tazo

Hi, new member here. I have already started to post some specific questions in other sections of this forum. But after I got this response from forum member Kiwi in the Introductions section, I figured this would be a good time to get some feedback whether my CCTV fundamentals are correct. From Kiwi: First of all, I am a Mac user. I know that a platform that only has 10% market share only has 10% of the software and hardware options available. Nothing against the PC but I would like to stay single platform on my network. Second, while I have done some CCTV research related to my work projects (architect), this is my first install, and it is for my home. So I originally figured that I would get four IP cameras and plug them into my home network and record to my computer (Mac Mini 1.83 Ghz Intel Core Duo). I did some research and found SecuritySpy, (securityspy. com) which is a viewing/recording application. After doing a bit more research on this forum, I'm starting to think that it might be good to not tax my home computer. So instead of constantly processing four cameras, I'd get a DVR to do the dirty work and either use remote viewing (which requires a Java based DVR) or the DVR's client software or 3rd party software, as I understand it. So, just so I stay on the right track, does this sound like I'm going in the right direction or should I stay small and just use my computer as a DVR. I suppose I could start with the computer for now and upgrade to the DVR (or network DVR?) when necessary. Oh yeah, I was originally planning on using SecuritySpy's automatic FTP uploading feature to safeguard the images/video, but if I use a DVR then it could be located in the garage or someplace remote. Also, my rough budget is $1000-$1250 on cameras and extra on a DVR and related accessories. Thoughts?

True, but unless I'm mistaken, the Axis 241Q runs between $600-$700. At that price I might as well sell the free analog cameras and purchase IP cameras that would talk native to the rest of my network. I believe I would have to find a less expensive encoder to make those free cameras worth while.

So I scored two free analog cameras plus a Pelco exterior housing: Panasonic WV CP224, color 330 Lines of resolution 1/3" CCD, 1.1 LUX Tamron 1/3", 2.8-12mm, 1:1.4, auto iris, aspherical lens No name camera model FC-62B (Chugai/Konica?) Black and White 380 Lines of resolution 1/3" CCD, 0.3 lux (F1.2) No name 4mm, 1:1.4 CS mount, manual lens I was originally going to go with an all IP network camera system. So, is intermixing analog and digital cameras a good idea? I was thinking of a quad processor, but the reduction in resolution would be a problem. Is there an inexpensive stand-alone device to digitize video from the two analogue cameras and make it available over the network? My current system setup is using my computer as a DVR, and is already up and running. The computer is small, so no PCI slots. I am starting to believe that even though I have two free analog cameras, the cost to integrate them into my system would have bought me two IP cameras. Plus, I could sell these and add more $ to my budget for cameras.

Yes, I will be using IP cams throughout. The use of switches instead of hubs is a good point; another member set me straight regarding this in another post. I would like the DVR to FTP the good stuff off site if possible; the software I mentioned above does have a FTP function, if I go the computer recording route. Right now I am trying to select cameras and determine bandwidth.

Thanks for the input. The software has all of the functions I need, but I'm not sure if it can control a DVR. I am going to email the company regarding this. I may have to get different software if I add a DVR to the mix.

I'm looking for an ethernet hub (wired or wireless) that has at least 4 ports that are PoE. I'm having trouble finding one that doesn't cost a few hundred dollars. The only one I've found is the TRENDnet TPE-S44, but it's discontinued. The individual PoE power injectors are pretty cheap and I'm wondering if I'm better off simply powering each ethernet line separatly and forget the all-in-one hub/PoE device. Any thoughts?

I am trying to figure the requirements for a fixed IP camera that would record people approaching a front door at about 8 ft distance. The camera will be outdoors, so varying light conditions, but there will be a constant 60W light source. I need to be able to identify faces. Obviously I don't need a really high resolution, extremely low Lux level and IR, but I'm not sure what would be reasonable camera requirements to start with in this location.

Good point, I did not know that. There are tons of lens calculator sites out there. Do you have a favorite?

Hi all, I have recently found this forum while searching for CCTV cameras and enclosures for my job, which is in architecture. This site is an incredibly valuable source of information! While I first discovered this site for work, I am primarily focused in installing my own system at home based on Macintosh hardware and SecuritySpy client software. I know that the industry somewhat frowns on the Macintosh, rather preferring the PC and ActiveX based control. However, I'd rather not mix up my platforms on my network any more than necessary. Thanks, and I'm looking forward to joining in on the conversations. Thomas

Kiwi, those are some good questions; and I'm trying to sort them out as I'm new to this. I appreciate any input. I have posted my reply in the 'System Design' section as its more appropriate there, i think.

Ahh... good point about the hub vs. switch issue. Thomas, regarding low end PoE equipment, what do I look for in the specs. that would indicate what is low vs. high end?

ak357, Thanks, that is what I was looking for. I will plan on 50-70 pixels of horizontal resolution or better. CameraGimp, good point about the field of view. The camera would have a tight field of view and would need to cover only 5 ft of width at that 8 ft distance. I took a photo of the view (cannot post it yet since I'm a newbie) and with the camera's 5.8 mm lens I would only need 1/2 to 2/3 of the image width. I did a quick check and with 480 horizontal lines of resolution, I will have about twice the minimum mentioned for face recognition. Thanks. I still am not sure about the low light requirements.

Not bad... I'll look into it. Apparently the TRENDnet TPE-S44 hub I found is not discontinued, and is still available for $70. Any pitfalls I should look for, like camera power consumption or voltage requirements?