TonyL

Thank you for making my point... this is why I'm looking for a "proper vendor". Paranoid is correct. Keep in mind, Target was hacked at their POS terminals. I can physically and technically secure the DVR/NVR. I don't know enough about the software inside the camera itself to know if it can be (or even is) technically secured. I know that it cannot be physically secured because it is hanging on an exterior wall of my home. On top of that, software requires updates... who, when and how... I don't know. When my original system was installed, I was too ignorant about the technology to know any better. After the installation was complete, I wanted to view the cameras on my phone and iPad... which is what I originally requested and thought I paid for. The company literally told me (after completing the install), we don't do that... we just wire it up and hang the cameras where you want them. I ended up having to bring in some techno-geeks to get the router and port-forwarding set up so I could see the cameras from both inside and outside the house. Since I didn't have a static IP address, I had to buy a service that updated a DNS name with my dynamic IP address. Since then, I have spent countless hours of reading and researching. All of you have helped me enormously to identify what I really need and about how much it should cost. I find it troublesome when it appears I know more about the technology than some vendors... thanx to the expert advise on this website. My ideal would be to buy the hardware (cameras, wiring and DVR) from a reputable vendor... I'm leaning toward Hikvision... and find someone to install the hardware and configure the software. I'm too old to be climbing around my attic and the outside of my home to push wiring through holes and hang cameras. My search continues. Thanx, Tony

IP cameras have intelligence built into the camera and I would like a better idea of who is writing the software for these cameras. Have they built adequate security into their software? Do they monitor the software for security holes? How are software upgrades delivered to the cameras and by whom? Support from hardware vendors is generally atrocious. I can't imagine what its like for their software. Until there is a bit more standardization, I'll stick with the "dumb" cameras. This is why I'm trying to find a reputable installer. I want someone that is more interested in a satisfied customer than clearing inventory. Hence, the original topic... how do I find a good installer? I see lots of "companies" claiming to install security camera systems but, they don't seem to have any (or very few) references. Those that do have a number of reference actually are trying to sell you some sort of alarm system to go along with the cameras... I suspect they are somehow compensated for the generation of ongoing monitoring revenue while getting paid handsomely for the installation. Thanx, Tony

For me, it's about day and night video quality. As I understand it, HD-SDI gets the best video of the analog cameras; better than CVI or TVI. I don't mind replacing my existing RG59 wiring with CAT6. I just don't want to go with IP cameras... not happy with the technology yet. I believe I can run CAT6 (PoE) with a HD-SDI camera system. This would require baluns at both ends... increasing the cost of the overall system. However, when the IP camera technology has the features I desire (probably in the next 5 years), I'll be able to upgrade the cameras and DVR without rewiring. Thanx for your responses and let me know if I'm off-base here. Tony

Houston, TX Just to clarify... not interested in IP cameras... however, willing to rewire for future IP technology (e.g. RG59 to CAT6). This is why I want to find a qualified installer. Talk over the options and see what is best. It is my understanding that HD-SDI can be run over either wire. I don't want to say "money is no object"... that's ludicrous. But, willing to spend around $2k for the system. A little more or less is not a cause for concern. Thanx, Tony

I'm wanting to find an installer for a CCTV system in my home. Lots to choose from but I don't seem to be able to find any with existing reviews. I was wondering if there are any professional reference sites for this sort of thing? Or, is there some sort of accreditation I should be looking for? Using one of the security monitoring companies is not an option. I don't like the functionality provided. I'm looking to upgrade an existing system to HD-SDI cameras (7 cameras - 30 FPS) and DVR (2TB / 240 FPS recording or better). I have RG59 Siamese wiring with CAT5E for the DVR/Router connection already run. Any recommendations or suggestions would be appreciated? And no, I'm not interested in upgrading to an IP camera system. Thanx, Tony