VIP

What is simpler than a video modulator? A video splitter will require an additional cable run to EACH television. A modulator will feed any TV already connected to the CATV system.

A video splitter will require a separate connection to each TV. May be good in a (small) single residence, but can be a hassle with multiple apartments/TV's. Use a video modulator. Camera plugs in to modulator, modulator plugs in-line with the buildings CATV circuit. Program/Assign an unused channel (e.g. 73). Intercom rings, client switches TV to Ch. 73. A decent modulator should be around $100. The Aiphone door-entry stuff will work, also...but it ain't cheap.

Two deep-cycle batteries with a solar charger attached? They ain't running out anytime soon. They are isolated from the starting battery and are sometimes used to jump-start the vehicle if it has been sitting too long.

My "Trojan Horse" vehicles are used for surveillance. Plain-looking vehicles, loaded with cameras/DVR's as needed for the assignment. Park them at the target location, click the "record" button and walk away. Vehicle can watch a location pretty much indefinitely. Agent recovers the vehicle and reviews the video to determine activity, patterns, traffic, etc.

Well, Soundy...I like how you think (I'm always looking for ways to recycle stuff in interesting ways), but I'm not about to install an old desk-lamp in a modern-day operating room. Budget is unlimited (Dr. had me install 3 x 42" HD Panasonics just for endoscopy). I need a flexible mount, kind of like used on the microphones at some fast-food places or speaker daises.

A boat supply warehouse will have everything you need, from the deep-cycle marine batteries (Optima is good) to the battery isolator/charger. I build my "Trojan Horse" vehicles for law enforcement with two deep-cycle batteries on an isolator. The two batteries will run an EverFocus DVR and four cameras almost a month without re-charge (plus there is still enough "juice" to jump-start your regular battery if that dies).

I saw the Gorillapod, but that is more for video/still cameras used in taking pics/movies...it's a tri-pod for tabletop and other uses. I'm looking for a single flexible permanent-mount arm that would extend from the ceiling grid and enable the surgeon to position the camera anywhere he wanted.

I looked at the Ubiquiti website...not exactly sure what I'm looking at. I assume these are transmitters/receivers for IP. What component would you recommend for a simple building to building camera connection (less than 100')?