I've got a new home that I had wired for 5 security cameras. I' looking for some confirmation on the rough-in and some pointers on the cameras.
The installer used cat5e cables, stating 1 pair for DC power and 1 pair for video. I suspect this is not as good as running coax, but is it acceptable?
I have 3 indoor cameras, another 1 over my garage and 1 overlooking the backyard. All cameras are home run to my mechanical room. I then have 2 cat5e cables run to my office where I plan to have my PC based DVR setup. Hopefully this is OK as well.
What I would like out of the system...
1. Be able to check in when on holidays and ensure everything looks in order.
2. Reocrd upon motion during times we identify (such as daytime when we are at work or on holidays).
3. I do not need up close and personal face recognition, but a good general picture. I also feel being able to record in low/zero light is important for burglary.
For the indoor cameras they are all roughed-in high on the wall (about 7') and overlooking the main traffic areas on each floor. It is important that the camera be subtle (ideally flush mount and somewhat appealing to the eye, with a slight wide angle). I was looking at the KPC-D950CH camera. Inexpensive, adjustable camera head, somewhat discrete yet able to view in low light. But what scares me is the "inexpensive" part. They also do not post details regarding the nm of the IR LED's. Would this be a suitable camera? Or would I be better off with a B&W camera without the IR?
For the Garage unit I am OK with a typical style security camera. The garage is 23 x 24 and the cam will be mounted at about 10' from the floor mid wall. The outside cam is looking over a 100' wide x 40' deep backyard from the top of the soffit (about 25' high).
I was hoping to keep my camera cost to the 1000 range for all 5.
I plan on putting the DVR Card in my computer. Now I want something that can handle the 5 cameras at once during monitoring, but recording can be limited to say 2 or 3 channels at a time. I was looking at the GV-2008 Geovision, but from what I read it is still very finicky with most computers. Should I go with a software based compression card? I am ok with 500 to 1000 dollars on this card.
Thanks.
