Looking at first system a bunch of ?s & is this a good deal?

[srfrmac87 0]

Hello,

 

I know there are guides on how to what to look for in purchasing a new IP camera surveillance system but my questions are a little more in depth than that so that is why i am posting here.

 

I am looking for more of personal preference. I am trying to decide between using my home server computer and a bundled system.

 

I have a home computer that is a little bit of an older Dell XPS i7, 8gb ram, and looking to expand HDD for more space. I am currently using it as a media server (tv tuner/PVR) and webserver for my own personal website. I was also going to put a part time game server on this computer as well. I was considering using this computer to also manage IP cameras (4- on my network. Based on recommendations here and through a couple professionals I know, i was considering either Hikvision or Dahua. I wanted to know if you think this was going to bog the computer down too much.

 

My initial instinct was to set up the cameras using the computer because i was going to integrate the computers onto my personal website for remote viewing and management if need be and for simplification purposes (less overall equipment). Eventually it would also be part of my home security system which is otherwise irrelevant at this point.

 

That was my plan until i saw this posted on woot:

 

http://electronics.woot.com/offers/q-see-16ch-hd-ip-nvr-w-8-3mp-cameras?ref=el_cnt_wp_2_9

 

I realize that the cameras and NVR are refurbished, which really doesn't bother me too much, but I was curious if you guys and gals thought this might be enough of a deal to get me started. And i wanted to know your thoughts on refurbished equipment.

 

I have several hurdles in my mind to jump through for my own decision and your opinions will help me with that. I will get bigger surveillance HDDs to add to this system, 3TB probably is not enough.

 

I wanted Hikvision based on the support in this forum and quality of videos and ease of use I have personally seen from this system. I do have one of my professional friends willing to sell them to me "at cost" but I don't know what the price might be. I have a feeling it will still be a bit too expensive for me but I am looking into that as an option.

 

So if it is too expensive that route, that would also mean taking a chance on buying the cameras from a place like aliexpress. I am not against it, but at the same time I am not for it. Just another factor in my decision making.

 

When I stumbled upon this Q-See system at woot, I thought this was an elegant and simplified solution to my problems. I just don't know about quality vs. price.

 

Finally, this has been a question on my mind since I considered getting security cameras. What are your thoughts on interior cameras? Obviously, I am not trying to invade the privacy of my own guests, family, etc. but I want to know if you guys use them or recommend them. Do you use covert, or overt cameras? Any other thoughts on interior cameras?

 

 

TL;DR

 

1. Will 4-8 3MP cameras overload my older I7 that is already being used as webserver and PVR and stuff?

2. Is this system a good deal? http://electronics.woot.com/offers/q-see-16ch-hd-ip-nvr-w-8-3mp-cameras?ref=el_cnt_wp_2_9

3. I realize that Q-See isn't exactly high end equipment but are they a "stay away from" type of equipment company?

5. Would I be able to add other branded cameras to this NVR? (best guess?)

6. Is refurbished equipment frowned upon?

7. Will I notice a significant difference in performance between using the above Q-See system vs using a couple "better" cameras and recording software on a computer?

8. What happened to question 4?

9. Would I be better off buying equipment in a less expensive package like this or buying a couple cameras and adding them later down the line?

10. Personal preference on interior cameras? Whether to have them, not to have them, locations (obviously not bathroom you pervs), hidden vs. visible, etc.

 

I realize this is a lot to digest but i truly do appreciate all of the help!

 

 

-Kyle