jsavchak

My mother has recently had several outside appliances stolen and would like me to install a video surveillance system that may catch the crook. Since mostly expert level installers are on this site I figured this would be the best place for the best answer. Here's the scenario: We need only 4 cameras. 3 will cover the entrances and 1 will cover a shed just over 100 feet away. I would like to monitor mostly at night, as this seems to be when she gets visited. (she has an internal closed-circuit alarm to cover break in's) Motion detection is a thought of ours but I understand it has it's up's and downs. A stand alone dvr system has been the directions I've been going towards, with network access so that most editing could be done through the internal web server. Could you guys lead me toward a industry standard system that would last for a while. If problems occur in the future I would like to be able to easily buy compatible hardware for the existing system. I would like to get one for under $2000 but you guys are the experts. Lead me to a great entry level system with a budget in mind. Thanks....... John

I'm running a 4 RCA video cable down the inside of a wall and would like to know where to find a wall plate to tie is together with the DVR. Do anyone make a 4 port RCA wall plate for video only, no audio?

I'm in a situation that requires me to run video and power to a location 300'+ away from the house where a standalone dvr will be setup. What type of cable should I look for that can be buried underground?? Has anyone here ran cable underground before? do I need to enclose the cable in PVC or some other conduit? I will need a long run of video cable (with a video connector that would connect to the video port on the back of a TV) and a power cable with pigtail 9-volt connectors. Is 300' within the capability of this type of wiring?

Thanks survtech, The camera I am using connects to RCA video cable (it's not coax) and the power cable is low voltage 9v. The 9v power will have to run the entire 300'. What is the max length RCA video can transmit before signal degredation? Will it go 300'? And can it withstand underground burial?

I just got the stand alone unit and cameras yesterday but haven't had a chance to test them yet. Tomorrow will be a good day for me to set them out on the table to make sure they work. I'm also waiting for 500' of power cable and an AC/DC converter box for centralized power to come in. I'll post again once I get them setup on the house.

My mother has had some theft occur in her neighborhood and asked me to install a video security system for her. She mentioned an inexpensive unit for under $200 at Staples, but after I spent time researching I've concluded that will not be a wise investment because of lack of quality. There is a system that has caught my eye and I need an experience opinion before spending the cash. Svat makes a 4-port DVR (simplex) with an internal web server. They package a kit with 4 outside cameras (tvl 380) IP68, 6mm). This package runs around $600-$700. The kit is called CV0204dvr. We only need to monitor the entrances to the house and record by motion. These cameras are suppose to do this. Will this package work for a while? and is the company reputable? Your expert advice will be very much appreciated. John