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I agree with Soundy.

Learning basic TCP/IP will provide a very strong foundation, especially if you already know about analog transmission systems.

I always recommend that when setting up network cameras, that installers use a separate network backbone from existing network infrastructure. This way, if they decide to scale up (more cameras, higher resolution, etc.) then they are ready. But this is not necessary for small installations.

I would recommend learning about IP addressing, network transmission methods, PoE, and network traffic. As always, Wikipedia is a decent resource if you know what you are looking for.

And if you run into any road blocks, the forum is always very helpful.

Yeah, I'll send you a PM.

For capturing images off our embedded DVRs for training we actually use the main BNC out and run it into a one channel video encoder/streamer.

The logic behind this move is that it shows us the full main monitor out, at a fair resolution, and as long as we use a short, high quality cable, the image at the encoder will look pretty good (and it does!). And since we are not creating "full screen" video, but rather something that is viewed on youtube, then 704 x 480 is fine.

Let me know if this works for you!

Snowed for about ten minutes yesterday here in eastern Washington. It's cold, but there's no snow on the ground.

It reminds me of a couple of years ago, the winter of 07-08 and 08-09 were some of the worst on record around here, I hope you guys make it through the snow out there!

Of those companies, Dahua is the only one that appears to provide firmware updates for their DVRs, but I couldn't guess how often they actually release new firmware.

One thing that you should consider in addition to continuing development on a platform is support. Only one of these companies provides contact information for technical support, and it's pretty clear that those emails are going to the home office in Korea.

If you are installing this DVR, are you comfortable enough with CCTV equipment to troubleshoot any issues without much help from the manufacturer?

Judging from the criteria that you listed, all of these companies meet 2 out of 3. How important is continuing development and support to you?

Whatever you do, don't turn your phone. The change is aspect ratio doesn't work. (Or at least didn't when I tested it).

Were you able to find this manual?

If not I have one around here, PM me and I will send it over to you.

If your customer is expecting the recorded video to look like live then you are definitely going to be using an extensive amount of storage space. I agree that simply adding storage is the best option as storage is getting cheaper and cheaper these days.

You might also be able to get away with turning down the frame rate to about 15 fps. At 15 video still looks pretty smooth, and you'll save on some space that way.

Rory, that looks like it should run my cameras in MJPEG mode. I'll give it a shot. Let me know if you come up with anything that's ONVIF and cheap (I know, probably not a realistic combo).

Thanks!

There are some companies that even separate "Consumer" as standalone/embedded DVRs and "Professional" as PCDVRs. Or sometimes simply as their commercially available DVRs vs enterprise solutions.

I've tried Milestone's free software, and it's not that awesome. It's short on features, and it's only a four channel license. Not enough if you plan on expanding.

If you find any other free software let me know, I've been looking for a new software solution.

I agree with Rory, it's probably safe to budget at least $50 per camera (though you can probably find "pre-owned" cameras on e-bay). For the cameras at the doors, I'd suggest cameras that have WDR, but those will cost quite a bit more.

But keep in mind, $50 is a cheap, cheap camera!

For that power box, here's the one that I've used before: http://www.altronix.com/p_php/specs.php?model_num=ALTV248600&sessUid=300&language=1&header=1

That's quite a list of questions.

First off, stay away from those Costco kits. They are absolute crap. The cameras suck, and the DVRs don't usually record very well.

As far as your questions go:

1. Drop ceilings have different rules in different places, I know that here in Washington state, cameras mounted through tile have to be anchored somehow. Check with someone familiar with the local fire code.

2. Depends on how you run the cable. I'd say buy a spool and run the cable, THEN cut it.

3. Again, this is dependent on how you run the cable, but I'd recommend a locked power box.

I agree with The Merchant. We are currently working on an install for a campus and we have so far installed 15 2MP IP cameras along with 5 IP PTZ cameras and several encoders (for existing cameras). This installation is all tied together with an NVR (and as we progressively add cameras, a second NVR is on the roadmap) and can be monitored remotely using our VMS.

Ilk is correct that it's probably best to look at a total system for this installation and not as 8 cameras + 8 cameras + 8 cameras. If the campus is not interested in integrating the CCTV with other systems, then still consider future expansion: go with something that's scalable and can expand easily.

I sort of fell into it by applying for a technical job as a PC builder / repair tech, and the company in question actually builds PCDVRs as well.

If you're serious about it then Soundy is right, start networking at sites like LinkedIn. Do your research and figure out what kind of CCTV jobs there are in your area, Integrators, Resellers and manufacturers are hiding all over the place.

Good luck whatever you do.

Well for total security you'd want a locked security room!

Those are both good boxes, but I'd worry about stuffing a PC in there without any additional ventilation. Heat might become a concern.

I think that the Wire Guys might be right, a rack mount would be a viable solution. I've seen some nice cabinets that have an open bottom, so if there is a floor outlet then you wouldn't even need to run a new outlet, just bolt the cabinet to the floor over the outlet, and then lock the front and back?

There are quite a few PCDVRs that come with a lockable front panel. As long as you can prohibit access to the rear of the chassis, then the keyed entry front panel should work.

Are you looking for a full-on DVR, or just a case?

That sounds about right. Though from what I've heard D1 is 720x480 and 4CIF is 704x480 (in NTSC). The way that it was explained to me is that those extra scan lines are used when transmitting additional information that isn't usually displayed. Closed Captioning in TV transmissions, because while the signal is D1, the monitor displays 4CIF and decodes or dismisses the additional information.

Though I'll be honest; I have no way to verify that information and I can't find it on the googles, so I can't vouch for how accurate that is.

Okay, it official: I'm never leaving the Pacific Northwest again.

Agreed. Plus, domes are becoming easier and easier to install. I've dealt with some dome cameras that come with a little adapter that's designed for drop ceilings. This means no large pieces of hardware to mount to the wall, the camera just goes right in the drop ceiling and there are no exposed cables.

As far as box cameras go, I think that part of the equation might just have to do with public perception. People know and recognize large box cameras as CCTV, and seeing those big cameras may be a large deterrent, at least in convenience stores (I doubt that it's a valid deterrent in banks anymore).

Do you guys think that's a valid observation, or am I full of it?

It might also be a good idea to consult with a local law enforcement professional and ask what it takes for your video to be admissible in court. I know that there are some jurisdictions that have specific rules regarding video evidence.

And what kind of keyboard is it? That can be critical as well. Does the camera perform a pan and tilt self test when you power it on? Can you get the PTZ control to work from the DVR to verify the camera works?

Well everyone, it turns out I was unable to help anyway, but I hope that I pointed our eager friend in the right direction. Hopefully he'll be a little more patient in the future when asking for help.

I sent you an email in response to this issue on Saturday. If you did not receive that email, please send me an email or a PM and I will help you clear this up.

I sent you an email regarding this issue. Please send me a PM.