Security System

[Donny M. Carter]

I want to get a camera system for my yard. Is it a good idea to run a system tied into my show computer or should I get a stand alone DVR? Please give suggestions.

[TitusCarnathan]

I would use a DVR

[funnyent]

I would go with a dvr. I have found some camera/dvr kits for about $300 at Costco and Sams Club.

Tim

[rgardner518]

I would recommend a Foscam,

Personally I love mine. They make them both wireless, and wired. I use the wireless ones and they all connect via a router. Than ANY computer "you" setup, can access them. I have 9 around the home and property. I have a 9 view split screen up on my laptop. And it records them all right on your computer, if you want. Plus the pan tilt features is by far the best! I can select on any one camera and move it to were I need.

[Donny M. Carter]

Has anyone used NightOwl brand?

[-klb-]

I'm playing with zoneminder on a dedicated pc. It has it's own issues, but I have not found any of the silly limitations that exist in some of the DVD solutions. I'm getting close to buying some quad chip cards that are designed to work well with Zoneminder. One of the issues is that using a single chip, 4 input card with more than one input gives both low, and inconsistent frame rates.

[BadSCR]

I would use a standalone DVR. The PC ones require alot from a PC.

Ideally place the cameras about 6~7 feet off the ground (head hight). Think like a bad guy where are you going to walk.

Go out at night and test the cameras, You need a very good image to use for the cops and to get a positive ID, I know from experience.

You need to add lighting where needed. The lights need to be just right, not too much and not too little. you want to diffuse the light not a spot.

The IR rateing is a lie, Devid it by two or three; if it says 30feet it is more like 12 feet.

The cheap cameras you need to open-up and adjust the lens to focus, for where you are placing it. Just try it on one you will see what i mean.

[Ponddude]

I use the WiLife system from Logitech and it works great! The new version just came out and stores what it records in the actual camera so there is no need for a DVR or taking up hard drive space.

http://www.logitech.com/en-us/video-security-systems?WT.ac=overview

You can set up all kinds of things like alerts by text or email. I have 2 cameras running during the whole show and it is than is only set off if the camera detects something. I leave the cameras up all year too. The quality of the cameras are surprising really good. You can see what the video looks like if you watch Frostys head falling off on my display last year.

http://christmasonmanor.com/Bloopers/bloopers.htm

[Max-Paul]

Ponddude wrote:

I use the WiLife system from Logitech and it works great! The new version just came out and stores what it records in the actual camera so there is no need for a DVR or taking up hard drive space.

http://www.logitech.com/en-us/video-security-systems?WT.ac=overview

You can set up all kinds of things like alerts by text or email. I have 2 cameras running during the whole show and it is than is only set off if the camera detects something. I leave the cameras up all year too. The quality of the cameras are surprising really good. You can see what the video looks like if you watch Frostys head falling off on my display last year.

http://christmasonmanor.com/Bloopers/bloopers.htm

I would not think that is a good idea that the camera store the image. What if that is one of the things that they steal? With a DVR in the house hidden in a closet. There is a higher chance that the image will not be stolen. Some people can take this to a higher level and will actually send a copy over the network to a remote storage site. Sorry Greg, but I just dont think using the camera is a good idea.

Oh BTW I saw that with Frosty's head coming off. It was a boomerang that took his head off. Was thrown by the guy in the car. Ok just jking..

[Ponddude]

If you put a camera somewhere that a person can steal it, you deserve it to be stolen. Mine are easily 12 ft off the ground and I can't get to them without a ladder.

[Max-Paul]

Ponddude wrote:

If you put a camera somewhere that a person can steal it, you deserve it to be stolen. Mine are easily 12 ft off the ground and I can't get to them without a ladder.

Hmm, I see that you think that badscr's cameras deserve to be stolen. I am just saying. I personally can see both the good and the bad to either 6-7' and your 12' off of the ground. To high and how much of the perps face do you get? But like you point out, at about 6 or 7' off of the ground, there is the chance that your camera will be stolen or badly damaged. Ok, Greg, so I cant reach your camera, but I wonder what an alley apple will do to it? Possibly damage it bad enough that no data can be retrieved?

Just trying to look at all angles (no pun meant). I mean that is what one wants to do is check out all possibilities before settling in with a system. In the security business being blind sided is not a good thing.

[BadSCR]

Yes they could be stolen, but that woud mean they had to get a close-up and that would give me a very good positive ID.

There are other things like sun light that is'nt good for the camera, going higher helps with that.

I have seen in some new banks, and banks that have updated ther cameras, that they too are about 6~7 feet. I have even seen a few installed into the counter top pointing up.

Buttom line is that, it is about getting a positive ID; that says without-a-doubt that what the camera shows is the defendant.

It is a long story, but he was a repeat enuff that I finally got it right and was able to nail him to the wall.

[Donny M. Carter]

Thanks for all the great info guys. I bought a four camera system with 500gb dvr. still fine tuning, but they work great. I have them setup to view from every tv in my house.