QT518-1 Q-See 8 CH H.264 DVR With 1TB Hard Disk Drive

[Al Drake 0]

Does anyone have any opinions on this unit for a small home application? I have read here that some don't value Q-See very highly so if there are any alteratives I would appreciate comments on what I would be paying for is I spent more on a better DVR. I see a wide price range and variations so I am hoping someone can clear up any confusions.

 

Thanks.

 

Al

[Firefighter 0]

If I'm not mistaken Q-see, Qvis etc are rebranded Dahua DVRs.

 

You have to do a lil bit of research on the exact model you're buying to know what you're getting.

 

It all depends on your needs/wants.

 

I always thought "Something is better than nothing, analog will be fine"

 

And here I am after upgrading through two analog systems I sold mine and am going IP MP like everyone told me to do in the first place.

 

If it is a newer Dahua dvr rebranded It's great for the average homeowner. I had a 16ch system with 5 cameras hooked up and I installed a

1TB HD I bought from Bestbuy.

I bought my dvr from nellys. Best price I found for Analog dvr's.

Most Dvrs will have a max of 7.5 fps on all chan.

 

What is your Budget for the dvr, cameras or total.....

I'm newer but willing to try and help until the experts chime in.

[Al Drake 0]

If I'm not mistaken Q-see, Qvis etc are rebranded Dahua DVRs.

 

You have to do a lil bit of research on the exact model you're buying to know what you're getting.

 

It all depends on your needs/wants.

 

I always thought "Something is better than nothing, analog will be fine"

 

And here I am after upgrading through two analog systems I sold mine and am going IP MP like everyone told me to do in the first place.

 

If it is a newer Dahua dvr rebranded It's great for the average homeowner. I had a 16ch system with 5 cameras hooked up and I installed a

1TB HD I bought from Bestbuy.

I bought my dvr from . Best price I found for Analog dvr's.

Most Dvrs will have a max of 7.5 fps on all chan.

 

What is your Budget for the dvr, cameras or total.....

I'm newer but willing to try and help until the experts chime in.

 

Nice to meet you Firefighter and thanks for the response.

This is my first DVR but I did have a system with a Netpromax 4 channel then upgraded to an 8 channel card that had been running nicely 24/7 for years until the motherboard finally needed replacing. It was then that I ran into troubles and couldn't get everything back after adding the new board. I had found that Netpromax was out of business and just couldn't manage the reinstall. The other times I was able to speak to the guy who walked me thru setup. I have been doing without for about a year until I decided to spring for my first DVR.

 

My budget is wide open but that doesn't mean I am willing to toss megabucks into a setup that is overkill. I live in a nice area with low crime and I suppose I really have no need for any security but I got the bug one day and here I am. I will probably end up adding better cameras and eventually end up with all new hardware. I just didn't quite where to start so I hemmed and hawed for some time. From what I understand I have 30 fps on all channels so that will be nice.

 

I hope to learn as much as I can here and am grateful you responded. I hadn't had much luck so far. I guess being a simple hobbyist puts me at a disadvantage.

 

Feel free to post back informing me about everything you have and all that you learned over your time using your system.

 

I will be spending much of this weekend reading the manual and possibly ordering a few better cameras. I have these cameras:

 

Night Vision Security Camera, SONY Effio 700 TVL, 200ft IR

 

They seem to be better than others I have like the LX-69SH. I also have a couple of CBN B1000N4.3 cameras.

[shockwave199 0]

I'm a q-see user. I have a qs408, a lesser unit than the qt518, but I love the thing. I really think with any dvr, it comes down to getting a working one out of the box. No matter what you choose or how much you spend, that's not actually a given. I have lots of pics on my setup- have a look. May not be completely relevant, but it's q-see anyway.

[Firefighter 0]

No problem, we all start somewhere and I'm still new in my opinion too.

 

Before you start building your system, it's important to figure out which route you want to take.

 

Analog, IP MP. Of course, there is HD-SDI ( A Form of HD Analog ) However, Personally It's

either Analog or IP MP.

 

As many here, Once you put up one camera it's a bug that bites us all and it turns into a hobby.

However IMHO it's a hobby that's actually good. Security is important, Even in low crime areas.

It only takes one time for you to wish you had cameras.

 

Anyway,

 

Lots of reading and researching will be your best friend.

 

I'll help a little bit from what I've learned.

Personally, IP MP is the only way to go. I've had two Analog Systems and am now investing in IP MP

because the Picture is just So much better. I laugh at general Analog system When Comparing to IP MP.

 

I've found a NVR, (Network Video Recorder) DVRs are for Analog Systems.

 

I've found a Dahua NVR that is 8Chan, Records 1080P at 120 FPS Meaning all 8Ch will record 15 FPS each, at the same time. But, At first when I only have up to 4 cameras, I can use 30FPS until I add more.

 

It has many other features. Priced under $300. They also include POE 48V. (Power Over Ethernet, Meaning the NVR will be able to power the cameras up to 48V)

 

With the NVR out of the way, It's time to look at cameras.

 

Cameras depend on your needs. With an NVR, though; the downside is you are maxed out at 1080P resolution, about 2MP.

 

Mind you, a 600 TVL Analog Camera is about the same resolution as a 0.3 MP IP camera. So, a 2MP IP is so much better...

 

So, if you are ok with 1080P resolution, and 2MP, with 30fps on 4 cams or 15fps on all 8 which 15fps is pretty good. Should be plenty good.... Unless you find yourself really needing 30fps for some reason....

 

So, with the nvr having those restrictions/features, you need to look at cameras.

 

Budget, features, needs etc... You have to ask yourself those questions.

 

Sometimes it's hard because it's not clear what questions need to be asked...

 

What size of an area do you need to cover? Entire Yard, Front door step, Street, How big is the area?

 

Whats the purpose for that camera, Overall Area coverage? Detailed Face/person recognition, Seeing when the UPS guy delivers a package? Watching the kids jumping on the trampoline in the back yard...

 

What are the lighting conditions like in the area the camera will be used? Street light, House lights, etc....

 

Many questions.... Many options camera wise.

 

Some cameras have built in IR, Seems like Bullet cams sometimes perform better since the lens/ir can be divided

within the housing. Tho, if close enough to the ground someone can move the camera and then do something bad...

 

Personally myself I don't want to spend more than $300 per camera.

I don't know your budget, But I learned quickly to have anything worth anything, you get what you pay for in

the cctv game. While there are cameras that cost thousands, It's stupid for ME to pay that because I don't NEED

those cameras, Or can afford it. For my price range of course it means hunting, hunting for the best value....

Performance to Price value.... It's important when working with a low budget.

 

So, Once you figure out your budget you can begin looking at cameras. OR, you can see what you want and

then learn you budget if you need certain features.

 

For me personally, I've found that the Dahua Dahua IPC-HFW3200C 2MP IP camera is my best Value... at about $250 a pop....

 

I'm also looking at the 3300cn, it's 3MP so I'll be limited to 1080P and won't be able to take full advantage of the extra 1MP but it seems to be a tid bit sharper, larger sensor....... It's still under $300 from my source.....

 

PM me if you need the info, I'm no dealer or anything so i'm not making a penny. I'm just trying to help a new guy out like I am.

 

Of course there are thousands of options. But, let's take what we have talked about and go from there.....

[Al Drake 0]

I'm a q-see user. I have a qs408, a lesser unit than the qt518, but I love the thing. I really think with any dvr, it comes down to getting a working one out of the box. No matter what you choose or how much you spend, that's not actually a given. I have lots of pics on my setup- have a look. May not be completely relevant, but it's q-see anyway.

 

Thank you for your help and I really like your videos. I just watched them all and found them very helpful. I had seen one or two while on YouTube recently so it is nice to finally get acquainted with you. I had to show my wife but she is not as interested and started Kindle Jones'n so I had to let her do what she does best. Wives just aren't what they used to be.

 

I am interested in knowing the cost of the better cameras you have so I will have to do some searching for some good prices.

 

I look forward to learning more about your projects so I will be returning to your channel.

 

Thanks again.

[Al Drake 0]

No problem, we all start somewhere and I'm still new in my opinion too.

 

Before you start building your system, it's important to figure out which route you want to take.

 

Analog, IP MP. Of course, there is HD-SDI ( A Form of HD Analog ) However, Personally It's

either Analog or IP MP.

 

As many here, Once you put up one camera it's a bug that bites us all and it turns into a hobby.

However IMHO it's a hobby that's actually good. Security is important, Even in low crime areas.

It only takes one time for you to wish you had cameras.

 

Anyway,

 

Lots of reading and researching will be your best friend.

 

I'll help a little bit from what I've learned.

Personally, IP MP is the only way to go. I've had two Analog Systems and am now investing in IP MP

because the Picture is just So much better. I laugh at general Analog system When Comparing to IP MP.

 

I've found a NVR, (Network Video Recorder) DVRs are for Analog Systems.

 

I've found a Dahua NVR that is 8Chan, Records 1080P at 120 FPS Meaning all 8Ch will record 15 FPS each, at the same time. But, At first when I only have up to 4 cameras, I can use 30FPS until I add more.

 

It has many other features. Priced under $300. They also include POE 48V. (Power Over Ethernet, Meaning the NVR will be able to power the cameras up to 48V)

 

With the NVR out of the way, It's time to look at cameras.

 

Cameras depend on your needs. With an NVR, though; the downside is you are maxed out at 1080P resolution, about 2MP.

 

Mind you, a 600 TVL Analog Camera is about the same resolution as a 0.3 MP IP camera. So, a 2MP IP is so much better...

 

So, if you are ok with 1080P resolution, and 2MP, with 30fps on 4 cams or 15fps on all 8 which 15fps is pretty good. Should be plenty good.... Unless you find yourself really needing 30fps for some reason....

 

So, with the nvr having those restrictions/features, you need to look at cameras.

 

Budget, features, needs etc... You have to ask yourself those questions.

 

Sometimes it's hard because it's not clear what questions need to be asked...

 

What size of an area do you need to cover? Entire Yard, Front door step, Street, How big is the area?

 

Whats the purpose for that camera, Overall Area coverage? Detailed Face/person recognition, Seeing when the UPS guy delivers a package? Watching the kids jumping on the trampoline in the back yard...

 

What are the lighting conditions like in the area the camera will be used? Street light, House lights, etc....

 

Many questions.... Many options camera wise.

 

Some cameras have built in IR, Seems like Bullet cams sometimes perform better since the lens/ir can be divided

within the housing. Tho, if close enough to the ground someone can move the camera and then do something bad...

 

Personally myself I don't want to spend more than $300 per camera.

I don't know your budget, But I learned quickly to have anything worth anything, you get what you pay for in

the cctv game. While there are cameras that cost thousands, It's stupid for ME to pay that because I don't NEED

those cameras, Or can afford it. For my price range of course it means hunting, hunting for the best value....

Performance to Price value.... It's important when working with a low budget.

 

So, Once you figure out your budget you can begin looking at cameras. OR, you can see what you want and

then learn you budget if you need certain features.

 

For me personally, I've found that the Dahua Dahua IPC-HFW3200C 2MP IP camera is my best Value... at about $250 a pop....

 

I'm also looking at the 3300cn, it's 3MP so I'll be limited to 1080P and won't be able to take full advantage of the extra 1MP but it seems to be a tid bit sharper, larger sensor....... It's still under $300 from my source.....

 

PM me if you need the info, I'm no dealer or anything so i'm not making a penny. I'm just trying to help a new guy out like I am.

 

Of course there are thousands of options. But, let's take what we have talked about and go from there.....

 

Great post and thank you again. I do have to ask about your references to analog and IP MP. I can't determine if my DVR is something I will need to upgrade liked you did or not and if I have limits on what cameras I buy. Just what does IP MP mean?

I have found that the cameras I have my "Ultimate 700 TVL Resolution Bullet Security Camera 200ft IR Night Vision" are the best I have but I wonder if I should consider something better. I think your budget of around $300 per camera is well within my means. Maybe some better than others of my eight that I plan to set up.

 

Is your NVR more advanced than my Q-See 518-1 DVR? It does say it is D1 with 30 FPS on all channels but will I be able to connect something like a 1080p camera or should I stick with something lower res.?

 

The needs I have will vary depending on the placement whether in the rear or the front of the house. I want to put one on my garage that I removed. I have several 2.4 GHz receivers/Transmitters that I had to stop using because they were taking out a good portion of my neighborhood wireless connectivity and online gaming activities and even a few phones. I could post a long story about the troubles I was causing but I will save that for requests only. One guy next door actually bought a new laptop, router and finally switched IP providers before I was able to inform the new Fiber Optics guy that I was most likely the cause of all the problems. We ran tests for confirmation so now I have moved to 5.8 GHz wireless that seems to be ok. I can say that the cost and easy is well worth it over running cables to remote areas. I am actually considering connecting to one of those hunter cameras attached to a tree in the woods out back.

 

I do like the idea of looking for the UPS guy and the possibility of kids walking off with the packages and making sure the UPS guy stays off the trampoline.

 

I don't need to spend thousands but one or two nice ones would be fine with me. Maybe heated and whatever other features are available. I have considered putting up some IR lighting but am not sure if they are worth buying or building.

You are right, there is much to learn and will most likely end in over kill and becoming an obsession like most everything I get involved in.

 

I look forward to your responses.

 

Thanks.

Al.

[shockwave199 0]

I certainly understand the merits of mega pixel cameras. If budget allows, go for it. However I still think analog can provide plenty of quality and having installed my analog system a couple years ago, I do not feel I must pull down the whole system and install an MP system. I don't mean to persuade you to a lesser quality system at all. These days it's a good idea to run cat5 lines and install MP cameras. But the choice of an analog system doesn't have to equal a terrible choice either. It can be effective as well. The b&w camera [color, but has switched to b&w nearing night time] is a two year old 65 dollar gadspot that I stepped in front of just now and snapped a picture. It has provided excellent detailed shots and continues to do so. The other two shots are from my ptz and it's zoomed into those views a bit which are approximately 100' out. The difference is, if the camera was an MP camera which provides more pixels for detail, instead of needing to zoom the camera in for the shots in real time, you can take a wide shot and zoom in on the picture after snapping it and still have plenty of detail zoomed in. So yes, start with an MP system if that's what you demand from your system. But good quality with an analog system for residential is doable too, if that's enough. The choice is yours. Best advice- know how demanding you are about what you need to see, install the best gear you can first, and be done with it. Good luck.

 

 

[Al Drake 0]

I certainly understand the merits of mega pixel cameras. If budget allows, go for it. However I still think analog can provide plenty of quality and having installed my analog system a couple years ago, I do not feel I must pull down the whole system and install an MP system. I don't mean to persuade you to a lesser quality system at all. These days it's a good idea to run cat5 lines and install MP cameras. But the choice of an analog system doesn't have to equal a terrible choice either. It can be effective as well. The b&w camera [color, but has switched to b&w nearing night time] is a two year old 65 dollar gadspot that I stepped in front of just now and snapped a picture. It has provided excellent detailed shots and continues to do so. The other two shots are from my ptz and it's zoomed into those views a bit which are approximately 100' out. The difference is, if the camera was an MP camera which provides more pixels for detail, instead of needing to zoom the camera in for the shots in real time, you can take a wide shot and zoom in on the picture after snapping it and still have plenty of detail zoomed in. So yes, start with an MP system if that's what you demand from your system. But good quality with an analog system for residential is doable too, if that's enough. The choice is yours. Best advice- know how demanding you are about what you need to see, install the best gear you can first, and be done with it. Good luck.

 

I think the discussion should be more about the reality of actually seeing what you need to see in the extreme case of someone entering your home or violating your space. I can see clearly that you are looking at the camera and it is indeed you but what would you do if the "bad guy" had on a hoody and refused to look up? I have hidden cameras inside that email me a snapshot in addition to saving video. This all that really matters. That and a loud alarm that should deter any sane individual. LoJack on the car and bright lights that go off to alert my neighbors of intuders in the area. Conversations with everyone on the block if there is no watch group.

 

I will be the first to admit that most of what I have now and will have in the future is 99% hobby and 100% fun. I get more enjoyment out of watching the critters on the bird feeder and my back deck at 3AM when I awake each morning to get off to a 12 hour work day. The cameras visable will hopefully show the teens on the trail in the woods that I just might be able to see then when they spark that birdy and toss that can into the bush most every friday night. One time long before I got my setup I was broken into by a kid that got a small TV but that was then and this is now.

 

Have you thought of doing installs for profit? I think you would be great with all you know and what you have learned.

 

Best regards and I will be looking for more of your enjoyable posts.

 

Al

[Firefighter 0]

I'm assuming your talking to shockwave, But if not I can't install in the State I live in, Tennessee

because State Law is that I have to work under another security company for 5 Complete years before

allowing to do any cctv work by myself. Crazy....

[shockwave199 0]

I think the discussion should be more about the reality of actually seeing what you need to see in the extreme case of someone entering your home or violating your space.

That's fine, but your opening question for this thread was whether a q-see unit is capable, and if there are any other comparable units. And that question assumes we're talking analog. But as usual, most people will jump right in and insist analog sucks compared, and to go with an MP system. My position is that mega pixel cameras installed well can be great, and analog cameras installed well can be great too. But to address where you're going now- in an emergency situation where career criminals strike in hoodies and/or masks, the playing field evens out. A mega pixel camera will capture fine detail of the hoodie or mask and do nothing better to ID a well concealed person. No cameras in that situation do much. The criminals know it and that's why crime still happens. Even alarm systems aren't enough to stop theft if someone is seriously intent on getting in. The best thing to help you NOT be the target of home invasion? A barking dog, plain and simple. Most often criminals avoid premises with dogs, not cameras or alarms. Dogs create unwanted noise and attention and certainly present the danger to life and limb- something that cameras, alarms, and yes- even guns in the home do not. Btw- I did look up at the camera when I snapped my picture. If I didn't, my profile is just as detailed. And so is a person wearing a hat. And that's not the only camera to catch the action either, which is most important. Increasing the odds in your favor- that's all it's about.

 

Would I install professionally? No I would not. I might work for a good professional and learn the trade, but just because I installed my own system at home does not make me qualified to install for money on my own, nor would I want that headache, frankly. People do just that with a lot of different trades and mostly, they suck and the people who hire them get screwed. But to your question about an analog dvr, other analog choices, or a MP system- it's not rocket science and there's forums here that have examples of it all. I'm sure you can figure it out. The q-see you ask about could be fine- depends on your needs.

[Firefighter 0]

A dog is def #1. A security sign is #2 according to statistics.

[Al Drake 0]

I'm assuming your talking to shockwave, But if not I can't install in the State I live in, Tennessee

because State Law is that I have to work under another security company for 5 Complete years before

allowing to do any cctv work by myself. Crazy....

 

That's interesting. There may be similiar restrictions in my state as well, I probably should have thought it out before I possed that question. I guess it wouldn't really be a high paying venture anyway as most of it would be labor.

[Al Drake 0]

I think the discussion should be more about the reality of actually seeing what you need to see in the extreme case of someone entering your home or violating your space.

That's fine, but your opening question for this thread was whether a q-see unit is capable, and if there are any other comparable units. And that question assumes we're talking analog. But as usual, most people will jump right in and insist analog sucks compared, and to go with an MP system. My position is that mega pixel cameras installed well can be great, and analog cameras installed well can be great too. But to address where you're going now- in an emergency situation where career criminals strike in hoodies and/or masks, the playing field evens out. A mega pixel camera will capture fine detail of the hoodie or mask and do nothing better to ID a well concealed person. No cameras in that situation do much. The criminals know it and that's why crime still happens. Even alarm systems aren't enough to stop theft if someone is seriously intent on getting in. The best thing to help you NOT be the target of home invasion? A barking dog, plain and simple. Most often criminals avoid premises with dogs, not cameras or alarms. Dogs create unwanted noise and attention and certainly present the danger to life and limb- something that cameras, alarms, and yes- even guns in the home do not. Btw- I did look up at the camera when I snapped my picture. If I didn't, my profile is just as detailed. And so is a person wearing a hat. And that's not the only camera to catch the action either, which is most important. Increasing the odds in your favor- that's all it's about.

 

Would I install professionally? No I would not. I might work for a good professional and learn the trade, but just because I installed my own system at home does not make me qualified to install for money on my own, nor would I want that headache, frankly. People do just that with a lot of different trades and mostly, they suck and the people who hire them get screwed. But to your question about an analog dvr, other analog choices, or a MP system- it's not rocket science and there's forums here that have examples of it all. I'm sure you can figure it out. The q-see you ask about could be fine- depends on your needs.

 

All you say is very true. I can see that now and I have learned much in the short time I have been in this thread. Thanks again. I have my unit sitting here with the cover off ready to install a DVD writer but it has one already. I looked on Google for the number I see in the board LTD 2508FD and I got many look-a-likes but still can't tell who really made this unit. It does seem acceptable though and I am happy to have it. I probably won't do any further than you went with camera selections as I see they are what you say. My environment is not such that I would expect the real pros to be invading any of the homes on this street. Mostly punks and losers and criminals of opportunity. Not even worth the trouble of up keeping a dog to stop them from entering. I know one guy who had a dog that got fed by the guys that got away with breaking into his home in a different area than where I am.

 

When you refer to analog you mean the cameras, right? MY DVR would support whatever I connect to it I am assuming.