tom976

Thanks for the input. I feel bad for this person. Sure the entrances and exits can be covered but he is asking for more. I rather install a cheap $400.00 system with low expectations rather than go with a system that will provide a clearer picture of obstructions but cost 10x as much. I may even suggest fake cameras in there with maybe one or two wireless units to appear have a cctv system. Sad part is this guy is frustrated because of theft in his business and doesn't really have a budget. He is willing to spend. Personally don't like to spend good money with crappy results. Imagine a 1000 square foot closet with low lights. Sure I can mount cameras about 5-6 feet up but with that we have folks damage those units.

Greetings All; I am an installer that has an interesting task. A dry cleaning shop (only do dry cleaning and clothing restoration) asked me for a system. Main issue is that that area has 5-8 - 6' racks for clothing EVERYWHERE. Very easy to hide in a situation like that if you are under a certain size. They have florescent lights a little higher than that. So there are MANY obstacles in the way for a clear view. Ceiling height doesn't help either at 10 - 12'. So I was thinking of those 180 degree cameras or even standard dome cameras with a lens less than 2.0 (only way to view certain areas is really from directly down) Would prefer a IP camera, lots that I have seen are analogs. Anyone else out there run into a similar situation? Thanks Tom

I just installed 17 of them myself. Nice solid cameras. Megapixel decent quality. As for low light? All depends on what camera you buy. Cheapest dome isn't going to perform right when its installed in the wrong area. Tom

Interestingly enough though I was about to swing the Axis cameras in this project. With the ACTi I was basically using two types of TCM cameras. With the Axis route I had to be a little more creative in getting the best cam for its intended location. Any recommended low cost software solutions for basic recording on a decent 2003 box?

Greetings Folks; I am at a crossroads when it comes to choosing the brand of camera. I know axis makes great cameras for the right situation. In my case of coverage in a building, I can choose a mixture of axis cameras to meet the budget. The mixture would have to be a few mega pixel cameras for the large areas and a few standard definition ones in the smaller areas. Another issue is the software from Axis is expensive. (I know there are a couple of cheap solutions to the axis NVR software) For the money, I can get Acti cameras (17 of them) for a reasonable price (all megapixel) with the works. (3511 and 1511 models with WDR, IR etc) The infrastructure can handle the load and the free software that comes with the Acti products is a nice plus. Any real world experience from the forum members between choosing which brand of camera? How has the acti experience been so far? Any and all opinions are welcome. HELP! Tom

I was asked to look into this for a client. (I really normally do server, large wireless networks, infrastructure stuff) but have done analog camera installations for other clients when need be. So I do have experience installing cameras here and there. This system is partially done already. Locations chosen, all ethernet run by another vendor and now its my task to have them get the cameras, put them in place and make the magic happen. For the price with ACTi I am able to spec a little overkill with the cameras. WDR, Spread Spectrum, Megapixel, and Varifocal. The TCM-3511 (dome) and TCM-1511 (bullet) have built in IR if the situation needs it too. Lots of nice options that can be enabled or disabled if need be. I do like the Axis products but the support issue you mentioned wouldn't be good. Not to mention that the price for all of the camera alone would be about 3 - 4 grand more. Tom

Thanks Chris for your input. I sort of put the ACTi in the middle of the road when looking at the videos off of youtube. What I worry about is reliability of these units, nobody wants to get back up that ladder and work on the camera after they're in, while I always expect things to happen. I just don't want it to happen too often if ever. Do they have issues with RMA'ing bad cameras? I presume that Axis supports their products better or the just tend to fail less often? Tom

I am in the same boat myself wanting to add a few good cameras around the house. Can you pm me what you recommend? TIA Tom