luxury1

Hey Guys, You guys are definitely experts and I admit that I am a true novice. I had a lower end but commercial grade camera system installed in my home. I use Pelco Camclosure cameras and a Pelco DX1100 series DVR. The DVR has been acceptable for the past 2 years I have had it but now I have an issue. The problem is that the DVR displays live video but won't let me rewind / review. Every time I go through the date/time to display or try to rewind it just reverts back to the current date / time. Has anyone else had this issue? Also, what should I do about this? The company that installed it (Guardian) really is clueless when it comes to repairs and will just keep charging me. Should I go to Pelco or should I just consider a new DVR as this one is most likely shot. Thanks for the help as always!!! Dan

Rory, where are you??? You always help me Anyway, I talked to Pelco today and we tried to reset the device to factory settings but it didn't work so they said that it needs to go in to replace a board. How much do you think that this would cost? Also, how much is a new 4 channel DVR. I think I read that the Sanyo was really good???

I had someone looking at my camera confirguration and they said that the manual iris is not a good idea for outdoor use. They said as the sun goes down the image will turn black as it gets sunnier or as the sun reflects off of the snow it will white out the screen, these are typically used as an indoor camera with stabile light levels. Do any of you expect that this will be a significant problem? I just want to have casual survelliance on my house. As long as it is good most of the time I will be fine... (By the way, the camera was a Camclosure® Surf Mt Smk Std Res B-W EIA 2.9mm)

Thanks! Installation:: "Do you have a general idea of how the cable can be run? I think it could Do you have attic space, is the house a split level, single storey, or other?" Answer: It is a two story house and all cameras will be outside the exits. Cameras: "I noticed color cameras were quoted. Do you have enough light for color cameras?" Answer: I think because there are going to be motion detectors at night.

I received the below quote from a Pittsburgh based vendor for the equipment and installation of a camera system. They quoted me $7,269.00. I know that people aren't supposed to talk about prices but I want to know if this is a fair deal? Also, if someone would PM me and tell me what the equipment alone might cost??? One (1) DX1104-080 Pelco digital video recorder with the following features: • 4 inputs for fixed cameras • software for playing back video and audio on a PC • 80gb hard drive for video storage • quad camera display for live viewing while recording 2. One (1) PMCL15A 15â€

The work will be done when the house is being built (after framing). The distances are relatively short as it is only a 3,000 square foot house total and the equipment is somewhat central.

My big requirements are pretty straightforward. Basic DVR recording (80GB is fine), 4 outdoor dome with auto iris, ability to connect into 2 TV's and a 15" flat panel is really all I'm after.

I was after a decent dome camera with an auto iris. I was hoping that it would be under $5K but... I am really at a loss here in Pittsburgh. It seems that there is nothing cheaper from anyone that is willing to get back to me with a quote. Crazy! Can someone give me a better DVR recommendation that is cheaper but better than the Pelco?

It is for a home and they didn't itemize unfortunately. They just gave me an installed price.

I have been working with a security company that is offering me four B&W bullet camaras, 2 wall mounted 3.5" LCD camera displays, fully installed for $1,895. What are your thoughts? Also, anyone familiar with their camera? http://www.home-technology-store.com/detail.aspx?ID=1606#PopAddon

No DVR, just survelliance which is a big downfall. I thought about it more and it just doesn't make sense even though it would be so easy to have them do it.

Do you guys every watch "It takes a thief" on the Discovery channel where they show how a thief would break into a house and then make security changes. It seems like they always add Optex security cameras. Why do you think they favor these? Are they good?

It is a great show. As I am building our house I am planning for the security. My wife thinks there is a better way to spend $5k but her opinion has started to turn after watching the show. Below is the link with the times that it is on: http://dsc.discovery.com/tvlistings/series.jsp?series=24940&gid=13950&channel=DSC By the way, I am not sure the two main guys were ever real theives but maybe... (It says they were ex-burglars)

H4-F2299 Cat5 Color Bullet Camera

I was thinking about adding a few outdoor annunciators to compliment my camera system. The idea is that I would hear a beep inside whenever there is someone in range of the annunciator/camera (much like you hear when you walk into a retail store). I know Optex has one. Does anyone know anything about which of these devices are the best?

Anyone know about the low priced House Link system? It is only $30. http://homesecuritystore.com/ezStore123/DTProductZoom.asp?productID=1016

Try the residential applications link on this site. http://www.voicealert.com/security/residential.html

Never even heard of the Cross Point product. Have you used both of these? If so, do you have a preference? Is one better than the other?

I am planning on putting them in locations that are rarely traveled like outside the basement (etc) to give me a jump on a potential situation (hear the annunciator beep, check the monitor for the reason, put on my cape and fight evil).

Can I buy directly from Pelco or do I have to go through a dealer?

Is there anything out there that rates cameras with overall ratings like consumer reports rates cars? Even a 1-10 list for lets say the best outdoor cameras and accessories?

Quote: "dont go with a bullet or a dome because it wont last through the winters we have and u get colder than here in chicago" Why is this? Will the cameras break or will they not work when it is really cold? I see a lot of domes around Pittsburgh which is admitely not as cold as Wisconsin or Chi Town but we still see some fierce winters with some singe digit temperatures. Also, do you guys feel that a heater/blower is mandatory for colder installations? Would a standard Pelco dome without a heater/blower be silly? Finally, I saw on the Pelco web-site that the camclosure series has "Low-Temperature Operation to -50°F (-46°C); De-ices to 25°F (-4°C)." Is this untrue?

I am brand new to this site but I agree that Rory has the credibility and experience to do this. It would probably be easist to just keep it on the internet (possibly as a part of this site). With more hits for people accessing these reviews, the site could see more advertising dollars. Advertisers will most likely come no matter what because they want their name to be near the potential buyers. Some more than others. You might start by reviewing a good one and soliciting the dollars from that advertsier right off the bat and then let it continue. You could also use code to indicate what you think like the financial market does with the terms Strong Buy, Buy and Hold (Hold is another word for sell or that the stock is not going anywhere). This way advertisers wouldn't be offended. Car and Driver Television does this VERY well. Watch an episode on TV and you will see that they focus a lot on the positives, brush over a few negatives and finish with positives most of the time except for the really bad cars.

I am planning on installing a home outdoor camera system. I am seriously considering the Pelco camclosure series. Does anyone have any objections to these cameras? My requirements are: · 4 fixed dome black & white outdoor cameras with brick wall mounts (preferably gooseneck type design or the like) · DVR – 80 GB (cameras will be no more than 400 ft from the DVR) · One flat panel monitor (15â€

Also, I recently requested quotes from three local dealers but havn't heard back yet from any of them (2-3 days). How long does it usually take?