Securame

Nope, that is not correct. I have tested this with dynamic IP and it has worked just fine (I usually access the DVR with dyndns). And also, I tested it with a 3108 unit, which is the cheapest model available (entry level).

I would say this is an 8ch 200fps CIF+8ch audio+TV out PCI card, some cheap capture card made in China. Can't tell you the exact manufacturer. Under those 8 heat disipators you will have 8 chips Techwell TW6028. If you don't even have the cables, I would just trash it. Finding the right drivers and software will already be a nightmare. Also this card will probably just work under Windows XP. The hassle and wasted time will be more than the card itself.

If with "two cameras" you mean having two hosts on a free account, you can't with the newer accounts. With old dyndns free accounts you could have up to two hosts for free. If you still have one of the old accounts working, you can still create two hosts now, even when they changed their "rules". If you make a new dyndns account now, you won't have the two free hosts. You need to make a trial account, and if you cancel the trial you will be able to keep one free host, but now two any more.

I did test the push notifications with gDMSS Plus and a 3108 unit, it works great! http://www.securamente.com/dmss-de-dahua-con-notificaciones-push-y-playback-remoto/

It would help a lot if you say where you live, since I doubt that any of my recommandations would help you at all.

Did you try IVMS4200 for Mac? I do not know if it will support 72xxHI-S DVRs, but since it is a free download, it would be worth a try. www.hikvision.com -> Support -> Download -> Client software

Check out the encoding config on each channel, you might have to change the stream type from video to video+audio. Also, make sure there isn't a setting specifically for recording audio on each channel. I am used to Hikvision DVRs, where I have to change the three stream types (main, sub, event) from video to video+audio, and I also have to check a setting for audio recording (otherwise I will have live audio when viewing the cameras, but it will not be recorded). Also, I would try to live view the cameras/recordings from a computer, not from the DVR (just to make sure you have a working audio speakers/headphones on the computer).

I pretty much doubt they will give any support for an unreleased OS. If you want to play with it on W8, you will probably be on your own.

Subscribing; I also wanted to test this, I actually setup one Dahua unit in our office which is currently running, installed software on both phone and tablet, checked out the configuration... And didn't see anywhere anything about push notifications. I need to work on it when I do have some time, since I think the push notifications will be great.

An "application"...? How about Internet Explorer?

I need to try this out, thanks

Yes, that should work since the filter is blocking IR light from geting to the sensor; but then, if you remove the filter, the colors the camera will see during the day will be a little bit unreal, since it will also be catching IR from sunlight.

That's gonna be a tough one. I say get one unit of each one, and test them yourself. Check their OSD menus, check their WIndows/Mac software, check their Android/IOS software, etc. We do sell both Hikvision and Dahua, and I prefer Hikvision myself. On some things, Hikvision is ahead, on other things, Dahua is ahead, overall I like Hikvision more, but I am sure other will prefer Dahua. Overall, I think it is a close race.

I also think that is not a problem. Your CCTV cameras are probably 4:3 asect ratio, and your TV must be 16x) (widescreen). Instead of stretching the image to fill up the screen, now you are seeing the black bars on each side, and the image is being shown at 4:3.

Fire the IT guy, that is my advice if he is not even able to do some port opening on a router.

With Dahua and Hikvision you would have no problem with their Mac software, I do recommend them both. Can't help with rebranded brands in the US, but I am sure many people around will be able to do so.

Found this one on Facebook, such a nice, clean and professional job...

You've got to be kiding me, with a 1000-2500$ budget for a 16 camera system you expect something "which will still provide you with good quality"? So you are opening a new restaurant that sits 150 people, but you would like to spend just $1000 on a 16 camera CTTV system?? I do also think that 15.000$ might be way too much to spend, and that you can get a good system for less than that (of course you could also be spending 15.000$ and geting an awesome system). But for a 1000-2500$ system, maybe it would be way better for you to start just with a good 4ch system, and fill up the rest of the place with fake dome cameras.

I am not saying there aren't any, but I have never seen a standalone DVR with wifi builtin. I would not want it anyway, I prefer to convert the wired RJ45 network to wireless with an Access Point. I usually use D-Link DWL-2100AP or DAP-1353, but any AP should do; probably not the best, but once you have installed a couple of units, the next one you do it in 2 minutes.

Android client is IVMS-4500, you con get it from Google Play (old Android Market). But I am not sure if this older model supports remote viewing from smartphone, maybe it will not work.

Woot...!!! So 2 or 3 days ago on a thread about IP cameras I post a link to Apexis web site, and now we get a user named "apexis" throwing garbage threads on the forum?? I am pretty sure that the IP for this user resolves to China...

DVR is the way to go. Forget about building a system yourself with an old PC you might have laying around, what you might save on the short term in $, you will end up paying in headaches and electriicity bill. No problem on connecting the DVR upstairs to an Access Point, which connects to your router downstairs. Just one more thing to configure, but once it is done it will work ok.

I do use the first one quite a bit, I know it by the name KD208. http://www.securame.com/grabador-mdvr-kd208-1ch-704x576-30fps-sd-deteccion-de-movimiento-p-927.html But it is with SD recording, no hard drive. I do not think I know of any 1ch DVR with HD support. That one is ok, it has motion detection with areas/sensitivity, supports 32Gb SD, 704x576 with different frame rates. But we do not really use it for CCTV, but mainly for vandalism, concealed recording, etc. If someone is looking for a 24h/day recording solution in the long term, I would not recommend this one. This one is ok maybe for 1 camera recording on a car (taxi, delivery truck, etc); for puting a hidden camera in a car when it is being vandalized; for installing a hidden camera somewhere when you are trying to find out who is stealing from you or doing whatever, etc. For something closer to CCTV, it would be better an IP camera with SD recording, or with recording to a NAS.

Actually, the list for supported cameras for 96xx series is longer, but it is not updated on the manual: http://www.hikvision.com/en/us/support_more.asp?id=142 Panasonic bl-c101 is not listed in there anyway.

Well, I do know that camera from that video (I recognised the interface), but being sold with the brand Apexis instead of Loftek. It must be some chinese OEM camera that anyone can put their brand on. Loftek sentinel-D1 is also being sold as Apexis APM-J901-Z-WS, no idea if they are the original manufacturers but they could be, they are from Shenzhen. http://www.apexis.cc/Products/63.aspx