Newbie with questions and some ideas

Hi everyone,

like many others, I am sure, getting confused and overwhelmed with so many choices and options, while insecure of choosing the right system and brand, as they all claim to be the best

I would like to install a two camera system in my house , but sure I will be ok if would allow to add 2 or 4 more cameras later. My main target is outdoors, a wide view for driveway, sidewalk and street (35 feet +6 feet + 30 feet and set at +/- 30 feet high) , and then the entrance area (split-level house). The entrance camera set to motion activated, and the wide view in a 24 hour recording mode. I have an older computer, running windows 10, with 1TB HD, 10GB memory and a lcd monitor that I would like to allocate as a DVR and it's connected to my Wi-Fi network.

Also, I would like to add a small tablet with wi-fi, so I could use it as handheld viewer from any location inside the house or backyard.

Is such a system possible to setup? I have seem system with their own dvr and a plug-in monitor, or just with a lcd monitor that records directly to a sd card. Kind of need a combo of both, but without the sd recording, as I prefer to rely on the pc for that - and yes, I would set it with a n UPC. Wireless would be the easiest, but as I will have to run electric for the cameras, running a coax along wouldn't be much a problem.

Could you please tell me if this setup is possible and give me some ideas of what kind of equipment I should be looking for?

as far as cameras, no need to be a PTZ (they get very expensive), but night vision up to 100 feet on the wide view and at least 50 on the entrance one are a big point to take in consideration.

Please ask me more details, and provide feedback as you see fit.

Thanks for your time .

Phil

Hi,

The following will be my suggestion to you.

You should be looking for:

1. Stand-alone DVR/NVR (Digital Video Recorder/ Network Video Recorders)

They normally come with Output monitor ports and gives you a RJ-45 Network port. where you can connect to a router and you can view the cameras anywhere in the house or remotely (Port forwarding required)

you can install hard disk in this recorder.

http://overseas.hikvision.com/en/Products_accessries_364_i5457.html (Analogue HD Series)

http://overseas.hikvision.com/en/Products_accessries_433_i5420.html (NVR)

2. Cameras

You will have a choice of choosing Network Cameras (IPC) or Analogue Cameras.

- If you are going Analogue Cameras I would suggest you get a Analogue HD cameras where the resolution will be higher as compared to normal Analogue cameras.

- You should select Vari-focal lens and for out door usage.

- If you prefer to no run the power cables, IPC will allow you to power the camera using the same cable. Power over internet (PoE)

http://overseas.hikvision.com/en/Products_accessries_160_i4320.html (Vari-focal Lens IP Camera)

http://overseas.hikvision.com/en/Products_accessries_177_i5295.html (Varifocal Lens Analogue HD Camera)

Configuration on the system:

- normally it will be plug and play on local monitor.

- If you want it to be seen on your tablet. You will have to download the free software (ivms4500) on Andriod / IOS. (Only if you are using Hikvision)

- Identify your IP address of your DVR/NVR. Then set it locally.

- Training Videos can be found on youtube.

https://youtu.be/siyCS_V7qUc

Hope that helps.... =)

Thanks Ryan - it really helps a lot.

btw, what about wireless cameras - does hikvision carry those?

Yes, I read about the cable being better, but the cable setup is such a pain....

Thanks Ryan - it really helps a lot.

btw, what about wireless cameras - does hikvision carry those?

Yes, I read about the cable being better, but the cable setup is such a pain....

Yes Hikvision do carry wireless range.

if you run through hikvision website under network cameras

http://overseas.hikvision.com/en/products_157.html

Camera range with (-W) behind supports Wireless.

Recorder wise you will have to use NVR with Wireless too.

http://overseas.hikvision.com/en/Products_accessries_433_i5743.html

Thanks for your post, @ryan.hikvision!

I've actually been quite distressed myself regarding getting cameras for my home. I've heard both schools of thoughts regarding wireless and wired camera systems. I had preferred to get a wireless system with IP as I thought it was less difficult and didn't have to go through all the wires, but now I'm not so sure.

I've gone to a lot of places in Toronto, trying to figure out what might be the best for me. I contacted Fire Monitoring Canada and they suggested that I take a look at this blog article : http://www.fire-monitoring.com/benefits-wired-vs-wireless-security-cameras/ .

I'd like your suggestion towards this as well. Is it alright to prefer a wireless system or should I go for the wired camera system?

Thanks for your post, @ryan.hikvision!

I've actually been quite distressed myself regarding getting cameras for my home. I've heard both schools of thoughts regarding wireless and wired camera systems. I had preferred to get a wireless system with IP as I thought it was less difficult and didn't have to go through all the wires, but now I'm not so sure.

I've gone to a lot of places in Toronto, trying to figure out what might be the best for me. I contacted Fire Monitoring Canada and they suggested that I take a look at this blog article : http://www.fire-monitoring.com/benefits-wired-vs-wireless-security-cameras/ .

 

I'd like your suggestion towards this as well. Is it alright to prefer a wireless system or should I go for the wired camera system?

Be wise and note that if wireless system should be that good, why bother and spending money on wiring????