Comparing systems and Encoders

[nyckylim 0]

Hi Everyone,

 

After wandering around the mall for almost 8 hours straight today, I finally came up with 2 setups.

 

• Mini ITX Board
  Gigabyte H67N-USB3-B3 w/ HDMI out --- $239
  Intel Core i3 2100 3.1Ghz --- $120
  4GB Ram --- $45
  2TB SATA HD --- $120
  Total --- $524
  

 

• Micro ATX Board
  Asus P5G41T-M LX --- $65
  Intel DualCore E5700 --- $75
  4GB Ram --- $45
  2TB SATA HD --- $120
  Palit 8400GS HDMI Video Card --- $47
  Total --- $352

 

And finally, instead of using the PCI input card, I decided to go ahead and purchase a video server so that I can use it with ExacqVision.

 

I would be using ACTi ACD-2000Q. Does anyone have a cheaper alternative that is supported by ExacqVision ?

 

Question is, which of the setup would you choose if you are setting up for a NVR in my scenario where there are 4 analog cameras and 2 IP cameras ?

 

Thank you

Nycky

[thewireguys 3]

Where are you getting the Exacq licenses from?

[nyckylim 0]

I've yet to decide where to get the Exacqvision.

 

Initially I wanted to use a PCI capture card. However, I found out that exacqvision does not support PCI cards on PCs.

 

Therefore I decided to look towards purchasing a video encoder.

 

Any tips on the choice of either Mini ITX or Micro ATX?

Also any tips on an alternative video server?

 

Thank you

Nycky

[Voipmodo 0]

I would avoid Exacqvision like the plague.

 

Look at Geovision which has encoder cards and an ok software package or dvr/nvr units from Openeye or others.

[cglaeser 0]

Also any tips on an alternative video server?

 

Axis makes excellent video servers, but they are pricey. Also, the new 4 port models have 4 IP addresses, which requires 4 Exacq licenses. The older versions have one IP address for 4 ports, so there is a savings there.

 

Also be aware that Exacq is releasing a new low-priced license sometime this month. Don't yet know all the details, but I'm guessing it will do everything you need, and pricing is perhaps $50 per camera.

 

I went through the same analysis you did on a new project, and in the end, am leaning towards the EL-S 8. It's pricey compared to Costco, but I already have Exacq at another site, and I can use a client to monitor multiple sites. Exacq has all the features I need. YMMV.

 

Best,

Christopher

[cglaeser 0]

I would avoid Exacqvision like the plague.

 

Due to cost? Or something else?

 

Best,

Christopher

[nyckylim 0]

I was looking towards ExacqVision because of it's iPad and iPhone app which looks really sleek and cool and most importantly, Macintosh compatibility.

 

I've been trying so hard just to stick with exacqvision vms from upgrading my budget for PCI card to a video server. Therefore, if this final ACTi budget video server (ACD-2000Q) does not work with the exacqvision, I think I'm going to have to give up on exacqvision unless someone can suggest an alternative to help me.

 

As for the hardware issues, do u guys think I should go for the Micro ATX or the Mini ITX board?

 

Thank you

Nycky

[Sawbones 0]

Somebody already mentioned it, but the Axis 241Q servers are pretty good for putting analog cams on your network... 4-ports, and practically every software suite out there recognizes it.

 

They go used on Ebay for about 400-450 bones, all day long. One of our members here was selling a few of those a couple of months ago in that same price range (think they all sold).

[cglaeser 0]

They go used on Ebay for about 400-450 bones, all day long.

 

Yeah, I've been watching them, and that's the current range. One was at about $250 a couple days ago, but I expect it went higher by the end of the bidding. I was thinking to getting two and creating an 8 cameras system. Too bad the new ones are so pricey. Would make a nice Exacq solution.

 

Best,

Christopher

[nyckylim 0]

As for other alternatives, I would prefer something of a lower cost and not more expensive.

 

The only "cheapest" solution i can come up with is to get the PCI card for my analog cameras and install BlueIris ($50) based on Buellwinkle's suggestion.

 

Any other solutions ?

[thewireguys 3]

As for other alternatives, I would prefer something of a lower cost and not more expensive.

 

The only "cheapest" solution i can come up with is to get the PCI card for my analog cameras and install BlueIris ($50) based on Buellwinkle's suggestion.

 

Any other solutions ?

 

 

You need to ask yourself. Do you want cheap or something what will work and do what you need. Your computer specs are fine and I second the Axis encoder they work very well with Exacq.

[Nimrod 0]

“The only "cheapest" solution i can come up with is to get the PCI card for my analog cameras and install BlueIris ($50) based on Buellwinkle's suggestion.”

 

I fought with Blue Iris for a month or so and gave up. If you put an IP camera on it higher than 640x480 it can not handle the input. It works good with analog cameras if you buy the expensive Bluecherry BTTV cards. The 4 channel card works good and the 8 channel card i think works but have not been able to confirm that you can run all channels at full speed. Also you can only use one card in the system even if it is Bluecherry.

 

If i remember correctly i also got it to work with the cheap “pico” 4 input BTTV card, that card will give you about 4fps if you use all inputs. And you must use XP for any of these cards to work properly.

 

Blue Iris is $50 and unfortunately you get a $50 program.

[nyckylim 0]

Of course if given a chance, I would like a solution in which allows for CHEAPEST and WORKABLE to be together. I'm sure everyone would agree with me.

 

Based on most of the posts, I can conclude that most people are recommending the Axis 241Q priced at almost $1000. With that amount of money, I can easily purchase 1 or 2 more IP cameras. Therefore, if possible, yes, I might be trying to be a cheapo, but it would be great to be able to save even $500. eBay is also not an option as I've had really bad experience from the second hand market and eBay.

 

Based on where i am located at,

ACTi SED2300Q is approx. $300

ACTi ACD2000Q is approx. $500

Axis 241Q is approx. $1000

 

Wishes are wishes, however, in reality, i guess it might not be as simple as it seems. One thing to note which might be significant, is that I do not need audio for my encoder, if that could save me some money.

 

Therefore, the 2 solutions I am left with are:

1) Milestone Xprotect with either SED2300Q/ACD2000Q/241Q

2) exacqVision VMS with 241Q

 

Please advise.

 

I apologise for my long- windedness but i hope that you guys can understand that i am trying to save as much money as possible. I genuinely thank everyone for their replies and hope that I am able to come to a conclusion soon.

 

P.S: MicroATX or MiniItx for NVR ?

 

Thank you

Nycky

[cglaeser 0]

Based on most of the posts, I can conclude that most people are recommending the Axis 241Q priced at almost $1000. With that amount of money, I can easily purchase 1 or 2 more IP cameras.

 

If you are starting from scratch, I would suggest IP. With the new Exacq licensing to be released shortly, you can build or purchase your own box cheap, and put Exacq on it for a very reasonable price considering the breadth of features. The reason I was looking at the Axis video servers is I needed a drop in solution for 8 CCTV cameras that are already installed. In the end, it made more sense to look at the Exacq EL-S, but again, that's because the CCTV cameras were already installed. At another site, I'm running Exacq on a Linux HP Z200, and it works great. I can run clients virtually anywhere (the clients are free) and see all the cameras for multiple locations, including my iPhone or iPad or Andriod (those apps are free too). The web browser works great, with no need for ActiveX. That means I can walk into any hotel lobby, pull up a browser, and see any of my cameras anywhere.

 

Best,

Christopher

[thewireguys 3]

Based on where i am located at,

ACTi SED2300Q is approx. $300

ACTi ACD2000Q is approx. $500

Axis 241Q is approx. $1000

 

 

Axis Q7404 is $1099 the Axis 241Q is $799 new. I have a 241Q that has less then one hour on it that I will let go for $500 if your interested.

[Sawbones 0]

Based on where i am located at,

ACTi SED2300Q is approx. $300

ACTi ACD2000Q is approx. $500

Axis 241Q is approx. $1000

 

 

Axis Q7404 is $1099 the Axis 241Q is $799 new. I have a 241Q that has less then one hour on it that I will let go for $500 if your interested.

 

There you have it... TWG just saved you $500, and that's not an unreasonable price for a practically-new encoder. You also get to avoid Ebay (I've dealt with TWG several times through here, and he's never failed to deliver).

 

I'd be interested in hearing more about the new Exacq licensing and features... got a link?

[cglaeser 0]

I'd be interested in hearing more about the new Exacq licensing and features... got a link?

 

See "Start VMS" at https://www.exacq.com/blog/2011/04/13/report-from-isc-west-2011/

 

Best,

Christopher

[Sawbones 0]

I'd be interested in hearing more about the new Exacq licensing and features... got a link?

 

See "Start VMS" at https://www.exacq.com/blog/2011/04/13/report-from-isc-west-2011/

 

Best,

Christopher

 

Exactly what I was looking for... thanks!

 

************ Edit ************

 

That might be worth it just for the mobile client. I'm using IPcam Viewer under Android right now... and it's pretty good... but it might be nice to have an enterprise-grade mobile client.

[cglaeser 0]

but it might be nice to have an enterprise-grade mobile client.

 

The new free app developed by Exacq is good, but IMO, the original $49 third-party app was better because it could zoom. I have both loaded on my phone, and always use the original. I submitted a request to speed up the new app, and add zoom. They did release the speed up. No word yet on when they will implement zoom.

 

Best,

Christopher

[mike_va 0]

Based on my experience with an Acti camera (and occasional pixelation that occurs on none of my Axis cams/encoders), I would avoid them and go with Axis which work well (I use 241 and 243's). Axis has been in the game a while, and has decent support if you need it.

 

Blue Iris demo worked fine with my Axis P1344 at full res. Guy was super responsive to questions. May eventually buy to get the audio recording capability.

 

Other options are Vitamin D which I still love using just because it makes reviewing events so easy, but has limitations. To me it is worth every penny.

 

Milestone also has free 8 ch NVR software but only played with briefly.

[Nimrod 0]

“Blue Iris demo worked fine with my Axis P1344 at full res.”

 

In your camera setup set FPS to 15 or 20 FPS, then go to blue iris and try to capture those frames. What i find and others on there forum is that blue iris will use a lot of cpu and only capture about 4 FPS. To check what fps blue iris is capturing at right click on the camera video and select stats. Also verify in blue iris in the video setup menu that you are at 1MP and not at the default 640x480.

[mike_va 0]

In your camera setup set FPS to 15 or 20 FPS, then go to blue iris and try to capture those frames. What i find and others on there forum is that blue iris will use a lot of cpu and only capture about 4 FPS. To check what fps blue iris is capturing at right click on the camera video and select stats. Also verify in blue iris in the video setup menu that you are at 1MP and not at the default 640x480.

 

Unfortunately the demo ran out, and I have not made a decision. I did verify the resolution, but did not check the playback FPS. Good to know if I decide to go that route. Thanks.

[Sawbones 0]

In terms of pure bang-for-your-buck, you're probably looking at Luxriot, or Milestone Xprotect Essential. They roughly work out to 40-50$ per channel (though the 16-channel Luxriot is a significant bargain at about $5-600).

 

It will be interesting to see what Exacqvision asks for their new licensing plan.

 

I don't know too many people who are up for a $200/channel VMS, no matter how nice the software might be. Seems to me that's strictly for enterprise.

 

Unfortunately, when it comes to performance-oriented residential systems, there's quite a gap between the usual analog system-in-a-box Qsee/Lorex/etc stuff, and an IP system with a $200-per-channel enterprise VMS suite. Luxriot and Milestone fit into that gap, but it would be nice to have a few more players.

[thewireguys 3]

It will be interesting to see what Exacqvision asks for their new licensing plan.

 

$50 per camera.

[Sawbones 0]

It will be interesting to see what Exacqvision asks for their new licensing plan.

 

$50 per camera.

 

Does that also apply to their Linux version, or that strictly a windows price?