New system for a Bar. A few questions :)

[sigfawn 0]

We're going with a PC based DVR system. We're starting with 4 cameras and plan to add at least 4 more within a few weeks. (10-12 by end of the year)

 

Geovision GV-1240-16 DVR Card

 

Will be the core of the system. We want to go with a 240 fps card, which might be overkill. But we feel like if we buy nice cameras, we don't want to be forced to scale it down to 8-12fps per camera.

 

We're going to get 3-4 of the "DPRO-9380CI Infrared Dome Security Camera, Sony Color CCD, 380 TVL, Infrared sees 65 feet" for inside. That will cover the entrances and most of the bar area.

 

They are from CCTV Camera Pro's. We had 3-4 more cameras coming, but we're not sure the specs at the moment.

 

My question is about how to secure the computer. I was thinking of a firewire harddrive with a 15' cable. I could hide the harddrive anywhere. If someone broke in they'd probably yank all the cables and grab the computer case and run. I doubt they'd follow every cable going from the computer to look for an external HD.

 

Would a firewire setup be capable of recording 240 fps? That's what 4-5 megs a second? I don't think a USB 2.0 setup could handle that kind of recording. Streaming offsite isn't an option, the internet connection is limited.

 

The computer is a dell xps 3.0ghz with 1 gig of ram. I was thinking about upgrading the ram to 2 gigs.

 

thanks!

[scorpion 0]

How dark is your club/bar?

 

I saw the camera that you say you are going to use. I noticed that it had a dark "smoke" colored lens. If it is dark in your club/bar then this may make your video worse, as the tinted glass will act like a pair of sunglasses in the dark.

 

I am not recommending a camera, but something more of this design may help if it has to be vandal proof.

 

http://avssys.net/?s=product&sub=camera&cat=ir&p=vnd49ir

 

I would not be so worried about someone stealing the computer per se as I would be more scared of an employee unplugging / turning it off, or disconnecting a cable so that they may pilfer / steal / rob you blind.

 

I would say a metal lock box would be more of an idea.

 

I have used some one inch by one inch mini cameras for non "threat" areas such as pool tables, table/chair areas, dart board areas ect. These are B/W, and they are inexpensive allowing me to spend more money for the front door, back door, ATM machine, office/cash count area, and the parking lot.

 

http://eclipsecctv.com/ECL-374.html

 

Believe it or not all I need is some pool table lights, rope lighting, and some beer neon, and I can get these cameras to work in a fairly dark club/bar! Believe it, or not!

 

I would spend $1000 on the camera for the backdoor, front door, and the area of the office door, and the ATM machine. I would use the camera that I gave you the link for above for more important areas other than pool tables, dart board area ect. This balances my budget, and gets me the video that I need. You will soon find that 4 cameras are not going to cut it.

 

Front door, back door, office door area, PIR covert in the office, smoke detector above each cash register, and a PIR in the liquor storage area, (unless the liquor is stored in the office).

 

That 6, or 7 with out even trying! You will soon need a minimum of 9 cameras, or perhaps 16 for a lot of views.

 

I use a lot of AVTech/CPCam/Nubix style DVRs for low budget jobs.

I think your system should do you good.

 

It sounds like you are doing a good job putting your product selection together.

Edited October 25, 2007 by Guest

[Lolo Wolf 0]

Ive found that whenever you are setting up in a bar/club it pays to install a secondary covert cam isolated from your main system that only you know, it can be a self contained unit with its own built in flash/memory for record You can check the unit on a late nightly/day basis when closed. This is added insurance if anyone tampers with your system as well you can also install a cheap gutless puter or VCR and wire it up so it appears functioning with lights etc. and then install your system in a secure cage or lock room. In so far as cams I would go for higher than 380TVL....agree with Scorpion most cash business problems start from within.