Residential Duplex - Selection/Compatability ?'s for Cam/NVR

[Twit42 0]

I live in a duplex, and have been having trouble with people attempting to convince both myself and my neighbor to open our doors under suspicious circumstances and at questionable times of day. We each have an individual entry, and share a common entry at the rear of the building.

 

I am looking at mounting a camera, on the eave, above each of the main entry doors, facing towards the street and along the approaching sidewalk and stoop. The target distance is between 3-10ft (walking on the path towards the stoop, and then stepping onto the stoop.)

 

Unfortunately, the common entry is at the center, rear, of the home and is butted up against a fence line for the adjoining lot, with only about 3-4 feet between the exterior of the building and the fence. In this case, I don't think that I can make do with a single camera because it would be too easy to avoid looking up and the approach paths are perpindicular (T) to the entry. - I'm looking at mounting a camera at the extreme corner of the building, aimed along the length of the 'corridor' between the building and the fence line, with a second camera in the vestibule behind the common door to capture anyone opening the door.

 

So, I'm looking at four cameras. 3 outdoor, and one indoor. I plan to upgrade to a total of eight, in order to round out the coverage of the perimeter and outbuildings at a later time.

 

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I have done some homework, and have found out that the major producers of IP cameras are Dahua, Hikvision, and TVT with everything else (mostly) is a relabled/rebranded version of something from the big three.

 

Of course, that means that I would rather go out and purchase something from the big three than paying extra for different sticker or paint job. - Which brings me to the main issues that I'm runnning into.

 

1st) How much of an issue is compatibility, truly, between the big three manufacturers?

 

I can find Dahua cameras that are /supposed/ to be 3, 4, or 5 Megapixal, but are in truth only capable of output in 1080p. (I'm having much better luck with finding Hikvision cameras with a true ouput matching their specification).

 

I can find Hikvision NVR's that are rated to record in 3, 4, or 5 Megapixal, but this is only true so long as the NVR is not having to receive data from more than one camera. (I'm having much better luck with finding Daua NVR's with an ability to receive/record that matches hteir specification.).

 

Will I be stuck having to use ONVIF if I cross between brands? I would prefer to be able to use an NVF with built-in PoE ports for simplicity, and avoid purchasing a separate injector, if at all possible. (I'll do it if I have to, but would prefer to avoid it if possible.)

 

2nd) Would anyone happen to be familiar with how to decode the serial numbers of Dahua/Hikvision/TVT prodcuts?

 

Some of the issues i have with finding matching products is that I can never quite seem to find an available unit that matches with the information available on the manufactuer's website, and without a clear specification sheet that shows /both/ the input resolution and the output resolution of the camera, I have to assume the age old practice of using one "flashy" part, when the whole package isn't as capable as the one high-end component.

 

If I could decode the serial numbers, that might be able to lead me towards something that would work without having to cross between manufacturers.

 

3rd) As far as the system that I've described above, is there any specific recomendations/advice that anyone would care to provide?

 

I think I have a fair handle on the technical/placement considerations, but any additional advise is always welcome. Please let me know.

 

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Thanks in advance for any help you're able/willing to provide.

[Twit42 0]

I did a bit more research, and it looks like I should give up on a standalone NVR box from either manufacturer.

 

I'll have to use PoE Switches/Injectors, and build a computer to suit the purpose.

 

I could still use advice on camera selection, though, because I'm not having great luck with the specifications actually being true.

 

I want to avoid purchasing a 3/4/5 Mp camera at an extra cost, only to find out that it is always and forever a 1080p camera because only the sensor, but not the rest of the component, are capable.

 

- Appolgies if I'm posting in the wrong section of the forum, but I could use whatever advice/guidance you're willing to offer.

[51cent 8]

twit, if you are going to mix cameras and build a computer for the cameras, I can recommend Blue Iris. It is highly configurable and works with about any IP camera. Milestone has a free software for up to 8 cameras, but when I tried it, it left a big watermark in one corner of the video.

For cameras, look at he Dahua starlight and Hikvision Ultra Low light cameras. Excellent night vision for the price.

[Twit42 0]

Thanks for the advice, 51cent. Just started looking up the Dahua Starlights, and they seem to be able to output in the same resolution as the sensors!. Will compare between those and the Hikvsion and go from there. - Will post back to this thread as/when I make selections and if I need more advice.

 

Thanks again.

[Twit42 0]

Just came across another question, and have had a bit of trouble figuring it out from the technical documents available on-line.

 

When it comes to the audio monitoring capability of the IP cameras, is it typically software controlled only or is there an actual switch input to be able to integrate with a security system or a panic button?

 

I don't like the idea of having 24/7 audio monitoring, but don't mind the idea of having the cameras record audio if the security system is in an alarm or trouble state, or if a panic button were hit.

[Twit42 0]

Just got the NVR PC almost completely set-up, and the first camera.

 

I was lucky to find a Lorex LNB3373B for $30, to give me an idea how well the software is working/how to use it, while I wait or the rest of the system to arrive.

 

Have two Dahua cameras on order with the plan to order more as soon as I get the bugs worked out during the testing phase.

 

As always, still appreciative of any advice/guidance.