carlos_m1

I am trying to design a CCTV system for the house. (Thinking 4- 6 cameras should do the trick) I am not crazy about the idea of running RCA from each camera to the computer, it would (I Think) be messy, and also force me to keep my computer in one spot. (Going wireless would be a problem due to battery replacement). So, I was looking at the Balun Network Transceiver 1EK - thinking I could run Cat5 network cable from a camera to the PC. That part seems rather easy for 1 camera over an existing LAN... Now, If I can plug a few (4-6) of them into a router (or Switch) I could plug that into the house network and monitor from any PC in the house (Or if I could hook it into one, I could use remote desktop software to hook to that PC). Idea is to run the whole thing over my Network without having to hook each camera directly into a PC card. (Having monitoring abilities over the Internet would be a nice touch, but not required) It works on paper... I figure somebody has done this... Looking for Ideas, suggestions, advice, or to be pointed in the right direction.... (And Recommendations on parts, software etc would also be appreciated) Thanks, Carl

Thanks... I knew there had to be a way for the basic idea to work. Any suggestions for a video server? Also curious - Questioning if I can put the server in the attic (Hot) and drop a line to the LAN thinking the attic would probably be too hot to do that without problems.

Yes, I have Network all over house. Yes, I recognize that baluns don't have anything to do with networking. I didn't want to Run from Each Camera to PC - was hoping to Plug into Router (Hoping Router could assign IP no to Baluns Or Possibly using something like a 4 Port IP Network Video Server 9100b and Avoid IP Camera - no objection to IP cameras - but bigger selection with no IP) and use one cable to PC (or preferably over LAN ). Then Hook into Computer for monitor, and record to DVD if anything happens. (Don't know if I need a multi channel DVR - can get a DVR card for about 200 for the PC - no objection to getting the correct equipment) Could run CAT 5 Cable easier than RCA, CAT 5 would require me to use duel Wall jack (one out for networking , one out for Baluns) instead of making fresh holes. Looks like I must use IP Cameras...