New IP Cam / Costco System

[cali_esv 0]

For everyone trying to use the Android app, Swann sent me an email on how to set up the app correctly, this is what the sent me.

 

 

 

 

Logging in from your Mobile

•

To connect from your iPhone, open the AppStore application and download SwannView NVR. To connect from your Android phone, open the PlayStore and download iVMS-4500 (Note: No Swannview App yet for Android). You can find it by using the Search feature.

[Dixit 0]

That HikVision app still has same issues in that over cellular data it shows a black screen. And I'm doing it from an AT&T LTE Galaxy S3 phone. Not sure why you can't view this over mobile data network. Works fine over wifi even if you are remote.

 

Also not sure why they said there is no android app. Clearly there is. It's pretty much the same. It's called Swannview NVR

 

Dixit

[zikronix 0]

For everyone trying to use the Android app, Swann sent me an email on how to set up the app correctly, this is what the sent me.

 

Logging in from your Mobile

•

To connect from your iPhone, open the AppStore application and download SwannView NVR. To connect from your Android phone, open the PlayStore and download iVMS-4500 (Note: No Swannview App yet for Android). You can find it by using the Search feature.

 

Still wont work becuase its has the same problem...and yes there is an android app

 

That HikVision app still has same issues in that over cellular data it shows a black screen. And I'm doing it from an AT&T LTE Galaxy S3 phone. Not sure why you can't view this over mobile data network. Works fine over wifi even if you are remote.

 

Also not sure why they said there is no android app. Clearly there is. It's pretty much the same. It's called Swannview NVR

 

Dixit

 

Im way up in teir II support with another issue but when i was talking to the guy last night (Swann Tech on this forum) they have identified the problem with the 3g/4g. Apparently they think its a rtsp port problem.

 

Until they fix this app, I dont want to use that android remote view method.

[recordit 0]

I’ve been following this thread (new to forum) and I was hoping to get some input on the surveillance system I was considering setting up. Sorry if this should have been posted in the other Costco cam thread.

 

Likely 4 (2 sets) of the Swann 1080p's:

http://www.costco.com/Swann-1080p-2-Pack-NVR-IP-Bullet-Cameras.product.100039914.html

 

This PC to record (have any suggestions for PC's?):

http://www.costco.com/HP-Pavilion-p7-Desktop%2c-Intel%c2%ae-Core%e2%84%a2-i5-3330-3.0GHz-.product.100037745.html

 

Using Blue Iris for software:

http://blueirissoftware.com/

 

Netgear ProSafe GS110TP for POE Switch:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003KPHYBA

 

Would it be cheaper and/or better to go with the Swann NVR setup? Seems much cheaper. I don't fully understand what I would gain or lose in either case. I like the idea of being able to fully customize my setup, and it seems with an NVR you'd be more limited. Again, I have no experience with them and am new to surveillance systems.

 

IMO (and I certainly don't have enough experience to spit at), the 8-port switch gives you an option to add more cameras in the future if wanted or needed (taht's good). The i5 desktop should be sufficient but I'd prefer an i7 (if money grew on trees eh?). How many DIM slots inside this machine (if only 2 then you'll have to through out some of the memory it comes with for a future memory upgrade...I'd prefer 4 slots minimum)? Blue Iris really is an incredible piece of work, but it hammers your processor (so it needs an i5 minimum IMO...4 2MP cams on a BI i5 machine should no no problem what-so-ever). Your disk should be 7200rpm so overall that machine looks decent. The verdict is still out on these Swann\Costco 2-pack cameras...initial feedback is that they look good...but it's only the top of the 2nd inning brother. I've been thinking that Acti cams may be better overall, although at a greater cost. Forget the NVR, Blue Iris software capabilities will run circles around those Costco NVRs IMO...yes a PC, POE switch and Blue Iris will cost more but -- IMHO -- if your got the dough do it bro...you will not regret it.

 

Thanks for input, much appreciated. I read on BI's site "Recommendations when using many and/or HD cameras: Intel core i7", if that's the base then I'm pretty sure I need to stick to i7 as I'm considering running 4 1080p's.

 

Unless anyone knows of a better deal, it seems like this Costco i7 w/8gb ram + 1TB seems like more affordable option: http://www.costco.com/HP-ENVY-h8xt-Desktop%2c-Intel%c2%ae-Core%e2%84%a2-i7-3770-Quad-core%2c-3.4GHz.product.100029672.html

 

I just wish it came with Windows 7.

[Q2U 0]

Thanks for input, much appreciated. I read on BI's site "Recommendations when using many and/or HD cameras: Intel core i7", if that's the base then I'm pretty sure I need to stick to i7 as I'm considering running 4 1080p's. I just wish it came with Windows 7.

 

I think you'll be very satisfied running BI on an i7. You know, new PC's which come with Windows preinstalled are simply LOADED with BloatWare. You'll get a performance boost by wiping the system drive and installing a nice fresh copy of Win7. What's another $100.00 after all, eh?

[Dixit 0]

Don't know if it's the app itself. Cause same problem exists on the Hikvision app. Doubt it's same problem on both apps. Makes it seem like it's the NVR itself. Thats just my take since two different company apps showing same black screen on mobile data.

[zikronix 0]

Don't know if it's the app itself. Cause same problem exists on the Hikvision app. Doubt it's same problem on both apps. Makes it seem like it's the NVR itself. Thats just my take since two different company apps showing same black screen on mobile data.

 

 

Its the app apparently at least according to swann tech

[zikronix 0]

I’ve been following this thread (new to forum) and I was hoping to get some input on the surveillance system I was considering setting up. Sorry if this should have been posted in the other Costco cam thread.

 

Likely 4 (2 sets) of the Swann 1080p's:

http://www.costco.com/Swann-1080p-2-Pack-NVR-IP-Bullet-Cameras.product.100039914.html

 

This PC to record (have any suggestions for PC's?):

http://www.costco.com/HP-Pavilion-p7-Desktop%2c-Intel%c2%ae-Core%e2%84%a2-i5-3330-3.0GHz-.product.100037745.html

 

Using Blue Iris for software:

http://blueirissoftware.com/

 

Netgear ProSafe GS110TP for POE Switch:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003KPHYBA

 

Would it be cheaper and/or better to go with the Swann NVR setup? Seems much cheaper. I don't fully understand what I would gain or lose in either case. I like the idea of being able to fully customize my setup, and it seems with an NVR you'd be more limited. Again, I have no experience with them and am new to surveillance systems.

 

IMO (and I certainly don't have enough experience to spit at), the 8-port switch gives you an option to add more cameras in the future if wanted or needed (taht's good). The i5 desktop should be sufficient but I'd prefer an i7 (if money grew on trees eh?). How many DIM slots inside this machine (if only 2 then you'll have to through out some of the memory it comes with for a future memory upgrade...I'd prefer 4 slots minimum)? Blue Iris really is an incredible piece of work, but it hammers your processor (so it needs an i5 minimum IMO...4 2MP cams on a BI i5 machine should no no problem what-so-ever). Your disk should be 7200rpm so overall that machine looks decent. The verdict is still out on these Swann\Costco 2-pack cameras...initial feedback is that they look good...but it's only the top of the 2nd inning brother. I've been thinking that Acti cams may be better overall, although at a greater cost. Forget the NVR, Blue Iris software capabilities will run circles around those Costco NVRs IMO...yes a PC, POE switch and Blue Iris will cost more but -- IMHO -- if your got the dough do it bro...you will not regret it.

 

Thanks for input, much appreciated. I read on BI's site "Recommendations when using many and/or HD cameras: Intel core i7", if that's the base then I'm pretty sure I need to stick to i7 as I'm considering running 4 1080p's.

 

Unless anyone knows of a better deal, it seems like this Costco i7 w/8gb ram + 1TB seems like more affordable option: http://www.costco.com/HP-ENVY-h8xt-Desktop%2c-Intel%c2%ae-Core%e2%84%a2-i7-3770-Quad-core%2c-3.4GHz.product.100029672.html

 

I just wish it came with Windows 7.

 

 

You can build a much more capible box for just a little bit more.

[Dixit 0]

 

Its the app apparently at least according to swann tech

 

Your probably right, looked at the reviews of he HikVision app and you can see recent complaints about the remote viewing not working via mobile data network but works on wifi. These are very similar, almost like they are built by one main developer and then different companies are just putting their skin/theme onto it.

 

Dixit

[recordit 0]

You can build a much more capible box for just a little bit more.

 

What do you mean? I haven't priced one out, but I imagine building one from NewEgg would cost about the same, if not a bit more. Plus the time/energy it would take to build it, assuming everything worked out of the box.

[zikronix 0]

You can build a much more capible box for just a little bit more.

 

What do you mean? I haven't priced one out, but I imagine building one from NewEgg would cost about the same, if not a bit more. Plus the time/energy it would take to build it, assuming everything worked out of the box.

 

 

It would cost a little more priced our from new egg...probably about 200.00-300 more. Ill put together a quick cart and share it and see what you think

 

Heres an idea...There are definitly some cost savings that could be had here. I picked this board for its raid, chipset, and stability. I would have liked to use an intel board (because I firmly believe, you end up with the better stability from them)but reviews were not great. There are cheaper boards and I rather have dual nics a mini itx but only two ram spots. You could also go with a WD red, a different ps, and case and ram. Theres a mini itx special they have that comes with 8GB ram which could be a cost savings. You could use a lower processor too.

 

So here it is:

 

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811219032

PS: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139049

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820103036 or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231568 or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145357

MB: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157296

PROC: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116503

HD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136792 or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822236343 or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148834

 

As much 800.00 or as low as 700.00 or less no tax and free ship have to add 100.00 if you dont have a copy of win 7 x64 laying around.

 

You could also build the AMD equillivent and be quite well for about 200.00 less than listed here.

 

Theese are a pretty robust machine and is probably something I would build for soemthing like this. Then of course you got a poe switch...Id go with at least an 8 port if not a 16 (129.00). And if you bought 8 cameras from the costco deal your looking at 1400.00 there

Edited April 26, 2013 by Guest

[Swann Tech 0]

Bro...tell you what...you have Costco ship your cameras to me. I will configure all of them for you at a nominal charge of one (1) camera. You send me 8 and I will send you back 7 configured cameras!

 

LOL right. This is just my back up plan, if I have to Ill sell off the NVR. The only hang up I have about building my own box, is I want the stability of an appliance and linux. Im not going to lie...my linux skills are a little rough. I know I can build a stable box, but I just want it to work...granted were not really off toa good start. Swann told me that FPS doesnt matter...i was like riiiiiiight.

 

Hi Z,

 

Context mate.

 

We were talking about recording capacity, which FPS does not affect. Only the bitrate affects the recording capacity.

 

However, if you do reduce the FPS then you may get a clearer picture as the same bitrate with less FPS would mean more data for each individual frame.

[zikronix 0]

Bro...tell you what...you have Costco ship your cameras to me. I will configure all of them for you at a nominal charge of one (1) camera. You send me 8 and I will send you back 7 configured cameras!

 

LOL right. This is just my back up plan, if I have to Ill sell off the NVR. The only hang up I have about building my own box, is I want the stability of an appliance and linux. Im not going to lie...my linux skills are a little rough. I know I can build a stable box, but I just want it to work...granted were not really off toa good start. Swann told me that FPS doesnt matter...i was like riiiiiiight.

 

Hi Z,

 

Context mate.

 

We were talking about recording capacity, which FPS does not affect. Only the bitrate affects the recording capacity.

 

However, if you do reduce the FPS then you may get a clearer picture as the same bitrate with less FPS would mean more data for each individual frame.

 

I was referring to that If all 8 cameras fired off at 1080p/30FPS, The Variable bitrate would come into play, It would have to as far as i can tell. Maybe some one else with more experience can elaborate.

 

Thanks again for the help the other night, I hope your holiday was good...I still do have some soft cameras, i hope you got my email. Additionally "Dixit" on this forum is having the same issue.

[Swann Tech 0]

I was referring to that If all 8 cameras fired off at 1080p/30FPS, The Variable bitrate would come into play, It would have to as far as i can tell. Maybe some one else with more experience can elaborate.

 

Thanks again for the help the other night, I hope your holiday was good...I still do have some soft cameras, i hope you got my email. Additionally "Dixit" on this forum is having the same issue.

 

Yes. I believe one of my colleagues has already had a chat to him.

 

I think you might be confusing terms there Z. My understanding of VBR is that the average data rate is preserved while keeping the ability to increase the data rate in high load environments such as high image delta.

 

I *think* you mean 'maximum throughput'?

[dmastro 0]

When will these things be available in costco again? They took them off the website and nothing ever since.

[zikronix 0]

I have a connection at Costco that told me they will be coming back after this month. They are not deactivated in their system. Additionally there will be dome cameras as well....they are currently in testing with no ETA

[SB_Jim 1]

Zik,

 

Are you saying that you've heard that there may be some domes coming out for the Swann NVR? That's be great - cause I have a couple of spots where I'd rather have that than the bullet. I may end up w/ 8 cams after all. Just received my add'l two bullets today.

 

 

I have a connection at Costco that told me they will be coming back after this month. They are not deactivated in their system. Additionally there will be dome cameras as well....they are currently in testing with no ETA

[zikronix 0]

I pinged swann about this...the level 2 tech said they are working on them with no current eta. I think what your going to find is they are going to release many things for this. I think this is their flag ship product.

 

 

on a side note

 

I found the hikvision version of the nvr of the lorex, and I think I found the same for the swann. Swann puts them in their own case, I discerned this info from various guides and pics I found on their website.

 

here is the hikvision version of the lorex

 

lorex= hikvision ds-7600NI-se/p (7600 series respectively)

 

The swann was a little bit more difficult because they put it in their own case, so its some variation of the same one above except the boards are different. The board in ours matches the board from the 7700 series. There is a 7600 that is similar to ours minus vga and rca out. but the pics of the board show that only having 4G ram....ours has 8 which is what the 7700 has.

[n0fx 0]

I pinged swann about this...the level 2 tech said they are working on them with no current eta. I think what your going to find is they are going to release many things for this. I think this is their flag ship product.

 

 

on a side note

 

I found the hikvision version of the nvr of the lorex, and I think I found the same for the swann. Swann puts them in their own case, I discerned this info from various guides and pics I found on their website.

 

here is the hikvision version of the lorex

 

lorex= hikvision ds-7600NI-se/p (7600 series respectively)

 

The swann was a little bit more difficult because they put it in their own case, so its some variation of the same one above except the boards are different. The board in ours matches the board from the 7700 series. There is a 7600 that is similar to ours minus vga and rca out. but the pics of the board show that only having 4G ram....ours has 8 which is what the 7700 has.

 

So, the swann sold by Costco is either using the Hikvision 7600 or 7700 series NVRs? I wanted to get one from Costco but wanted to make sure it was a Hikvision branded one before I buy more cameras. I'm just going to buy straight Hikivision branded cameras for the additional 4 for the system. I'm not sure if your talking about this system:

 

http://www.costco.com/Swann-8-Channel-HD-NVR-Security-System-with-2TB-Hard-Drive-and-4-1080p-IP-Cameras.product.100027599.html

[funkadelic 0]

Have any of you with the Swann NVR tried using Hikvision's iVMS-4000 or iVMS-4200 to connect to it (since you can connect to the cams directly using iVMS)? http://www.hikvision.com/en/us/products.asp?cid=50300

 

I bought the Swann 2 bullet pack from costco, then decided yesterday to just order the NVR+4 bullets. It would be great to be able to connect to the NVR from my windows desktop and control/configure/replay/etc.

 

Also, does anyone know if the Costco Swann NVR+4 bullet package comes with rack mount adapters for the NVR? It looks like a 1U rack-mountable size and I know that the Hikvision NVRs are listed as rack-mountable

[daveshoot 0]

It does not come with any rack mount adapters. It is a hair under 15" wide (call it 14 11/16) by tape measure rather than spec, and 1.5" tall not counting the rubber feet.

[funkadelic 0]

It does not come with any rack mount adapters. It is a hair under 15" wide (call it 14 11/16) by tape measure rather than spec, and 1.5" tall not counting the rubber feet.

 

ah ok. that's a bummer but i guess I can just mount it on a 1U shelf

[Dixit 0]

Not sure why the previous person mentioned it doesn't come with rack mount ears, because it did for me. Attached is a picture of the box inside with the remote, sata cable, HDMI cable, etc and the rack ears.

 

[daveshoot 0]

I will have to go back through the packing; I don't recall having seen these.

 

Sorry, it absolutely does come with rack mount adapters. They were in the accessory box with the remote, as shown.

 

I am almost done with my remote NVR install in a custom box, and tackling the exterior penetration to get a cam or two actually installed outside. While I have made this molehill into a mountain, I hope to have some preliminary results to post soon.

[antman59 0]

The swan system is available at Costco.ca for Canadian customers, as well as the set of 2 Cameras. I was primarily looking at Dome cameras but I think I will get this kit due to it's low price point, Costco warranty, and local availability.