all-eyes-open

Hello to all!! This is the second forum I have been on. I am truly clueless on security systems, and it gets more overwhelming and confusing the more I look. SO, I will be looking and lurking and posting for some answers, and I am sure manu of my questions would belong in a "beating a dead horse" section, but I hope to learn alot. I am not electrically inclined, but hope to become so. So, I ask for patience and an occasional eye-rolling is OK. all-eyes-open!

John-- We are south of Pittsburgh (aka, Steeler Country). I was hoping there would be a place of business we could visit, that sold and installed security systems. If there is someone/something you know, it would be great!! I will try to do some forum reading today, as long as cleaning. Thanks all of you who have replied!!

Hello all!! Wow, this will be a second forum (other is hot tubs) that I will be on!! Here is my scenario--we live in a nice residential neighborhood that includes you garden variety teens that like to cause trouble--I know things could be worse--no one is getting shot at, but I also don't want anything stolen again, or my house tick tacked without proof on who did it. SO, my hubby and I are looking into wireless systems--we both have decided we like the Astak wireless system for $179 on Walmart. We would like a DVR and a monitor of sorts to hook it up. Me, being a chick and all--thinks that a TV/Monitor is going to show what the cables connected tell it to show--that if we want 4 channels (we do) to show up, all it depends on is cables,... Now, we have no real expert in our area to 'splain all this. Nutshell--I want 4 cameras, which will include 2 receivers, a DVR and a monitor---can I just purchase ANY dvr/monitor/tv?? Will I need specific cables?? Or, do I need specific items that can show 4 channels on screen, that will be able to record each screen vs all 4 at one time?? (yes, motion activated would be nice). Thanks, I will have to keep reading==I just found this forum!! All help is super-duper appreciated--- eyes addendum--I would like to purchase a monitor/tv/dvr system-whatever combo-that I can view 4 channels and record (pref motion activated) as well, for around $500 (since th cameras will run about $360) or can I just buy a general laptop (with dvr capabilites) and cables?? Thanx again!

Here is our basic needs, best as I can describe. Again, being clueless to the brands (and I don't want to get caught up purely in brand recognition), I was hoping Astak was a decent brand--despite where it is sold--I realize many good brands make cheap models. Our plans our for wireless, no one really electronically savvy here-so no routing of cables. We are hoping to place some cameras under soffit, and having the monitoring system on the main floor of our house. To answer the "wireless phone" question, our phones are 5.8 Ghz. We would prefer a wireless system. Price wise--we would like to keep things under $1000 installed and ready. Our basic needs are to monitor our house, we have also had some vandalism from some local teens, and would like the proof on video. In addition, I like to have the "extra eyes". I am looking at night to see 30-50 feet, any further would then be onto neighbors' property. Color cameras and audio are definate pluses. We would like a 4 camera system with a 4 channel monitor (that can see all 4 cameras at once) and some sort of recording device (dvr pref.) I have a TV (LCD) but have thought about just having a laptop or regular desktop with DVR capability if that would work. I don't know if that would suffice, and what kind of cables I would need if it could work. An all-in-one system would be ideal. I have never looked at Costco==but I will scope it out. I attempted to have a link to the Walmart site, but was under 5 posts=so that failed. I guess, we want a primo system for under $1000. Astak CM-906D2 is the model we are looking at. Thanks all!! "eyes"

Thomas--good name, BTW-- Thanks for your reply, though I need to be sure, I have noticed some wireless systems can run from a 9 volt battery--I know I'd be going through alot of batteries then. On that note, do wired systems require an electrical outlet for each camera as well, or does the cable (Siamese?) supply the power?? I am guessing the latter is the answer. I do have a nurse I work with whose new hubby does wiring for sound systems and such, I think I may talk to her about pricing install for a wired system, we have attic accessibility to the room where the monitoring would be, but through drywall. But the attic doesn't extend to parts of the house that would also need wired. I also have calls to ADT and Guardian, since I cannot seem to find a local dealer just in security systems--if there are some in the Pgh PA area, let me know, all!! I know this may be a loaded question, but here goes, and I have the general scenario as well played out under "DVR'S" too, sorry-- What are the brands to look at out there? Seems Lorex has good comments on sites Ihave been on, Swann seems to have a love it or hate it rep by comments I've read. Since I am currently eyeing the Astak system--curious on their rep. Again, looking to be under $1000/complete. Thanks, all, for bearing with me, I know I still need to read more. Gotta get back to work, in the meantime!! --eyes--

Hello all!! Wow, this will be a second forum (other is hot tubs) that I will be on!! Here is my scenario--we live in a nice residential neighborhood that includes you garden variety teens that like to cause trouble--I know things could be worse--no one is getting shot at, but I also don't want anything stolen again, or my house tick tacked without proof on who did it. SO, my hubby and I are looking into wireless systems--we both have decided we like the Astak wireless system for $179 on Walmart. We would like a DVR and a monitor of sorts to hook it up. Me, being a chick and all--thinks that a TV/Monitor is going to show what the cables connected tell it to show--that if we want 4 channels (we do) to show up, all it depends on is cables,... Now, we have no real expert in our area to 'splain all this. Nutshell--I want 4 cameras, which will include 2 receivers, a DVR and a monitor---can I just purchase ANY dvr/monitor/tv?? Will I need specific cables?? Or, do I need specific items that can show 4 channels on screen, that will be able to record each screen vs all 4 at one time?? (yes, motion activated would be nice). Thanks, I will have to keep reading==I just found this forum!! All help is super-duper appreciated--- eyes

I don't believe I answered this question before-- There is not a lot of light on my street--there are no street lights, just an occasional house light/light post, and our primary landscape lighting is solar. Not to keep rambling-bear with me-as far as checking "local" dealers--I haven't really found anything in my area that deal just with security systems other that ADT/Guardian (as mentined earlier). I would love to be able to walk into a dealer's store and become edubicated heehee. I have looked and walked into Radio Shack--not much there, Swann was their only wireless system and I have not read good reviews. The Astak system I am currently debating on had one review by a customer who was pleased thus far. I think 4 channel is fine for my needs-pref. Motion Sense recording, though there are 2 trees in my front lawn, and if that causes a recording to occur, well--I guess I will go through alot of memory. I know there are ways to delete prior recordings not needed--will learn as I go. I have no doubt!! hee hee!! Electronically I am undereducated. ICU nursing--my cup o' tea. SO, on that note, gotta get back to work. --eyes--

What is funny, is, the only other forum I have been on is Hot Tubs (even though I currently don't own one, have been looking to purchase) and it was just as overwhelming!! That doesn't even include the chemicals!! And when a newbie suggests they want a Walmart/Sams club/Costco spa, everyone goes nuts!! So, having checked out the Costco lineup--seems there is a lot of Q See and Clover--one other post about CLover DVR's wasn't positive--- THus-- I guess a general question is--What recommended brands in general are recommended?? I haven't googled anything yet, but I will, when I can. I am happy I found this forum, though,... hope I won't drive all of you nuts with my questions eyes--

Odd Ballz-- It does help alot, thoug I won't lie, it is overwhelming. The only reason I haven't gone with a "local" company, is, there are none I can find. I tried Verizon Superpages for Pgh area--little came up. I do have appointments with ADT and Guardian, if for nothing else, a general fire/sec. system. I will have to keep reading as I have time==working nights this w/e. Thanx again! eyes

BTW--forgot to add, I don't neccesarily need internet monitoring while away, record time is a plus. As far as reading the forum, I had to work last night, and was unable to do much reading. I will have to catch up on things. Now that I have 5 posts, I will attempt to supply the link-- Oops--error message=I haven't been a member 10 days yet, my bad.

Here is our basic needs, best as I can describe. Again, being clueless to the brands (and I don't want to get caught up purely in brand recognition), I was hoping Astak was a decent brand--despite where it is sold--I realize many good brands make cheap models. Our plans our for wireless, no one really electronically savvy here-so no routing of cables. We are hoping to place some cameras under soffit, and having the monitoring system on the main floor of our house. To answer the "wireless phone" question, our phones are 5.8 Ghz. We would prefer a wireless system. Price wise--we would like to keep things under $1000 installed and ready. Our basic needs are to monitor our house, we have also had some vandalism from some local teens, and would like the proof on video. In addition, I like to have the "extra eyes". I am looking at night to see 30-50 feet, any further would then be onto neighbors' property. Color cameras and audio are definate pluses. We would like a 4 camera system with a 4 channel monitor (that can see all 4 cameras at once) and some sort of recording device (dvr pref.) I have a TV (LCD) but have thought about just having a laptop or regular desktop with DVR capability if that would work. I don't know if that would suffice, and what kind of cables I would need if it could work. An all-in-one system would be ideal. I have never looked at Costco==but I will scope it out. I attempted to have a link to the Walmart site, but was under 5 posts=so that failed. I guess, we want a primo system for under $1000. Astak CM-906D2 is the model we are looking at. Thanks all!! "eyes"