New system need advise.

[WW_Chad 0]

Hello everyone, I am looking to install a 16 camera cctv system. I know 16 cameras will provide the coverage I need and already have my camera locations set out. This is going to be the first system I will be installing. I have been researching different 16 channel systems and want to go with a stand alone DVR. While looking at different packages I have found some products that I was thinking of going with. I am hoping that you guys who know your stuff will help me out with picking the right components and steering me away from junk.

 

Ill start off with my cameras I was thinking about using: Sony csp-20s HAD CCD dome camera, monalisa. The DVR I was looking at is the CCTV Security Pros "Extreme Series" DVR. The cameras will be mounted on beams around 12' up looking down isles. I am not looking for movie quality but to be able to see hands and get a good face shot would be great. The DVR would be recording non stop during the day and if possible switch to motion sensing recording at night to save DVR space. Also I want to be able to view this from my iphone and any other computer, along with have a live feed on a monitor for other people to see.

 

I want to use a central power supply located in the same room as the DVR. I am on the fence for cabling. Some of my runs are going to get complicated so a coax and power cable would be bulky, and all my cable runs will be less than 100'. I am thinking about using cat5 and baluns for power and video in once smaller compact cable. This system will be upgraded eventually I am sure so cat5 my be better for long term use?

My budget is $4,000 for this project. Please let me know your ideas and how you feel about the cameras and DVR I was looking at. I am open to any and all suggestions. I am trying to avoid making a mistake of buying the wrong stuff or ending up with a crapy system. I hope your knowledge can help me. If this project goes well I have several other locations I will be installing cameras at as well. Thank You Chad.

[tomcctv 190]

hi. had a look at your link system. 16 way and all is good.

 

the CNBs are only fix lens good for your isles but you might also think of swapping a few of the kit cames for some Varifocals around your cash areas and entry/exits. you also should make cash area and doorway vandal domes something like CNB VCB-24VF

[WW_Chad 0]

Thank you for the advice. Please excuse my ignorance but by varied focal length, I can zoom in and out while still recording or in playback? Because I have some places that give a broad view along with my entry and exit door and cash registers that could benefit from the varied focal length like you suggested. Also I could not find the camera you gave em a model number for. What is the difference in the normal monalisa domes compared to the ones you suggested? Thank You

[groovyman 0]

I believe tomcctv meant CNB VCM-24VF.

 

Those CSP-20S cameras are actually the CNB DFL-20S which you can find for around $50-$60. I've used them, like them, but also have a few issues with them in certain lighting conditions. I think they're worth the price though.

 

The VCM-24VF gives you a lot more functionality. They come with a varifocal lens that allow you to set the field of view from 2.8-10.5mm when the camera is being installed (can set a wide or close shot as needed) where the other is fixed at 3.8mm - install it and that's it, you see what you see.

 

Varifocal does not allow you to zoom in while recording or in live view - for that you would need a PTZ camera (PTZ = Pan Tilt Zoom), although the DVR may allow you to zoom in, but that's digital zoom, not optical. Varifocal allows you to set the field of view when you're installing, and once it's set, it's set, unless you physically change it on the camera later.

[shockwave199 0]

This dvr would be in serious contention for me-

 

http://www.dahuasecurity.com/English/product_info.aspx?type=349&&css=1&&id=34

 

And 16 of these cameras would do you well-

 

CNB VCM-24VF

 

With the shipping, cabling, power box and maybe a new monitor, figure your max of 4k with gear such as that- perhaps even a bit over. Those cameras would allow you to set your field of view for the perfect zoom and focus. Set it and forget it- all quality gear such as you want.

 

The DVR would be recording non stop during the day and if possible switch to motion sensing recording at night to save DVR space.

Not sure that can be done with a schedule. You can schedule times of day for recording, but you'll have to confirm if the dvr of choice allows for scheduling the type of recording to change via a schedule. My guess is you'll have trouble finding that option. You're probably looking at either motion recording full time or just full time recording 24/7. I'd keep it on motion 24/7, in which you'll still benefit from motion recording even during a busy day at times and absolutley benefit from less activity throughout the night.

 

If this project goes well I have several other locations I will be installing cameras at as well

If I understand you correctly, a consideration when choosing your dvr is it's remote viewing software and if it's a central management program, where you can conveniently view multiple systems of the same type dvr from different locations all within that software. That's typically a proprietary software for the dvr system itself. It's not completely necessary- you can still remotely view any number of systems via web based application. But if you're serious about installing the same system in multiple locations such as a chain of stores, having the dvr support it's own central management software [CMS] is a real plus and something to at least consider. Whether that's a deal breaker in a choice of dvr's is up to you and how many total systems you'd be installing for your businesses. Good luck.

[groovyman 0]

 

The DVR would be recording non stop during the day and if possible switch to motion sensing recording at night to save DVR space.

Not sure that can be done with a schedule. You can schedule times of day for recording, but you'll have to confirm if the dvr of choice allows for scheduling the type of recording to change via a schedule. My guess is you'll have trouble finding that option. You're probably looking at either motion recording full time or just full time recording 24/7. I'd keep it on motion 24/7, in which you'll still benefit from motion recording even during a busy day at times and absolutley benefit from less activity throughout the night.

 

The specs of the 16CH Dahua says it can record Continuous or Motion on a schedule. I would read through the manual, or talk with someone who's used the system to be sure though.

 

I personally really like being able to set recording on a schedule between always and motion and I use it very often. But, straight motion detection tends to drive me nuts during multicam playback - sometimes single cam playback too. That's why I looked for a DVR that has a "smart recording" feature that will record continuously, but at a lower framerate when there's no motion and a higher framerate when motion is detected. To me, that's the best of both worlds.