kaysadeya

Very nice. Thanks for the tip.

Sorry to hear about the maliciousness of your “neighbors,â€

Yes, Linux is better than Windows for a general-purpose operating system. But the question is what is it built for? Can a single OS leverage all of the new hardware and host more “esotericâ€

What about it? Anyone using it in a DVR?

Maybe what the CCTV industry needs is a standardized (and I have to emphasize STANDARDIZED) operating system designed from the ground up for DVRs. It’s ironic that we depend on operating systems like Linux (let’s just say Unix) and Windows, which were designed long before anyone even heard of a DVR.

Yes, I suspect the problem trainman and I are experiencing with this camera is maxed-out gain (and slow shutter) due to the dark areas we’re monitoring. Trainman, if possible, try training the camera on a lighter subject and see if that makes a difference with the night shot.

You've got someone stealing flowers? Maybe the problem will go away after Mother's Day. As Rory said earlier, if your primary need is night surveillance, then just get a B&W.

I have that exact same camera: http://www.cctvforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=1887&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0 The image is good during the day, but I have the same problem at night. I have *lots* of extra IR light in that area, so lighting is not the issue. I think the problem is that it's monitoring a black car and the camera is going to extremes trying to achieve what it considers an “averageâ€

Bricks over plywood? Shouldn't you be using something like Durarock? Did Captain Morgan talk you into this?

Let's rewind this one. What are you talking about? Is this, like, a Union thing?

Sorry, I thought you were referring to helpful members. I believe Larry hosts this website. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind if you paid him.

Nah, we have to keep Rory poor. Otherwise, he’d pack up his cameras, DVRs, and computer and retire to one of the “good islandsâ€

I’ve placed an orders with them and no problems. Note that their “Customer Satisfaction 100% Guaranteed!â€

Still, it would be very useful for playback.

Great idea Rory. If we can compile all of the feature information into one place, that would be very useful. The problem is how can different users with different needs and experiences rate the features? Cooperman, I'm not qualified to score the features because I haven’t had experiences with any other DVRs (only a lowly Lorex VCR).

I was wondering how many of you professional installers/dealers have a CCTV setup for your own residences. The impression I get is most of you don’t have any or much of a residential CCTV system. Is this because you don’t see the need, you don’t want to create a buzz with the neighbors, or that it's just too expensive?

I think we all should be armed with “personal sizedâ€

The key features of a good outdoor camera are: * weatherproofing * Auto iris lens (video or DC) A good day/night color camera should have an IR cut filter. The ability to adjust the camera's image for backlighting, etc. can also be important. Don't expect much from the IR LEDs built into most cameras. They're typically only good for short distances and they burn out after a few years. You can try going with just the illumination from the camera at first, but stay open to the idea that you may have to add separate IR illuminators. A few cameras that might be of interest are: http://spytown.com/kpandkpdayni.html http://www.2mcctv.com/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/17/products_id/76 Both have IR cut filters. The KT&C more-or-less fits your budget, but it doesn't appear to offer much in the way of controls to adjust the image. The Samsung is much more flexible and a very good deal, but you'll also need to budget for a lens and a housing. It's also less discrete. I have two Samsung 721s that I'm very happy with.

What more would you like to know?

To answer your questions: "How does the IR work? I notice it can be integrated into the camera or from separate source. " Correct. "Is the IR used during the day? " Generally, no. Most of the better cameras only switch the IR on at night. "At night is the IR light visible to the human eye? " Depends on the wavelength of the IR. Most built-in IR lighting produces a slight reddish glow. " Some appear to have IR-blocking features? Under what scenario would that be beneficial?" An IR filter is standard on color cameras and is necessary to provide accurate color. B&W cameras don't have IR filters and generally work well with IR light. To fully address your needs, we need to know: * How large an area do you need to monitor at night? * Is color necessary during the day, or can you live with B&W?

I don't know about Wiz, but I'm also extremely impressed with Extreme's tech support. Best I've encountered for just about any product.

I gawt it...

Like most people, I'll take a low price today over the prospect of "better support" at some unknown time in the future. I'm usually directed to the manufacturer when I have questions or problems occur.

Rather than badmouth spytown, can someone cite a supplier that provides excellent support and warranties?

Almost half the price of the Speco: http://www.spytown.com/dabucacduday.html