wnix 0 Posted September 17, 2015 Well since my last thread took off like an airplane and got locked while I was away I'll make a new one. =) The following parts have all arrived: Hikvision DS-2CD2332-I (4mm) $145 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RL2 ... TE67X5QD13 The seller's comment claims it's retail US version, so support etc. Hikvision DS-7616NI-E2/8P $380 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XAY ... ge_o00_s00 WD Purple 4TB Surveillence Hard Drive $159 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IMP ... ge_o02_s00 Still waiting for the bracket: DS-1273ZJ-130-TRL HIKVISION Wall Mount Bracket $35 + $13 ship And I still need to get some bulk CAT cabling. Need to ask monoprice if their direct burial cable is UV rated. NVR came with a n-elly's sticker and paperwork. As far as I can tell Nelly's is an unauthorized distributor so I'm not really sure what that will mean for me down the road. So how can I tell if the camera is a US retail version? Also someone from the last thread stated that I should check Hikvision for cameras since the prices I am paying are "retail" level. I can view the products at Hikvision but can not buy from them as far as I can tell. There are links to their distribution partners, but they also only seem to sell to companies and distributors... :\ EDIT: I've spent the last half hour searching through Hikvision's distributors and browsing the web. I feel like finding an actual authorized retailer that sells their equipment and allows me to buy from them is like finding a needle in a poop pile. Here's another thing in the last thread someone recommended the new 2/4 MP WD cameras. I looked them up and it seems they have a decently improved night vision. I do like this camera: http://www.aliexpress.com/item/New-English-Version-IP-Camera-4-0-megapixel-V5-3-3-Multi-Language-IR-Bullet-Camera/32437275263.html?spm=2114.01020208.3.2.DSfV9G&ws_ab_test=201526_2,201527_1_71_72_73_74_75,201409_1 That listing claims original hikvision, full warranty, english version etc etc. But also ali was listed under the non authorized retailers. THE CONFUSION! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MaxIcon 0 Posted September 17, 2015 For cams you have, check the serial number. If it contains CCCH, it's Chinese; western region cams contain CCWR. There are region hacks to convert the cam, but I don't have any direct experience with them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wnix 0 Posted September 17, 2015 For cams you have, check the serial number. If it contains CCCH, it's Chinese; western region cams contain CCWR. There are region hacks to convert the cam, but I don't have any direct experience with them. Serial No. reads: 532095478CAN ICES-3 (A)/NMB-3(A) SV: V5.3.0_150513 Made in China Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wnix 0 Posted September 18, 2015 In the process of wiring right now and bench testing the system. Can anyone recommend a night monitor for viewing? I'm guessing resolution is a key factor to consider for these higher resolution cameras. Want something at least 30 inches or so minimum because I will be viewing from about 6 feet away and will have 4-8 cameras. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Boogieman 1 Posted September 18, 2015 get a 32 inch 1080p tv...pay attention to the power consumption numbers if you intend to use it 24/7... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wnix 0 Posted September 19, 2015 get a 32 inch 1080p tv...pay attention to the power consumption numbers if you intend to use it 24/7... Thank you. I'm noticing the night vision is just barely acceptable. We have very low passive lighting in the yard. I'm going to get the newer version of this camera and try it. And I may get an extra IR panel. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Boogieman 1 Posted September 19, 2015 get a 32 inch 1080p tv...pay attention to the power consumption numbers if you intend to use it 24/7... Thank you. I'm noticing the night vision is just barely acceptable. We have very low passive lighting in the yard. I'm going to get the newer version of this camera and try it. And I may get an extra IR panel. Disable wdr, play with the settings. The best thing to do is add more regular lighting...use low power led bulbs... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wnix 0 Posted September 19, 2015 Hey if any of you were going to buy a DS-2CD2342WD-I, where would you purchase it from, and why? Shopping around for one. Preferably in the 4mm-12mm range. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
