zr1 -- first, thanks for the exhaustive reply and information, much appreciated and much needed.
the reason for the "wireless" cams was trying to eliminate installing cat5 cable everywhere from the cam to dvr/base station. We just painted the house and I loathe having to tear up the walls/ceiling, spackle, repaint, etc etc
the reason for the "battery operation" was for the outside cams for essentially the same reason in getting wireless, didn't want to have to drill, run power cables, etc etc...
Maybe I'll just have to buy some of those more realistic dummy surveillance cams, or buy some defective surveillance cams and install them outside and inside. I was going to do that anyway and then install the real cams in a more hidden manner.
I only have 4 entrances to monitor which can be done inside or outside, but would prefer outside and then be able to monitor a good portion of the grounds as well.
Thanks again for the information and insight.. it is most helpful.
Mike