc. But I believe a business owner is covered if they install it themselves. So to be clear, my sister, the business owner will be installing this system. I will just be holding the ladder. I estimate a 5-8 camera system would cost me about $1000 in labor by an installer. That sound about right? Depending of course on the difficulty. Jim

Thanks Tom. Can you recommend a reliable 16 channel NVR for IP cameras? Also, what do you mean by a license? To have installed? Or to install? I can't find any laws in California that say either, other than privacy laws. Thanks Jim

Thanks Toss. I am leaning that way simply because adding another layer of setup/maintenance will mean my sister will have to lean on me even more to troubleshoot should something go wrong. I am pretty good with networks, but ip addresses, etc vs plug and play BNC sounds like a no brainer to me. The only downside I can see is it limits choices for cameras. With IP, I could use some wireless, some wired, and pretty much get them anywhere. With HD, I may have more options beyond Q-See, but they seem to have what I need. But I am going to wait to see if anyone else has any advice. Thanks Jim

Nope. California.

My sister asked for my help installing a system for her pub. Just opened. I am somewhat technical oriented, but my only surveillance experience is with old X10 cameras. So I have some questions from the experienced here: 1) Is the industry moving toward IP cameras? Am I going to obsolete myself going with an analog system? 2) should I be worried about frame rate. The DVRs I've seen (that I can afford) seem to be 15fps at 1080p. 3) Leaning towards the Q-See QC9116-2. Any experience with that unit. Can't seem to find any reviews. I like that I can buy a system from Costco for return if it fails. I don't like that I have to get a bunch of cameras I may not need yet. 4) Also saw a Dahua HCVR5216A on Amazon for about $300. It does IP and Analog, and HD-CVI. Heard some ok things on here about Dahua. Any experience with this unit? Might this future proof me in expanded camera options? No reviews as of yet. Any help you can provide would be great. Thanks Jim