Acti System Advice

[robie 0]

I've been reading through pages and pages for about a year now and finally decided I need to install some cameras in/around my house before something happens not after.

 

I will get two Acti E74 or E72 for the outside. I haven't really decided if the E74's are truly worth it.

 

I still need to pick out two cameras for inside. I want to put one on my desk and one above our kitchen cabinets that will cover the front door and stairs.

 

My plan is to run these two my computer and use the Acti free software and ftp to a server.

 

My question is other than the camera and a PoE device what else do I need to order to get up and running? I feel like it should be more complex than just that and the software but I want to make sure I order everything at once.

[grege 0]

Other than the obvious, network cables to your camera locations, you should be good. And depending on how you plan on doing that you my need plugs, jacks, crimp tool, testers, patch cables, etc.

 

I went with ACTi E42 and have the cables run for 3 of them and a test one on a tripod inside my house. After getting them and seeing what the brackets looked like I ordered the more heavy duty versions. My plan is to do the install next weekend.

[robie 0]

Other than the obvious, network cables to your camera locations, you should be good. And depending on how you plan on doing that you my need plugs, jacks, crimp tool, testers, patch cables, etc.

 

I went with ACTi E42 and have the cables run for 3 of them and a test one on a tripod inside my house. After getting them and seeing what the brackets looked like I ordered the more heavy duty versions. My plan is to do the install next weekend.

 

 

Thank you! I just wanted to make sure I'm not missing something.

 

What cameras did you decide on for the inside of your house? I'm leaning toward the E12 or D12. I would like one I could sit on my desk like the ACM-8511, but that is pricey for what I want.

[grege 0]

I didn't do any inside....yet. I would probably go with the D55 or E53 since I would want the day/night ability.

 

The house has a monitored alarm so I wanted the camera's for outside to start with. I'm replacing 1 cheapo Foscam and a Dlink I have sitting in a window with 4 ACTi. Only movement inside should be me when I am there.

[buellwinkle 0]

They have some cost effective indoor domes. I've been using their older version for about 3 years and no problems, clean picture, much cleaner than outside because you're in a confined space. Whether to get D or E depends on your needs. If you have a bright window that overwhelms a shot, the E series with WDR may help, if not, the D series is less expensive. I don't have WDR because my cameras are older and I see no reason to get WDR if I ever replace them.

[robie 0]

They have some cost effective indoor domes. I've been using their older version for about 3 years and no problems, clean picture, much cleaner than outside because you're in a confined space. Whether to get D or E depends on your needs. If you have a bright window that overwhelms a shot, the E series with WDR may help, if not, the D series is less expensive. I don't have WDR because my cameras are older and I see no reason to get WDR if I ever replace them.

 

 

Thank you for chiming in!

 

I do have bright lights coming in during the day and leave a light on at night, but I will hopefully aim this camera down so that the windows aren't in the shot.

 

This camera will cover my stairs and front door. In your opinion do I need to get the 3mp camera or will the 1mp do the trick?

[robie 0]

Just found this video on the with the different cameras. Seem like any of the three would do the trick.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6mrU9jQ2i8

 

 

Where do you guys prefer to get your cameras from?

 

Their site isn't helpful about finding trusted online retailers.

[grege 0]

I decided to find a local retailer. I figured I would support a local company and have better support. I did buy some brackets from an online guy, http://wrightwoodsurveillance.com/, and had a good experience. I know buellwinkle has recommended them before too.

[robie 0]

I decided to find a local retailer. I figured I would support a local company and have better support. I did buy some brackets from an online guy, http://wrightwoodsurveillance.com/, and had a good experience. I know buellwinkle has recommended them before too.

 

 

Good lord their expensive. I might have to call some of the locals guys in Houston.

[buellwinkle 0]

There are cheaper online resellers but not authorized by ACTi and voids your warranty, so buyer beware. So it may pay to spend a little more for the comfort of having ACTi support, warranty and service, one reason people buy ACTi over say Dahua.

 

http://www.acti.com/news/Announce/Caution_to_Customers_Regarding_Unauthorized_Resellers

[robie 0]

There are cheaper online resellers but not authorized by ACTi and voids your warranty, so buyer beware. So it may pay to spend a little more for the comfort of having ACTi support, warranty and service, one reason people buy ACTi over say Dahua.

 

http://www.acti.com/news/Announce/Caution_to_Customers_Regarding_Unauthorized_Resellers

 

Ahh ok. Seems odd place like Bhphoto isn't authorized.

[grege 0]

I thought the same thing.

 

If you can't find anybody in Houston PM me and I will give you the name of my guy here in Kentucky.

[voip-ninja 0]

If you are going to run the software on your PC, then what's going to stop the thieves from walking out the door with the evidence of the crime if there is a break-in?

 

Are you at least planning on SD card storage as a backup on the cameras themselves?

[robie 0]

I thought the same thing.

 

If you can't find anybody in Houston PM me and I will give you the name of my guy here in Kentucky.

 

Of the 3 re-sellers in Houston only one answered their phones and then put me on hold not to return. Do you have a number for a place in Kentucky? Are they about the same price as Wrightwood?

[robie 0]

If you are going to run the software on your PC, then what's going to stop the thieves from walking out the door with the evidence of the crime if there is a break-in?

 

Are you at least planning on SD card storage as a backup on the cameras themselves?

 

 

I'm going to put SD cards in them but I was planning on have the files write to a dropbox shared folder, or have the files auto uploaded to my FTP site.

[grege 0]

I thought the same thing.

 

If you can't find anybody in Houston PM me and I will give you the name of my guy here in Kentucky.

 

Of the 3 re-sellers in Houston only one answered their phones and then put me on hold not to return. Do you have a number for a place in Kentucky? Are they about the same price as Wrightwood?

 

I will PM you.

[robie 0]

Here is a quick price breakdown of the 4 cameras I'm looking at across 4 different retailers.

 

A1 is the cheapest by far. I'm going to call around a few more places. The prices jump from BHPhoto to Wrightwood isn't that great at all, considering one is covered by Acti and one isn't.

 

 

D12 E12 E74 E72

security Best Buy $173 $215 $405 $347

A1 Security Cameras $152 $190 $366 $312

bh photo $170 $213 $434 $350

Wrightwood $235 $438 $376

[buellwinkle 0]

I can tell you that the people selling it cheap like B&H are selling below U.S. wholesale prices and it's against ACTi policy, so you risk not having a warranty. Also consider shipping as the cheaper places don't include free shipping, also some larger outfits charge sales tax in all states, some only the selling state.

 

Also, if you ordering a bunch of cameras, let me know and I get you the project pricing form from ACTi. Basically a form you fill out and they ACTi drops the price to distributor which drops the price to the reseller and drops the price to you. To get project pricing, the deal has to be bigger than $5,000 (list prices).

[robie 0]

I can tell you that the people selling it cheap like B&H are selling below U.S. wholesale prices and it's against ACTi policy, so you risk not having a warranty.

 

 

I contacted Acti to get a list of some larger US sellers. If I get anything from them I will let you guys know. I'm going to call a few more places and see how pricing varies.

 

I have to ask is A1 Security Cameras a scam site? Those prices are silly in comparison.

[buellwinkle 0]

You know what they say, if it's too good to be true, it's not.

 

BTW, ACTi only sells to distributors. Even when they send me a camera to do a review on, if I decide I want to keep it, I have to buy it from a distributor, so not sure they would have a list of reseller partners like say ACTi or Mobotix do.

[robie 0]

You know what they say, if it's too good to be true, it's not.

 

BTW, ACTi only sells to distributors. Even when they send me a camera to do a review on, if I decide I want to keep it, I have to buy it from a distributor, so not sure they would have a list of reseller partners like say ACTi or Mobotix do.

 

 

I've decided to go with Greg's guy. He is a partner and very reasonable!

 

I will add more to this post once I get the cameras in and setup.

 

Went with a D12 and E72

[buellwinkle 0]

Not asking to you change your mind but I discussed the prices the competition is charging and Wrightwood (my daughter's business) lowered their prices on all ACTi. What happens sometimes is prices are lowered by the manufacturer or distributor but they don't alert the resellers so sometimes it's good to get feedback from people like you so corrections can me be made, so thank you and best of luck with your new cameras. ACTi to me has always represented the best all around value.

[robie 0]

Not asking to you change your mind but I discussed the prices the competition is charging and Wrightwood (my daughter's business) lowered their prices on all ACTi. What happens sometimes is prices are lowered by the manufacturer or distributor but they don't alert the resellers so sometimes it's good to get feedback from people like you so corrections can me be made, so thank you and best of luck with your new cameras. ACTi to me has always represented the best all around value.

 

 

The company I ordered from also said that they are nation wide and order enough to get distributor pricing. I'm sure that has a lot to do with the pricing they pass along to the individual.

 

I wanted to say thank you to you for the service and information you provide to this community, I would have had no clue where to start or what to purchase without your help.