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Hello, I am very new to Surveillance Systems and hope someone can clear up a few things I am not sure about. I am looking to set up 3 or 4 outside cameras around my single story residence (1200 sq ft). If my reading the last few days is correct, I have eliminated analog for being too poor quality and wireless as possibly not being to reliable. So I am looking at a HD IP POE system with a min of 1080p. Although min quality I want is 1080 I will probably have at least 1 or 2 of the 3/4 cameras as 4mp Looking at most of the packages it seems that the 4mp NVRs are the 16 channel variety with way more camera's than I need, It is recommended to get a 4mp NVR Correct if I have 4mp camera's? Would I be better off finding single pieces, or is there a package that I missed? My budget is around 1500.00 I was looking at the Hikvision NVR DS-7608NI-EZ/8p which I have seen on Ebay for 250 (without HD) Not too sure what is involved with setting up this system without having an existing HD though? I am pretty sure cameras are interchangeable between brands as long as they are the correct style I do like the bubble style as it does not show the camera pointing in a specific direction. However I am still researching the Pro/Cons for bubble and bullet styles. So I guess my main question is, am I going down the right road Thank you

Terrance, thank you very much, this was actually my next question, I would want to put the NVR in the attic or somewhere similar and just control via a browser,not sure how excessive dust will affect the unit though. Most of my recording, if not all, will be by motion only. I have since learned that non HD units are common and installing HD's are pretty basic. I am not sure if I am brand loyal yet as it seems as everything comes from China and everyone rebrands everything..trying to figure this out is almost half the battle. I agree keeping the same brand name between unit and camera will probably keep things simple. One other option is buy a unit with excessive camera's and sell the them to offset the price. Unfortunately I am in the group of folks who come here after an incident and am in a speed read mode trying to figure things out quickly. I am kinda rambling but, I thank you very much for your input as the total amount of knowledge here is a bit overwhelming and my eagerness to purchase a system is only delayed by the constant information I keep reading. Thanks again