Hikvision cameras , can i use Virtual machine

Hi,

This is my first post here

I want to setup cameras in my home.

I want to know that do i really need to buy NVR or i can use Virtual machine and install some software in it.

I have ubuntu Server at my home 8GB RAM quad core and macmini with 16GB RAM and Vmware ESxi with virtual machines

I need two things

1. All cameras record data to hard drive attached to ubuntu server with (NFS or samba etc) . i want to upload all footage

2. I should be able to see the footage on separate screen / monitor sitting beside my TV or maybe on TV

Is it possible

You can use IP cameras and set NAS as storage media. NAS can be set on your server.

Install video management software on your PC and , voila, you have a video surveillance system. Connect your TV to PC as secondary monitor.