kmb997

My modem says this: router with a built in PPPoE client that eliminates the need for any connection software on the PC and networking is as easy as adding a hub or switch. Will I need to setup a network with a hub or switch or can I just port forward using the usb?

What do these specs mean? I know that it means the camera can see at 1.5 lux, but what does fc and F1.2 mean? 1.5 lux (0.15fc) in color / 0.16 lux (0.016fc) in B/W (SENS Up: OFF) and 0.5 lux (0.05 fc)at F1.2 (Color Mode); 0.06 lux (0.006fc) at F1.2 (B/W Mode)

What is the best vandal-proof dome camera? Doesn't have to be IR, but true day/night, good low light level, and varifocal lens that is able to be controlled by a DVR would be nice to have? Thanks

Hi, I want to start installing my first cctv system, but could use alot of help before I waste my money on cameras that will not work. I plan on getting a 8 channel DVR, but only setting up a couple of cameras for now. I want one camera on the front right of house, one by the front door, one facing down the left side of house, one facing across back yard, one facing down right side of house. I know there are different fields of view and different kinds of cameras. This is where I need help. One camera needs to see across the entire front yard about 75'L x 35'D or should I put two cameras criss crossing the front yard? One camera by the front door to see who is there. One camera facing down the side of house with an area around 85'L x 15'W. One across the back yard around 70'L x 50'D or should I put two cameras criss crossing the back yard? One down side of house around 40'L x 15'W. I would like the cameras to be true day/night color cameras. I also don't want big noticeable cameras or ir if I don't have to. The front right of house has halogen motion lights. The left front of house has street lighting. The left side of house has some street lighting. The back yard has halogen motion lights and street lighting, and the right side of house has some street lighting and halogen motion lighting. I want these cameras for security purposes. To be able to identify someone who is not supposed to be on my property. I'm not that interested on what's going on next door, pretty much just the perimeter of my property and within. Could use some suggestions on brand names, bullet vs dome vs ir vs varifocal or fixed, what types of lens, what types of cameras, just any help I can get is really appreciated. Thanks

I've read that it isn't good to have high quality cameras with a cheap entry level DVR. If I were to use Panasonic WV-CP484 or Extreme CCTV cameras, what DVR's should I be looking into? Thanks

I will look into the Sanyo you suggested. Does it have a mechanical cut filter? I really don't want IR cameras, but just wasn't sure if one was needed. Do you have any suggestions on weatherproof bullets that compare to the Sanyo or the Panasonic, or are they just that much better than bullets? I haven't decided on a DVR. The nvdv4 was suggested in another thread, but I'm still looking. Any suggestions? Thanks

Does anyone have any suggestions for a DVR where the motion detection works well or is this something I shouldn't worry about?

Thanks Rory. I would like all cameras to be color and true day/night. Most of the outside of my house is lit by streetlights and halogen motion lighting. I don't know if the sides with only street lighting is enough light for decent cameras? Are there any box cameras and housing with heaters that aren't really big? Do you think a day/night weatherproof bullet would work better? The weather here is crazy. One day it's hot, the next it's cold. One day all the windows are fogged up on my car and the next it's not. I don't know what affect this would have on the cameras. I want high end cameras but I don't think they are necessary for a residential setup. I don't mean to keep this going, but I don't want to make bad purchases and be disappointed.

Nevermind about the Samsung. I've seen alot of threads about day/night cameras around here, so I will look into brands to look at. Do you have any suggestions on vandal proof domes?

Jeffpack, I looked into the SDC-415 and they have pretty good specs for a good price. Are these cameras that good? Everyone keeps saying you get what you pay for. What housing would you suggest for this camera for outdoor and weatherproof?

I don't mind the cameras being visible, but I just don't want something huge and noticeable from 20' away. From what I've been reading, box cameras with lens seem to be the best, but I don't like the look of them and I don't want to have to buy an enclosure for it. I will need one camera to be vandal proof and that is on the side of my house with the least amount of light. I'm still trying to decide if I need IR cameras. I read somewhere earlier that I can buy a lux meter, but then I also read that most camera manufacturers specs are BS. I haven't installed a system yet, but I've done other wiring projects around the house without too much trouble. I agree with you that system selection is harder than installing with all the different products out and not many places locally to test them out. Do you have any recommendations for a DVR? I will look into the Samsung you suggested. Thanks

Do you have any problems with cameras fogging up?

Thanks Rory, I should have read the specs before posting a reply. Sorry.

Does the nvdv4 record at 30fps at high or medium resolution?

Scorpion, I'm in New Orleans and our weather is pretty much the same as yours, in regards to humidity. What kind of cameras do you usually install?

I think I'm leaning towards some kind of camera with a varifocal lens. Do dome and bullet cameras come with varifocal lenses? Is the lens adjusted manually on the camera itself or can it be done by the DVR? I really don't want big cameras, preferably some that aren't noticeable. There is one side of my house that is darker than the rest. Is the IR with 940nm the only one that is not visible to the human eye? How long do IR leds last? Thanks

A DVR that is capable of 240FPS is what I would need to record in real time without video lag? Are most DVR's capable of allocating frame rates to different cameras? What are some brands that I should look into that have good video quality and can be baked in an oven? Or some brands that can't be baked, but not suffer from heat? Maybe something between cheap and high end? Also, is the processor speed listed in the specs of most DVRs? Thanks again

I will be using the DVR 24hrs. I would like it to record motion detect only but viewable 24hrs. over the internet. Not a big threat level. Definitely not a million dollars. If I had that I would have just paid someone to come and set it up for me. This is just an extra layer of precaution that I can afford right now. I would rather pay a little more for service. Scorpion, I found a local guy who has a DVR similar to the one you suggested on your site. I'm pretty sure it has all the same features yours has. I'm going to go talk with him more, he's knowledgable about his products, but he's more expensive than internet prices. Can you explain more about IPS/FPS and 8 channels of cameras? I would like to record at 30FPS, I don't know if this is possible with 8 cameras? I guess my next step is to find cameras. Like you said, I don't want cheap cameras with crap video. I started another thread under cameras, but haven't had any responses. I don't know if you would be able to help me? Thank You Scorpion and Rick. I appreciate your help.