tprekas

Hi, I am looking for a 4-camera DVR system. It will be used at a 2-family house and I am looking to spend under $2k for the entire system if possible. I am having a professional install it (charging me $1k for installation - seem fair?) Anyhow, I will be monitoring a 50ft driveway, front door, backyard deck, and side yard with the 4 cameras. I am looking for decent quality and decent low light coverage. I have found one camera that I like so far from KT&C KPC-N600H for 3 of the locations. I am not sure if I want to use this for the front door as I think a dome camera would look better, any suggestions? I was considering the Speco CVC-648IRVFHQ?? As for the DVR, I am still not sure. I was looking at several different kinds: Pelco DX4000, not sure of the brand: G4-4XLA and G4-4M-DVD. I would like a DVR that gives me room to add more HD space if needed. I dont care if it comes with an HD or not, as long as I can add my own. I also want to be able to monitor from the internet which most seem to do. I would like 30 fps on each camera and be able to adjust the compression. I am shooting for some quality picture and a DVR that will let me record for atleast 30 days in the highest quality. Anyone have any suggestions??

Thanks for the info. I was looking at the G4-RTA Series DVR which states its "the most powerful standalone dvr on the market". Does anyone have any experience or opinions on this DVR?? As for the cameras, I am still up in the air with which ones I will go with. I noticed you had a KT&C cam, how do you like it? I was considering getting the KPC-N600H? Any opinions on this cam?? I will need 2 dome cameras, but I am not sure which ones to go with yet. I would like atleast 480 res and about 50 feet of IR for both, but dont need PTZ functions. Any suggestions??

Thanks for breaking it down for me Securitymonster. One question though, are the equipment prices you are quoting retail prices?? Reason I am asking is because I know there are some wholesale sellers online where you can get decent cams/dvr for less then what you quoted. Anyhow, if the whole package is goig to cost me $3,500 for "good" equipment, I am ready to do it. Now I just need to find the right stuff and the right installer. Have any suggestions?? I live in NJ. Thanks for all your help.

Wow, so your telling me I cant find a decent 4-camera dvr system for under $2k that will last more then 2 years?? That doesnt sound logical. I installed a $100 IR bullet cam with a cheap in-line audio cable at my parents house 5yrs ago and its still working fine. I know that better equipment will last longer and give me better video quality, but do you really feel a $2k system would break down in 2yrs? If I did spend $3,500 on a system, how long would that last in your opinion?? Maybe I can add another $500 to my budget and go up to $2,500. Would that make a difference at all?

Oh, one more thing I forgot to add. I would like to add audio to one or two of the camera. What are my options with this?