altworld 0 Posted March 3, 2004 Hello everyone. I know almost nothing about the technical aspects of CCTV systems but I do know that I need one and am seeking to educate myself. I own a retail store (1800 sq ft 20 x 90). I would like to have 4-5 cameras with a split screen monitor. I don't need fancy bells and whistles but want a solid system (not junk). I will probably move in 3 years to a 3000 sq ft place so it needs to be not maxed out. I imagine that video tape is on the way out and digital imaging is the way to go. A local salesman has suggested a system from Canada called Secure One for $3500 installed and that seems a bit overpriced but I dont know. I was figuring to spend $1K-$2K. I need some general guidelines and a place to start because I'm not sure what questions I need to be asking. Can anyone offer some advice or a good website to educate myself on the basics, pros and cons of choosing a system? Thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AVCONSULTING 0 Posted March 4, 2004 Here are a couple of sites to look at to get some general ideas. $3500 isn't an unreasonable price depending on how many cameras you get and if it includes a decent DVR. http://www.at-fairfax.com/ http://www.directlvs.com/ What area is your store located? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
altworld 0 Posted March 4, 2004 Thanks for the sites. I am eager to check them out. Our store is on the east coast, Baltimore. The system they proposed has 4 cameras and a 120GB hard disk, CD recorder, integrated AGP video, 10/100 adapter using motion detection and HM (MPEG-4 like proprietary to SecureOne)compression with 320 x 240 resolution. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
qman 0 Posted March 4, 2004 Sounds good, except for the resolution, Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AVCONSULTING 0 Posted March 4, 2004 What specific DVR are they including? Yes 320x240 may not be high enough resolution. You should try and get a DVR that can give you 640x480 as an option. That way you can go to a higher resolution if needed. The drawback though is you use twice as much hard drive space. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zac 0 Posted March 9, 2004 Hello everyone. I know almost nothing about the technical aspects of CCTV systems but I do know that I need one and am seeking to educate myself. I own a retail store (1800 sq ft 20 x 90). I would like to have 4-5 cameras with a split screen monitor. I don't need fancy bells and whistles but want a solid system (not junk). I will probably move in 3 years to a 3000 sq ft place so it needs to be not maxed out. I imagine that video tape is on the way out and digital imaging is the way to go. A local salesman has suggested a system from Canada called Secure One for $3500 installed and that seems a bit overpriced but I dont know. I was figuring to spend $1K-$2K. I need some general guidelines and a place to start because I'm not sure what questions I need to be asking. Can anyone offer some advice or a good website to educate myself on the basics, pros and cons of choosing a system? Thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zac 0 Posted March 9, 2004 Hello everyone. I know almost nothing about the technical aspects of CCTV systems but I do know that I need one and am seeking to educate myself. I own a retail store (1800 sq ft 20 x 90). I would like to have 4-5 cameras with a split screen monitor. I don't need fancy bells and whistles but want a solid system (not junk). I will probably move in 3 years to a 3000 sq ft place so it needs to be not maxed out. I imagine that video tape is on the way out and digital imaging is the way to go. A local salesman has suggested a system from Canada called Secure One for $3500 installed and that seems a bit overpriced but I dont know. I was figuring to spend $1K-$2K. I need some general guidelines and a place to start because I'm not sure what questions I need to be asking. Can anyone offer some advice or a good website to educate myself on the basics, pros and cons of choosing a system? Thanks! Hi ! If you want not expensive and reliable system go to the www.nacsit.com. May be you can find something there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cctv_down_under 0 Posted March 12, 2004 I hate to be opinionated but there is no such thing as inexpensive and good, you get what you pay for...$3,500 is a good price and should be mid range, the resolution is small at 320x240 though Share this post Link to post Share on other sites