Designing a new install for APT office

[captainsae 0]

Hey everyone - 1st post here. I am trying to design a high definition cctv system for an apartment complex. After spending the past couple of weeks learning the ins and outs of what's out there, I'm still at a loss. The scenario is the main office needs 2 high def cameras - with audio - to monitor who walks in and to view the main counter. These need to be of good enough quality to edit and make videos. Outside there needs to be a ptz camera monitoring the parking lot and a bullet monitoring the mailboxes. These need to be of decent quality for evidence purposes. I want to set this guy up with a 8 ch dvr (or nvr) so there is a little room for expansion. I like the idea of hd sdi for compatability reasons but I can't seem to find cameras with audio. IP cameras are proving difficult because I can't seem to get a compatible system with a dvr put together (within budget - $2000.00). What would you guys recommend I look to for such a system?

[TipoFloe 0]

Hey everyone - 1st post here. I am trying to design a high definition cctv system for an apartment complex. After spending the past couple of weeks learning the ins and outs of what's out there, I'm still at a loss. The scenario is the main office needs 2 high def cameras - with audio - to monitor who walks in and to view the main counter. These need to be of good enough quality to edit and make videos. Outside there needs to be a ptz camera monitoring the parking lot and a bullet monitoring the mailboxes. These need to be of decent quality for evidence purposes. I want to set this guy up with a 8 ch dvr (or nvr) so there is a little room for expansion. I like the idea of hd sdi for compatability reasons but I can't seem to find cameras with audio. IP cameras are proving difficult because I can't seem to get a compatible system with a dvr put together (within budget - $2000.00). What would you guys recommend I look to for such a system?

 

If you're looking for an 8 channel system - with 2 HD cameras and 1 PTZ, you may want to reconsider your budget. But before we jump into conclusions, let's figure out what it is that you need exactly.

 

1. 2 HD cameras for the office with audio.

 

Are you suggesting HD cameras for the office because of the picture quality? What is the purpose of the cameras? If you only need to capture people's faces then any analog (non-HD) cameras will do as long as the DVR is recording at 720x240 (Half D1) or higher. Recording rate will have to adjust based on what tier DVR you purchase.

 

Covert audio recording is illegal in many states - so you may want to check with your local agency or attorney for verification.

 

3. PTZ camera for the parking lot

 

PTZ camera is useless unless someone is sitting at a desk and constantly monitoring and controlling the PTZ camera. Sure it sees far and you can move it around, but nowadays, it rarely justifies the cost. For a decent 18X zoom PTZ camera, you could probably get 4~6 cameras depending on the features, but it will cover far more grounds and not miss a spot. After all, while you're moving the PTZ camera around, you will not be able to see anything else...

 

Since I can't actively promote here, I'll provide the basics for your needs:

 

1. Hybrid DVR - 2 channel HD and 8 channel D1 - all real-time recording capable. Start off with 2HD cameras and 6 additional (SD) cameras and have 2 available for expansion later. (over $2K limit)

 

2. IP camera and NVR - you can get 6 to 8 channel mixed megapixel/SD IP cameras and an embedded NVR for under $2,000.

 

3. Hybrid NVR - up to 8 analog cameras and up to 8 VGA (640x480) resolution IP cameras.

 

4. You can always go all HD-SDI or all megapixel IP... but then again, it'd be over your budget.

 

The bottom line is to really understand what your client wants to achieve and then offer the best possible solution. You can always add the microphones separately and run them to the DVR without any problems.

 

Good luck!