Need help with a remote view commercial camera system

[lancemiller 0]

First time poster here - glad I found this site. I know enough to be dangerous about technology.

 

I need to set up PTZ cameras on a building a building to view a parking lot. Ideally 3-4 cameras. I have had quotes to install professionally for as much as 20,000 which is absurd.

 

Here is what need / challenges:

 

-Remote view and PTZ control from android device / computer. Parking lot is another state.

-DVR somewhere - whether cloud based or onsite

-I do not have access to wifi (would a cellular wifi monthly hot spot device work for this set up?)

-would rather NOT run cables for cameras - I WILL have power available at each location.

-Do not have to bullet proof over the top cameras. A dome and a mount would work.

-if PTZ is not the best option, what would be?

-want to do it as clean and low cost as possible - but not break the next week cheap.

 

Thanks!!!

[mateck8888 0]

1. 20K does sound high, but if you are using name brand outdoor PTZ cameras, you can spend 2k on those alone, assuming you are going IP cameras (network cameras are much sharper than traditional analog cameras). Just do a search for WV-SW598.

 

2. Really think twice about PTZ. It adds a lot of money to the system, and unless you have someone watching it all the time, they really have minimal use. Also, with wireless internet, like 3G or 4G, you are not going to have really great speed internet, so don't expect to get really smooth PTZ movements. In fact, it might even be hard to control the PTZ remotely, because of the network lag. You tell it to do something, but it takes a second or two for the camera to respond. You might be better off going with a couple of more cameras, dropping the price significantly, and getting more coverage. You might choose to use a Dahue NVR or a full computer with a card in it, such as AVermedia or Revision.

 

3. Without running cables, you will need to set up a wireless access point, and a receiver at each camera. That will add some cost to the system, and also complexity in setting it up and managing it.

 

4. There are other considerations that I am not addressing here such as lighting and wireless distance issues. Compatibility with your NVR In the end, it may be best to higher a professional. Do it your self is nice, but it only takes a mistake or two in choosing the equipment, and pretty soon you at the professionally quoted price anyway. On the other hand, if you have lots of time, and are willing to essentially learn a trade, than you can save some money.