Wizz

Running two 3MP cams recording full time my ACTi NVR software averages ~23% CPU usage, Real Player on my computer is using an average of another 25%. Is it normal for Real Player to use this much? Thanks

First D72 mounted outside at ~8' high (on a gate column) aimed at street had a horrible quality live view, extremely grainy/pixelated picture (making the motion detection go crazy). Connections tested out fine, focusing did not make a difference, settings had little effect. Took it down mounted another new-in-box D72 that we bought at the same time and the live view was much better, BUT now this D72 gives me a 'connection failed' message every time I switch screens within the ACTi software, and the live view screen will occasionally go completely black giving me the 'connection failed' message even though the recording happens uninterrupted (doesn't effect recording), then the live view will come back up after ~15 seconds. The techs were stumped as well even after they took control of my PC to check the settings. RMA issued for both cams. Connection is as simple as it gets: PC > Zyzel POE > camera. Cabling is relatively new (~3 months) and I never had any type of 'connection failed' or network drop with the first D72 running it 24/7 for 3 months straight, only change was the cams (mounted in the same exact location). I even set the connection timeout from the 5 second default to 50 seconds, no help. Is there a better option in the ACTi lineup for an outdoor dome in a sunny location?

Thanks for the reply and info. It is an ACTi D72. I tried different non-poe ports on the switch and none of them illuminate. I will re-do the ends on the cable then re-test with my tester and update.

I'm using a Zyxel unmanaged POE switch. I have cat5 from camera going into a poe port, a cat5 going from non-poe port to CPU, and finally cat5 going from non-poe port on switch to my Asus NT66U gigabit router. CPU receives wireless internet signal from router fyi. I did notice that the indicator light on the switch for the port going to the router is not illuminated (already checked/replaced cat5 cable, etc)...so I'm guessing the router is not communicating to the switch. Live view is up and running, I just need to get the router on board so I can do remote viewing. I am using ACTi cameras with ACTi Standard NVR software, I currently have static IP address assigned to the camera(s) until I can get the router in the mix. Any suggestions on what I should start looking at? Do I need to verify any settings on the router? Many thanks

Have you tried from the non POE to the routers port? That is how I have it routed now...non-poe port on switch to one of the ports on the router. The indicator light on the switch is not illuminating for the non-poe port that goes to the router, so I'm guessing something is amiss.

Never mind. Unchecking the box for 'Set frame rate for event recording mode' seems to have fixed the issue...I can now see the recorded motion clips. It also brought back the option for me to set the pre-buffer time.

D72 camera using ACTi 3.0 standard software. I have the motion detection setup and the recorded clips simply show a black screen when I go to play them back (using IE8). The camera setup shows channel 1 if that matters. In the 'Schedule' tab I have the Event Handling and Event Recording options (only those two are selected) selected to record 24/7 (only for motion events). I also noticed that it no longer gives me the option to change the 'pre-buffer' time via the drop down menu, it is grayed/locked out on 5 sec...previously it allowed me to change it via the drop-down. Live view shows a good picture. Any suggestions on why my captured PIR recordings are simply showing a black screen? Much appreciated.

Need a reliable/fast online retailer that sells connectors that will fit gel filled burial grade cat5e. Any suggestions? Much appreciated

Thanks guys, very helpful. I already have a Bosch rotary hammer that can chisel out the channel once cut...just need to rent the concrete saw from the local equipment rental shack, and I already have an angle grinder and diamond blade on standby.

Building's perimeter is completely surrounded by 7ft wide concrete walkway that butts up to the exterior wall where the cables need to enter. Tunneling under the concrete walkway is not an option. I've been told I would need to saw cut the concrete a few inches deep about 4" away from a cold joint board, then lay the conduit in the channel and patch it. Anyone have any experience with something like this? I just want to make sure I get all the ideas I can before I saw cut the channel. Much appreciated

I have a ~150ft run to get to the house, I searched the forums with little info. Can I use outdoor rated cable inside of non-metallic conduit that will be sealed and vented to interior...or should I use burial grade cable (more expensive)? Thanks

In the below pic I will be mounting a dome to the column on the right side of the pic overlooking the gate entrance/col-de-sac (has to be the column on the right since it has existing conduit running through the middle of the stone column exiting at the center top). I planned on mounting it just above the end gate post (w/the hinges) on the widest 'flat' at the top of the column. -I could mount the dome directly to the flat above the gate post (dome oriented sideways). But my concern with this option is that the stone is textured (think french lace) and I'm worried the rubber pad/seal on the back of the dome camera might let water intrude since the surface would be textured. -Or I can mount an arm to that flat which would suspend the dome in a traditional manner as well as give me a bit more angle aiming options, this option is visually more intrusive. Suggestions? Thanks

I am limited as to where I can install my PC tower (in a lock-box) and a switch where it won't be easily discovered. I have one of those dedicated air-handler closets that contains a vertical HVAC air-handler. It has good ventilation and temps are stable year round in that closet. My concern is if the air-handler will generate interference? Here is a picture (there is more room in there than the pic shows, and that is RG6 cable that is strung through there from previous owner), many thanks:

Thank you for the reply, I was initially a bit concerned about the motor from the fan generating interference. I will be sure to keep the PC tower and switch/cables away from the power line.

I searched but couldn't find the answer. Just curious if there is any advantage of a switch having a Gigabit uplink considering the other 8 ports on the switch are 10/100 when used with about 7 3MP cameras (home router is Gigabit as well)? Much appreciated

Not sure yet as I haven't gotten that far. I just want to know if I'd even be close to borderline in needing a Gigabit uplink on the switch. NVR will be a Gen 3 i7 PC fyi.

Thanks. I talked to them and they confirmed the same...they said it is 2 years for the D series. I simply got a box with the old warranty info card in it.

On their website it says the D series domes have a 2 year and lists a 'last published' date of 8/30/2013. But the warranty card I received with my D72s has the same looking chart as on their website but has the D series in the 1 year column.

I have decided to this right and have narrowed it down to the Zyxel ES-2108PWR ($240, managed w/Gig uplink, 15.4W per port), Cisco SF302-08P (~$240), and the SF302-08MP (~$320). Warranty is a big factor for me is why I am debating the Ciscos (Zyxel has 2 year)...and I like the idea of managed and having a Gigabit uplink which all these switches have. Noise is no longer a big concern as I have found a new mounting location. I am leaning towards one of the Ciscos due to their lifetime warranty and the fact that it appears the ES-2108PWR is discontinued. Decisions *Update: I ordered the SF302-08MP. I was planning on the Zyxtel ES-2108PWR but it is discontinued and does not offer lifetime warranty, the Cisco has lifetime warranty and has a lot of support/firmware updates. Thanks for the assistance everyone.

I need 8 POE ports and was looking at the Zyxel ES1100-16p, but from my research it looks like they changed it recently and now the fans on it are louder (many say to loud). I will have the switch in a bedroom closet that has a thin louver door so overly loud fans are a no-go. I saw the Netgear GS110TP gets good reviews but specs say it has a 46W power budget. Cameras will be ACTi domes that pull ~4.5-5W each according to the specs...so maybe the Netgear switch is fine? Any suggestions? Much appreciated.

Thanks, but that Cisco switch is double the cost. I'm trying to keep it at <$200. I am a bit concerned about the 46W power budget...

I am deciding on a switch for a 4-5 camera PC based residential system using ACTi cameras. Are there any significant benefits going with a managed switch? Any POE switch recommendations? Thanks kindly

So I bought the following D1 analog system since I was able to get it new for $149 (still haven't opened it and I can refund it), it retails for $549 retail from BH Photo: http://www.swann.com/s/products/view/?product=1530 But after doing more research I'm looking to possibly take advantage of IP pic quality/features, I also read that analog DVR playback will be lower pic quality than live feed. I would need ~5 cameras total (couple inside and a few outside). I know about BlueIris software but I'm confused if I should use one of the PCs I have, or use an NVR to record. PC Specs HP Desktop: Intel Core 2 Quad 2.50GHz, Memory= 8 GB, OS= Vista Home Premium 64bit, Graphics Card= GeForce 9800GT, HDMI output Toshiba Laptop: Intel® Core™ i3-3120M Processor, 4GB DDR3 1600MHz memory, 640GB HDD (5400rpm, Serial ATA), Mobile Intel® HD Graphics, HDMI output So what are my options for recording and cameras? Or should I just keep what I have since I got it for such a low price? Please help a noob out, thanks kindly.

Not offended at all. I only got the 'cheap' D1 system I linked to already because I was able to buy the entire kit for $149 thanks to a friend (retails for ~$549). I am now considering getting a low cost ISP system instead if it will yield better picture than the Swann D1. *And please pardon my ignorance, I've researched but the world of security cameras seems vast these days so I'm sort of muddling through it.

I have 4 spare channels on a newer Swann (yes, I know) 1TB 8 channel receiver seen here: http://www.swann.com/s/products/view/?product=1530 and I am looking to run a dome on the 5th channel. Location will be under a large awning that covers the front door patio area. The patio faces SSW if it matters. The camera will face away from the front door aiming mostly at a walk-way that leads to the front door. Budget is ~$350, if I can get good quality for cheaper then great...maybe I can buy two, if I have to pay a bit more to get guaranteed quality then that is fine too. I have no problems buying a separate IR floodlight and that's what I planned to do, the awning has lots of lighting as is. Weather resistance is a must (Florida). Many thanks