i've been tasked with purchasing and setting up a dvr system for security. we have 4 buildings on property, with fiber between them (10/100 switch to 100mbit -> fiber adapters to fiber -> 100mbit adapters to 10/100 switch). i'm looking for a max of 8 cameras, including 2 ip cameras. i'd like to have a dvd-rw also. we do have an alarm system with infrared intrusion beam thingie along the back of the property, sensors on 1 of 3 gates, and most doors, and 2 front gates unguarded.
i assume baluns could replace the 2 ip cameras if need be... i think we have a few copper runs empty between buildings, but i'd prefer not to use them if possible due to lightning issues.
we have a rack here that would make a good home for the dvr system. pc based is preferable since i'm the (only) IT guy. i have no os preference for the dvr, but our systems here are mixed linux(xen, openfiler, and debian) and windows server. building the system myself is a definate possibility and i'm currently browsing hardware and 4u cases.
are the different softwares that come with dvr cards basically the same quality wise? do they all support ip cameras and regular cameras?
does anyone have any recommendations?
hardware wise i was thinking a core2duo or quad, and soft raid5 setup. how much space does the typical dvr require to store video? MB/hr? GB/day? h.264 is smaller but $$$ right?
we're looking to spend between $2200 and $2800 for the system and 4 cameras for now.
mods: please move this if it's in the wrong forum.
